This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/6/2013.
Although Hank Aaron himself downplayed the "chase" to surpass Babe Ruth, baseball enthusiasts and the national media grew increasingly excited as he closed in on the home run record. Once he passed the immortal Sultan of Swat with homer number 715, each and every home run Aaron would hit thereafter would not only be historic, but something that no one had done previously for nearly a century of baseball. On September 18, 1974, Aaron stepped to the plate, leading off the second inning at Candlestick Park to face Giants righty, John Montefusco. Aaron swiftly deposited THIS baseball over the wall for a solo dinger, number 19 on the season for Hammerin’ Hank, and number 732 for his Hall of Fame career. Offered here is THE ball that Aaron hit for career home run number 732. It was obtained in person by our consignor from Hank Aaron in the visitor’s locker room after the game on September 18, 1974. Our consignor’s father was a close friend of the San Francisco Giants organization at the time, and personally knew Aaron himself, and Aaron signed and inscribed this historic baseball to him (Rocky). This would be the second to last home run that Aaron would hit wearing a Braves uniform, as he would be traded to Milwaukee in 1975. ONL Feeney baseball signed on the south panel by Hank Aaron, a vintage signature, who added the inscription “Best Wishes To Rocky” in light blue ink rating a 7-8. On the west panel is “#732”, a large inscription in light blue ink which is in Aaron’s hand rating a 7-8. “732” is written a second time on the same panel, much smaller inside the “Spalding” label in dark blue ink; presumably written in by the Braves equipment manager to mark the baseball. The ball shows signs of good game-use with dirt spotting/mudding throughout. Accompanied by a LOA from JSA as well as a detailed letter of provenance from our consignor.
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