“Hank” Team Spitball

This “Team Spitball” colorway is going retro with this Cooperstown edition honoring Hammerin’ Hank Aaron. During his 23 seasons (23!) he hit 755 dingers, besting the Babe himself. It would be 33 years before another slugger would surpass his all-time home run record.

After ending the 1973 season just one homer short of Babe Ruth’s career mark of 714, Aaron feared that he might not live to see the 1974 season. During that offseason he received hate mail and death threats from many people who didn’t want to see him break the “sacred” home run record of Babe Ruth.

Aaron did make it to the ‘74 season and tied the record on his first swing. A few days later, in front of a record-breaking crowd in Atlanta, Hammerin’ Hank hit home run number 715, surpassing the Sultan of Swat.

Here’s the radio call by Braves announcer Milo Hamilton:
“Henry Aaron, in the second inning walked and scored. He’s sittin’ on 714. Here’s the pitch by Downing. Swinging. There’s a drive into left-center field. That ball is gonna be-eee … Outta here! It’s gone! It’s 715! There’s a new home run champion of all time, and it’s Henry Aaron! The fireworks are going. Henry Aaron is coming around third. His teammates are at home plate. And listen to this crowd!”