Producers Mike Tollin and Glenn Rigberg have gained the rights to make a movie biopic about Henry “Hank” Aaron. Aaron is the baseball player that broke the legend Babe Ruth’s decades-long career home-run record.
The Natural director Barry Levinson will direct the script by Adam Mazer (Empire State). The story will be based on Howard Bryant’s book The Last Hero: The Life Story of Henry Aaron. It will follow the player’s chase of Babe Ruth’s home run record from 1972 to April 8, 1974.
Aaron, (who was at first reluctant about being involved in a movie about his life), received numerous death threats and fought a media coverage battle as he approached the record of 714 home runs.
“This was a difficult time in my life, but I’m confident we can all learn a little something from looking back at those times,” said Aaron, who finished his career with 755 homers.
Writer Mazer added: “My first sports memory as a kid was watching Henry Aaron hit No. 715. At the time, I had no idea how profound a moment it was for baseball, and more importantly, the nation. To have the opportunity now to bring his harrowing journey to the screen is an honor and a thrill.”
Swing over to the next page to get an understanding of who Hank Aaron was to the game of baseball by watching a quick video of him.