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Although I don’t technically “collect” Hank Aaron any more as a child of the 70s I loved him. I bought everything that my allowance would permit. After Roberto passed Hank became my guy. Every Christmas and Birthday from 1973 to 1976 featured Hank Aaron gifts in every way shape and form. I think my parents were relieved that my Hank Aaron obsession pulled me out of my adolescent grief caused by Roberto's death. I was one of those weird kids who didn’t play with his baseball toys. I took great care of them and they have stayed with me for MANY years. They survived teenage romances, muscle cars, college, 31 years of marriage (see teenage romance), raising 4 kids, and putting one through law school. When I finished graduate school my father handed me a box containing the spikes you see here. In the graduation card he wrote, “You may not have been be good enough to fill these shoes but you certainly earned them and we are proud of you, love Mom and Dad”. I eventually had them signed by Hank. Although they are attributed to him and are his size, and bear his number, I have never been able to find a photo of Hank wearing Brooks. Apparently they were team issued and worn in spring training. Nonetheless, if you come across a photo of Hank wearing Brooks please let me know.

I saw this thread and thought it would be fun digging out my Hank Aaron toys and make a display. Although this is a fraction of my Hank memorabilia these are items that make me smile and recall childhood. The card I featured is my 1954 Hank Aaron Rookie. I am old school and have never paid to grade a card. I don’t know that I ever will. My mom died 25 years ago. Cancer took her from us way too early. My dad is now 80 and even though I am rapidly approaching 60, he still buys me baseball "toys" for every birthday and Christmas. I love baseball and the history of the men who played it. As a kid Roberto and Hank were my superheroes. I suppose they still are. My son just turned thirty his name is Aaron and his middle name is Clemente...go figure.