Earlier today we had our appearance at the Steiner Sports Store with the real Home Run King Henry Aaron. As you all probably know Hank and I have gotten pretty tight over the past five years. He is the one athlete that we do not send a driver or car service for. We have gotten in a rhythm where I pick him up at the airport, take him to the appearance and take him back. Thankfully Aaron was able to come in for this event. He recently had surgery on his knees and we almost had to reschedule the appearance. Hank arrived at La Guardia (crutches and all) at about 10:00 this morning. I pulled the car around and we were off to Roosevelt Field Mall. Upon arriving at the store we immediately went to the back and spent a little less than 2 hours signing pieces in private. At 12:00 sharp we walked over to the front of the store. There was a huge line awaiting Hank. With everything that has been going on surrounding his home run record (this isn't the right forum to discuss it) Aaron has become even more of a legend and hero over the past year. He was greeted by the largest crowd we have seen in quite some time at the Steiner Sports Store. Henry signed for every one of the fans and even took the time to take a few photos with kids (which he rarely does due to time constraints). Everyone seemed ecstatic to shake hands with the man and , as always, Hank wound up with many gifts to take home from his supporters. Lucky for me Aaron was given two copies of the recently released DVD of the old Home Run Derby show (I made sure to take one home and have the cover signed by Hank!). Henry won the 1959 contest and brought home $23,000 dollars from it ($23,000 in 1959 was strong!) I am really looking forward to watching it. Anyway, we got through the line by about 1:40 and we made our way out to the car and back to the airport. I am already getting excited about my next trip to Atlanta for the next Aaron signing...can't wait to talk more about the Home Run Derby show.
Aside from the incredible public showing today we were able to get some awesome product signed including game model bats and jerseys. Hank Aaron is a true must-have for any serious collector. He is the greatest living ballplayer and top five of all time. For anyone that doubts that he is the greatest just take a look at his career hit total- 3771...that means that without the record 755 home runs he still would be a proud member of the 3000 hit club (enough said)
Tomorrow I am driving back up to Boston to complete our 2007 Red Sox team project. Check back throughout the week for updates from Beantown. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!