On this date in 1974

[kairos12]

Hammering Hank set the new HR record.

I remember it well.

[underpants]

1. Right at the beginning of the season

I had no idea.

[kairos12]

2. Yep. When the previous season ended I think he was 2 or so away

so there was major buildup leading into the 1974 season.

[OAITW r.2.0]

3. He was 40 I think. Still could catch up with a fastball. nt

[Ohiogal]

4. I can still see it in my mind.

[brewens]

5. I entered the Sports Illustrated contest to predict the big shot and just missed.

I had the game and Downing but missed the inning. Probably a lot of people had that though. If you just did the math and worked out how many HR's per game, you'd get close to that day. If you picked that day and went by the Dodger rotation it should have been Downing starting.

[kairos12]

6. Were you the guy chasing him around third base?

[brewens]

7. I missed it. In spring we had Boys Club softball before the little league baseball season

started. We had practice and I raced home on my bike but not in time. My dad got to see it though.