Hank Aaron NSCC Cleveland 1997

Since autograph hunting is very slow right now, I’ve asked Mr. Peabody to use the WABAC machine to review some older graphs I‘ve collected….

When I was a kid, my Dad called me downstairs to watch something on TV. It wasn’t the Phillies so I wasn't sure why it was on. Who watched the Braves back then? He said something important was about to happen.  I sat on the bottom step and watched the living room TV. Then I saw Hank Aaron hit his 715^th home run. Dad was right, something important did happen.

24 years later, I attended the ‘97 National.  I picked up a bunch a signatures. Hank Aaron was the last one I got from that long weekend. He had a slow line. I was in the back of the line.  

I’ve referenced this autograph before. I explained that I stressed out while in line. It was late on a Sunday and my flight was getting close.  I had to return the rental car and get to the airport. While the convention center is basically next to the airport, it’s still a timing issue.

I’m sure I fretted and shuffled my feet incessantly. I’m sure I looked at the time ever few minutes. There is no doubt I counted how many people were in front of me and how long each signature took.

After 2 or more hours, I had my chance.  He signed for me. 

He looked tired. His signature looked tired.  Then I did something I very rarely do. I paid for the ‘certification’. In 1997, certification companies came and went with every season. I have no idea which company it was. I’m sure they are long gone and forgotten. I might still have the paper certificate somewhere but it’s not worth digging for it.

Looking over the ball now, the signature isn’t as bad as I thought at the time.  I expect my vision was tired from the stress.

AH