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Thread: From Bud Podbielan to Dave Roberts, pitchers from some key Hank Aaron milestones 1954-76. @SABRbbcards @nightowlcards @PostWarCards @CardboardHistry @VintageCardsOn1
Aaron’s first at bat was against Bud Podbielan 4/13/1954. Vic Raschi surrendered Aaron’s first hit 4/15/1954 and, eight days later, his first home run.
These hurlers gave up Aaron home runs 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700.
Muffett surrendered Aaron’s 1957 pennant-clinching HR; Larsen gave up his first World Series HR; Seaver his first NLCS HR and Blue his first All Star game HR.
Aaron’s HR on 6/29/1958 was first of 17 off Don Drysdale — the most given up by any pitcher.
Aaron’s only inside-the-park HR came off Jim Bunning in 1967.
Aaron’s 537th HR off Grant Jackson in 1969 moved him past Mickey Mantle to 3rd on all-time list; 649th HR off Wayne Twitchell in 1972 passed Willie Mays for 2nd place.
Aaron’s 3,000th hit came off Wayne Simpson in 1970.
Reuss served up HR 713 at end of 1973 season; Billingham & Downing gave up 714 & 715 in 1974. Tom House caught number 715 in Braves bullpen and gave it to Aaron.
Aaron’s 755th and final HR came off Dick Drago on 7/20/1976. His final at bat was an RBI infield single off Dave Roberts on 10/3/1976; he was then lifted for pinch runner Jim Gantner.
