Hank Aaron hits No. 715. After tying Babe Ruth’s career home run record just days earlier in Cincinnati, Hank Aaron returned to Atlanta, where he blasted his record-setting home run in front of the home crowd. On April 8, 1974, Aaron sent a pitch off Los Angeles’ Al Downing into the home bullpen at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. His record has since been passed by Barry Bonds. (via 76 Great Moments in Sports - Photos - SI.com)
Roger Bannister runs a sub four-minute mile. The world record had been stuck at 4:01.4 for nine years when Roger Bannister finally broke through on May 6, 1954. Pacesetters led Bannister for three laps and he put together a 59-second final lap to finish in 3:59.4, knocking two seconds off the record and eclipsing the four-minute mark. (via 76 Great Moments in Sports - Photos - SI.com)
Madrid Open: We have to imagine tennis would enjoy a steep climb in popularity if it switched to the vertical format seen here on the Mutua Madrilena building in Madrid on April 27. (via Madrid Open - Did You See That? - Photos - SI.com)
Caroline Kilel is overcome by emotion and exhaustion shortly after winning the women’s division of the 115th Boston Marathon. (via The 115th Boston Marathon - Photos - SI.com)
Sports Illustrated photographer Fred Vuich snaps a fisheye view of Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik (right) checking Lightning forward Steve Downie during Game 1 of their Stanley Cup quarterfinal match. (via Leading Off: Pictures of the Week - Photos - SI.com)
If you’re going to lose your ball, it might as well be here, right? Such was Phil Mickelson’s train of thought as he played his second shot from the multi-hued flowers on the 13th hole of the 2011 Masters. (via Leading Off: Pictures of the Week - Photos - SI.com)
Minnesota Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson attempts to catch Russell Martin as he falls over the dugout railing during the Yankees’ 4-3 victory over the Twins. (via Leading Off: Pictures of the Week - Photos - SI.com)
Sports Illustrated’s David Klutho captures a wave of ice shavings during Michigan’s 2-1 defeat of Colorado College in the NCAA West Regional Final. (via Leading Off: Pictures of the Week - Photos - SI.com)
Although he was born without a right leg, Anthony Robles didn’t let that stop him from dreaming and achieving his goals. The Arizona State senior won the national title at 125 pounds on March 19, capping an amazing 36-0 season. He’s the latest on a long list of uplifting moments in sports. (via Uplifting Moments in Sports - Photos - SI.com)
Sarah Tucholsky, then a senior at Western Oregon University, had just hit her first collegiate home run when she blew out her knee rounding first. She would be unable to circle the bases, and rules stipulated that when she came out of the game for a pinch runner she would be credited with only a single. Then a curious thing happened, as Mallory Holtman, the first baseman for the opposing Central Washington Wildcats came to the aid of Tucholsky and helped carry her to home plate. Sports may never see a greater act of sportsmanship. (via Uplifting Moments in Sports - Photos - SI.com)
