Ocean State Libraries

"[The author] recounts Hank Aaron's . . . race to become the new home run champion. Amidst media frenzy and death threats, Aaron sought to beat Babe Ruth's record. In 1974, he finally succeeded"--

"In It's Outta Here! veteran sports writer Bill Gutman not only chronicles the evolution of the home run, but also describes what constitutes a "hitter's" ball park, explains how the baseball itself has evolved over the years (addressing the issue of whether or not it has been "juiced" to travel farther), and finally, takes on the controversial allegation that sluggers in recent years have been using performance-enhancing drugs to achieve their records....

This dramatic account of the record-breaking homer—and what Hank Aaron endured to achieve it—is "a story that transcends baseball" (Boston Herald).
Baseball has witnessed more than 125,000 home runs. Countless home runs have altered the outcome of baseball games. 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...

Looks at the historic achievements of baseball's heavy hitters, the home run sluggers, including the likes of Rogers Hornsby, Hank Greenberg, Micky Mantle, and of course Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron.

Explore the stories behind home run stats and look at baseball's "greatest hit" from the game's beginnings through today.