Braves honoring Aaron on anniversary of 715th HR

ATLANTA – Hank Aaron was more relieved than jubilant after he broke Babe Ruth’s home-run record on April 8, 1974.

The 40-year anniversary of his 715th homer provides a different perspective.

Aaron’s record-breaking homer will be celebrated tonight before the Atlanta Braves’ home opener against the New York Mets.

Hate mail and threats made it impossible for him to savor the chase of Ruth’s revered record, but on Monday he said he’ll enjoy the anniversary because such old friends as former teammate Dusty Baker will return for the pregame ceremony.

“I guess that’s just about what it’s all about, really,” Aaron said in a telephone interview. “That’s it. The moment itself has passed. The home run was hit and whatever else. It’s just enjoying some moments with friends.”

Aaron, 80, said he has a greater appreciation for fans who still celebrate his career.

“It does. It means an awful lot to me,” Aaron said.

“I’m not one to go around bragging about certain things. I played the game because I loved the game. … I am quite thrilled that people say that he, whatever he did, should be appreciated. That makes me feel good.”

Aaron said he is pleased with his recovery from partial left hip-replacement surgery in February. He hurt his hip when he slipped on ice and said he’s still in rehab, but can walk.

“I think I am doing just about as well as I can be,” Aaron said. “I tell everybody it’s an 80-year-old leg and it’s just going to take time before it gets well. I told my wife I promised I was not out there doing an ice dance or anything like that.”

The Braves will wear an Aaron 40th anniversary patch on their uniform sleeves this season. An outfield sign at Turner Field also will mark the anniversary.

Baker had the best seat in old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium – the on-deck circle – as Aaron launched the landmark homer off Al Downing.

“People ask me, ‘What was the highlight of your career?’ That was it,” Baker told the AP.

Aaron finished his career with 755 homers, a mark topped by Barry Bonds’ 762.