Who's the earliest HOF you met in person?

[paul]

I think we have a winner. How could anyone beat Hank Thomas' meeting with Clark Griffith. He has an Old Judge card for god's sake.

[Kawika]

Originally Posted by paul

I think we have a winner. How could anyone beat Hank Thomas' meeting with Clark Griffith. He has an Old Judge card for god's sake.

Griffith was born in 1869. Anyone met someone born in the 19th century lately? Way cool, Hank.
As for me, exchanged a few pleasantries with Hank Greenberg on the sidewalk outside of Yankee Stadium around 1957 or so. Didn't specifically "meet" but more "interacted" with old-timers like Stengel, Dickey and Rizzuto and just about any future American League HOFer of that era (Berra, Ford, Aparicio, Kaline etc) whose autograph I sought.

[HerbK]

About 9 years ago, I was fortunate enough to have dinner with Fergie Jenkins in the very small town in which I live - Binbrook Ontario (population about 1000). One of his daughters lives in town and he stopped by during a visit to the local restaurant (The Bin) as a favor to the owner (a friend of his daughter) and any autograph proceeds to go to our local food bank. Super nice guy who was great with the kids. The picture kills me - my youngest son (wearing the Cubs alternate jersey) now towers over me at 6'5". I'm 6'1" ... Lol.

Herb.