On May 17th in sports history, one significant event took place in 1970 when Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hit his 3,000th career hit in a game against the Cincinnati Reds. This milestone solidified Aaron's status as one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

Hank Aaron stepped up to the plate in the second inning at Crosley Field in Cincinnati, facing Reds pitcher Wayne Simpson. With a smooth swing, Aaron sent the ball sailing into left field for a single, becoming only the ninth player in Major League Baseball history to reach the 3,000-hit mark.

The game was momentarily stopped as Aaron's teammates rushed onto the field to congratulate him, and the Cincinnati crowd gave him a standing ovation. The Reds' general manager presented Aaron with the historic ball, which had been retrieved from the outfield.

Aaron's journey to 3,000 hits was a testament to his consistency, skill, and longevity. He had made his debut with the Milwaukee Braves in 1954 and quickly established himself as a star player. Known for his powerful hitting and excellent fielding, Aaron won the National League batting title in 1956 and the NL Most Valuable Player award in 1957.

Throughout his career, Aaron faced numerous challenges, including racial discrimination and death threats as he approached Babe Ruth's all-time home run record. However, he persevered and continued to excel on the field, ultimately surpassing Ruth's record in 1974 and finishing his career with 755 home runs, a record that stood until Barry Bonds broke it in 2007.

Hank Aaron's 3,000th hit on May 17th, 1970, was a defining moment in his illustrious career and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest baseball players in history.