50 years later, an Atlanta Braves fan shares long-private video of Hank Aaron's 715th home run

Charlie Russo describes how he shot home movie footage of Hank Aaron's record-breaking home run in 1974 during an interview at his home Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Savannah, Ga. Besides shooting the movie footage of Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's home run record, he took the rosin bag and batting doughnut from the on-deck circle after sneaking onto the field. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Charlie Russo had an unbelievable view of Hank Aaron’s record-breaking 715th home run. 50 years later, he’s ready to share it with the world.

The 81-year-old Russo is releasing his long-private footage of the moment Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record on April 8, 1974, which he captured after surreptitiously following Aaron’s family onto the field at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. He was right there celebrating at home plate with Aaron, his family and teammates — including Dusty Baker, who was on deck for the Atlanta Braves when Aaron connected.

“Was that guy filming?” Baker asked when told about the video made available to The Associated Press by Russo and his family. “Come on! I’ve never seen that!”