Read on Twitter
With Hank Aaron's passing, I thought I would pass along a unique and memorable experience I had with him in the early 1990s.
My good friend, @MarkGrunskeSS, brought Hank to State Fair Park as the headliner for a 1957 Milwaukee Braves reunion.
My good friend, @MarkGrunskeSS, brought Hank to State Fair Park as the headliner for a 1957 Milwaukee Braves reunion.
I was afforded the opportunity to sit next to Hank, hand him items to autograph as the public filed through, hand him the correct pens and get the items back to their owners after Hank had signed them.
After a brief introduction to Hank, the signing began. It was a flurry of activity for three-plus hours. Hank was gracious to all despite the fact the line seemingly had no end.
Any thoughts I had about maybe talking to Hank or being able to hear some stories quickly went out the window as I did my best to keep up with the crowd. So I put my head down and tried to make it as easy on Hank as I could.
Once the signing was over, we retreated to a back office near a side door. As Hank's agent, Bob Allen, retrieved the car, Hank shook hands and took pictures with a few of us lucky souls.
Then, as he headed toward the side door, Hank asked me to follow him outside and to his waiting car. Of course, I did. He opened the passenger door, ducked into the car for a moment, then turned around.
He stuck his hand out to me, and I shook it. Then I realized there was a folded-up piece of paper within the handshake. I pulled my hand back, looked down and saw it was a $100 bill.
Stunned, I said, "I can't accept this, Mr. Aaron." He said, "You earned it, Son. Thanks for all your help today." Then he got into the car and it drove away. I couldn't believe it.
I would have gladly paid HIM more than $100 for the honor to sit next to the HR king. I will never, ever forget that moment. Thanks again to @MarkGrunskeSS for making it happen.
And to Hank, it was my distinct pleasure. Thank you for allowing me to spend a few hours basking in your greatness, and for your generosity. Rest in peace, Sir.
Addendum: For those asking, I spent the $100 on a Sega Genesis game system. Some might laugh, but I got so many hours of enjoyment out of it, and thought about Hank every time I played it.
I still have the Sega, and it still works just fine. I plan on firing it up this weekend and playing some Sonic, with a big smile on my face.
