Baseball has witnessed more than 125,000 home runs. Many have altered the outcome of games, and some have decided pennants and become legend. But no dinger has had greater impact than Hank Aaron's 715th home run. His historic blast on April 8, 1974, lifted him above Babe Ruth on the all-time list, an achievement that shook not only baseball but our nation itself. Aaron's magnificent feat provoked bigotry and shattered prejudice, inspired a generation, emboldened a flagging civil rights movement, and called forth the demons that haunted Aaron's every step and turned what should have been a joyous pursuit into a hellish nightmare.In this powerful recollection, Tom Stanton penetrates the myth of Aaron's chase and uncovers the compelling story behind the most consequential athletic achievement of the past fifty years. Three decades after Hank Aaron reached the pinnacle of the national pastime, and now as Barry Bonds makes history of his own, Stanton unfolds a tale rich with drama, poignancy, and suspense to bring to life the elusive spirit of an American hero.
目录展开
Cover
Title Page
Dedication
Contents
A Note
1: Jackie’s Funeral
2: Invincible Babe
3: Spring in Florida
4: The Quest Begins
5: Atlanta Heartbreak
6: Cal’s Roscoe
7: The Rescue
8: Bowie and Mrs. Babe
9: Waiting for Roger
10: The Other Star
11: Sweet Home Alabama
12: A Hero Returns
13: Chicago Revival
14: Where Evil Lurks
15: Aaron’s Drama
16: Rainy Nights in Georgia
17: Atlanta’s Redemption
18: King Henry
19: The Hideaway
20: Amid A Storm
21: 715
Epilogue: The Legacy
Bibliography: Selected Books, Articles, and Other Sources