A Cincinnati Opening Day ticket from the swing that brought Hank Aaron even with Babe Ruth.
Why This Ticket Matters
On April 4, 1974, Hank Aaron hit a three-run home run off Cincinnati pitcher Jack Billingham in the first inning at Riverfront Stadium. It was the 714th home run of Aaron’s career, tying the major-league record long held by Babe Ruth.
The Reds came back to win 7–6 in 11 innings, but Aaron’s historic swing became the enduring story of the day. Four days later in Atlanta, he hit No. 715 and held the record by himself.
The game also marked Marty Brennaman’s first regular-season broadcast as a Reds announcer. One ticket therefore connects Aaron’s pursuit of baseball history with the beginning of a 46-season Cincinnati broadcasting career.
Seller’s note: Historical information in this “Why This Ticket Matters” section is presented for general context and has not been independently verified for correctness.
Ticket Details
- Date: April 4, 1974
- Teams: Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves
- Venue: Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati
- Historic play: Hank Aaron’s 714th career home run
- Pitcher: Jack Billingham
- Final score: Reds 7, Braves 6 in 11 innings
- Additional significance: Marty Brennaman’s first regular-season Reds broadcast
STUBGUY
1974 Cincinnati Reds Opening Day, Hank Aaron Ties Babe Ruth Record of 714, Marty Brennaman Debut
A Cincinnati Opening Day ticket from the swing that brought Hank Aaron even with Babe Ruth.
Why This Ticket Matters
On April 4, 1974, Hank Aaron hit a three-run home run off Cincinnati pitcher Jack Billingham in the first inning at Riverfront Stadium. It was the 714th home run of Aaron’s career, tying the major-league record long held by Babe Ruth.
The Reds came back to win 7–6 in 11 innings, but Aaron’s historic swing became the enduring story of the day. Four days later in Atlanta, he hit No. 715 and held the record by himself.
The game also marked Marty Brennaman’s first regular-season broadcast as a Reds announcer. One ticket therefore connects Aaron’s pursuit of baseball history with the beginning of a 46-season Cincinnati broadcasting career.
Seller’s note: Historical information in this “Why This Ticket Matters” section is presented for general context and has not been independently verified for correctness.
Ticket Details
- Date: April 4, 1974
- Teams: Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves
- Venue: Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati
- Historic play: Hank Aaron’s 714th career home run
- Pitcher: Jack Billingham
- Final score: Reds 7, Braves 6 in 11 innings
- Additional significance: Marty Brennaman’s first regular-season Reds broadcast