SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Jack Billingham says he has no problem being forever linked to Hank Aaron and baseball history.
Billingham surrendered Aaron's 714th home run that tied Aaron with Babe Ruth back on opening day 1974 at now demolished Riverfront Stadium.
The 64-year-old Billingham says a lot of people tease him, but that's OK. He's now retired and living in New Smyrna Beach in his native Florida.
Billingham has some advice to the pitcher who gives up Barry Bonds' milestone homers of 755 and 756 that will tie and break Aaron's record.
He says pitchers can't do a whole lot about it, so they should not be afraid to use their best stuff.
And he adds, there's no shame in failing if you try your best.
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