ATLANTA --- Hank Aaron smiled Thursday as he described an ideal day in retirement.
No meetings. No clock to punch.
No questions about Barry Bonds.
Aaron participated in a monthly Atlanta Braves luncheon that included a question-and-answer session with fans. The Hall of Famer and former home-run king said he hoped he could mingle with fans without talking about Bonds' pursuit of his record.
"I hope so," said the 74-year-old Aaron, a senior vice president with the Braves. "I'm not engaging in any questions about that. That's over with, done with, and I have no intention of trying to ignite it back again."
Bonds broke the record last year and, surrounded by allegations of steroids use, has been out of the game this season.
Aaron has had compliments for Bonds' talents and has avoided comments on the steroids issue. He told The Associated Press he wasn't surprised no team signed Bonds this season.
"I will say this: Whatever their thoughts are, I have to agree with them, go along with them, because it's their club," Aaron said.
"But I'll tell you one thing, he's a hell of a ballplayer. I've said this many times, I've never seen people change their whole ballclub the way they do in terms of not pitching to Bonds. He is a terrific hitter."
Aaron has been surprised to see his name linked to the pending sale of the Chicago Cubs. He is a board member of Sports Properties Acquisition Corp., part of a group whose initial bid for the Cubs was rejected by Tribune Co.
Aaron's name, and his association with Bud Selig, are believed to be advantages for the group, which also includes former Republican Congressman Jack Kemp and Mario Cuomo, the ex-New York governor.
"Some friends who I know very well in New York City and some people I've known for years decided to put my name in there, and I serve on the board and they probably just put my name on there," he said. "But I'm not affiliated with anybody who's trying to buy the Cubs. I'm not interested in buying any club."
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