Remembering Dr. King & Hammerin' Hank -Baseball's real home run King

Today is a day every American should remember. Forty years ago tonight, Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. To this day, his impact on our nation cannot be overstated or under-appreciated. Tonight at 10:30 p.m., the CW11 proudly presents Justice, Equality and Hope: The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Click here to see a preview.

Today is also a day of history and social significance for Major League Baseball. On April 8, 1974, Henry Aaron tied Babe Ruth’s home run record, homering off Jack Billingham in Cincinnati. The Braves’ future Hall of Famer was righty, given a lengthy standing ovation by the fans in Cincy.

That was a far cry from Jackie Robinson’s reception through the National League. Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier in April of 1947, and Cincinnati was no different than most cities. Listen as Hank Aaron discusses Jackie Robinson’s influence on his life and on America itself.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

Back to Hammerin’ Hank: By the end of the 1973 season, Aaron had 713 homers, one shy of Ruth. That offseason was right of of Dante’s Inferno. Death threats and taunts were the norm for the Aaron family-so much so that as Opening Day arrived Aaron had Secret Service bodyguards for himself and loved ones.

Realizing that the anniversary of Dr. King’s passing corresponded with Opening Day, Aaron asked Commissioner Bowie Kuhn if baseball could honor the civil rights leader. Kuhn flatly refused. However, he had NO problem telling the Braves Hank had to play two of the first three road games. Something about the integrity of the game. Yeah, right.

Fast Forward to April 8th: Atlanta facing the L-A Dodgers: Aaron walked his first time up. Then, he blasted a two run homer off Al Downing. But even the trot around the bases was tough. Two young men ran onto the field to shake Aaron’s hand. No one was sure if Aaron would be shot or congratulated! Fortunately, the snipers stationed around the ballpark weren’t needed. Hank’s first words: “Thank God it’s over.”

Aaron finished with 755 homers. Born in Mobile Alabama when segregation was the norm, Aaron was overshadowed by the more charismatic Willie Mays and Frank Robinson, yet was equal if not better than both. For my money, he is the real home run king, not Barry Bonds. Steroids aside for a moment, Aaron conducts himself with a character and dignity that Bonds has yet to imagine. Bonds fails to see that the trailblazing of Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby, and Aaron made it possible for him to be a pro ball player. Barry’s decision to cheat his way to fame certainly would NOT be endorsed by Dr. King

A tip of the cap to Martin Luther King, and one of his greatest admirers, a civil rights leader in his own right, Hammerin’ Hank Aaron.

Click here to read more on the life of Hank Aaron