When Hammering Hank ties the Babe

Hank Aaron 51 years ago today launches homer No. 714 in Cincinnati

In his first at-bat of the 1974 season, Hank Aaron launches a three-run homer off right-hander Jack Billingham 51 years ago today at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium, giving him 714 for his career and tying Babe Ruth for the most in baseball history.

Aaron’s homer to left-center in the top of the first inning also gives the Atlanta Braves a 3-0 lead before a Thursday afternoon crowd of 52,154 at Riverfront.

The Reds, though, rally to win 7-6 in 11 innings as Pete Rose scores from second base on a two-out wild pitch by reliever Buzz Capra.

The Braves initially plan to sit out Aaron during their season-opening, three-game series in Cincinnati.

Breaking the record on April 8, 1974

Doing so, in their thinking, gives Aaron the chance to tie and break Ruth’s record when the team returns in a few days to Atlanta.

Instead, commissioner Bowie Kuhn tells the Braves they must start Aaron in at least two of the three games in Cincinnati, an edict the Braves grudgingly accept.

After tying Ruth’s record in Cincinnati, Aaron hits No. 715 four days later off Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Al Downing in a nationally televised game from Atlanta.

The Braves win that game 7-4 before a Monday night crowd of 53,775.