News article on personal appearance by Hank Aaron.

[Klrdds]

This may not be pertinent to some of the comments concerning Aaron's personality at signings but I heard this years ago ( early 90s ) that Aaron's personality with dealing with his signing interactions changed for the worse when Mays began wanting to be introduced as the greatest living ball player at shows. I heard Aaron had no trouble with DiMaggio being called that at shows but it really rankled Aaron when Mays started it, and that he became a little less friendly to fans.
I know at some of our private signings with Aaron after that time that he was personable and friendly and would freely offer comments about items and photos.
Maybe he has a little bitterness now that he is older and reflecting upon his "rivalry" with Mays that has gone on for 60 years... from a media , collecting, respect and financial standpoint.

[David Atkatz]

Wow. Very interesting. Does Aaron really think that hitting a hundred or so more home runs makes him a better ballplayer than Mays?

[Klrdds]

It seems to have stemmed from press coverage in the early days of New York vs Milwaukee, and the fact that many people figured Mays would beat Ruth in HRs and never considered Aaron as a factor until later in his career. Remember these things can go back for years. Also Mays was a higher auto price for years before Aaron caught up . I think a lot of factors enter into any players interaction with fans at any signing and many times when we try to figure it out we really can't.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Klrdds

I think a lot of factors enter into any players interaction with fans at any signing and many times when we try to figure it out we really can't.

That must be right, since to me it seems like a 'Mays and Aaron Ego Thing' and shouldn't affect how they interact with the fans who got them to the point where they could charge over $300 for a signature. If anything, you would think they would each be trying to prove to us how much nicer they are than the other guy, and that they are worthy of their self-created 'I am the Greatest' descriptions, not the opposite.