Hank Aaron's baseball career humbly began with a stint playing for the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League. His play was exceptional leading to two MLB teams offering to purchase his contract from the Clowns with a now famous $50 differential landing Aaron with the Boston Braves. Aaron developed into one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game cruising through the 1950-60s era near the top of almost every batting category in the game. Although Aaron enjoyed enormous success he also faced the harsh challenges of the racial divide within the United States during the period. Aaron noted an experience he had during a trip to Washington D.C. with the Indianapolis Clowns, "We had breakfast while we were waiting for the rain to stop, and I can still envision sitting with the Clowns in a restaurant behind Griffith Stadium and hearing them break all the plates in the kitchen after we finished eating. What a horrible sound. Even as a kid, the irony of it hit me: here we were in the capital in the land of freedom and equality, and they had to destroy the plates that had touched the forks that had been in the mouths of black men. If dogs had eaten off those plates, they'd have washed them." Through it all, 'Hammerin Hank' remained resolute and determined to become one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Aaron did just that finishing his career with a record 755 home runs, 2,297 RBIS, 1957 NL MVP award, 1957 World Champion, and 25 time NL All-Star selection all of which culmiated with election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The milestones within Aaron's storied career are numerous including the iconic achievement to pass Babe Ruth with 715 career home runs in 1974. Just six years prior to the monumental 715th home run Hank Aaron reached a milestone that perhaps is only surpassed by the aforementioned 715th home run. On July 14, 1968 Aaron stepped to the plate against San Francisco Giants' pitcher Mike McCormick and belted a three run home run, the 500th of his career. The 500 home run club has long been held as one of the most revered in the history of the game with membership reserved for only the most elite of the game's great sluggers. Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Jimmie Foxx, Ted Williams, and others all of whom would be surpassed by Henry Aaron ending his career at 755 total home runs. While Aaron's jersey that he wore to hit the immortal 715th home run permanently resides in the collection of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, we are pleased to present the actual shirt which Hank Aaron donned to hit his 500th home run. Pinstriped flannel home jersey with "Braves" across the front in navy blue tackle twill. Back of the jersey displays "44" in navy blue which was nicely restored to its original apperaances as typically seen from removal once sent to Minor Leagues. "H.Aaron 1968 Set 3" chain stitched on strip tag inside the collar area with Wilson manufacturer's label on tail front with size 40 indicator. Signed by Aaron in blue sharpie around the collar area which has faded a bit rating 6 out of 10. There was a period marker personalization which was once on the front of the jersey that was removed for display and mentioned for accuracy only. As commonly found with historic jerseys that have entered the hobby, their origination points can be remarkably simple. Whether handed to a Minor League player or presented to a friendly teammate many of these significant artifacts rest quietly to the passage of time until later discovery reveals their importance. Thus is the case with the offered Aaron jersey that entered the hobby many years ago along with a pair of Braves professional model pants (not Aaron's). The ensemble had long ago been attributed to possibly being Aaron's 500th home run jersey but was not formally authenticated as such. Through comprehensive photographic comparitive work MeiGray has confirmed that the offered jersey was in fact worn by Aaron on July 14, 1968 to hit his 500th home run. The jersey has also been matched to several other images documenting apparent use in other games of the 1968 season. Additionally, the jersey exhibits beautiful overall eye appeal and was further authenticated by Dave Grob/SGC as all original other than the aforementioned number restoration. The jersey has resided in a prominent private collection for decades until its current offering. Included with the shirt is a 2005 typewritten letter from the Atlanta Braves Museum expressing interest in displaying the jersey to which their Director Carolyn Serra remarked, "Based on team, game, and photograph research, and the number of home jerseys issued during the 1968 season, I am certain that this is the jersey Hank Aaron wore when he hit his 500th home run on July 14, 1968." It is with careful deliberation that we are able to present this historic jersey as one of the most significant and well documented of any game worn baseball garment to have been offered at public auction. Includes LOA from MeiGray (Photomatch), LOA from SGC/Dave Grob (EX/VG), LOA from JSA (autograph), and copies of several images picturing Aaron wearing the offered jersey: EX