Hank Aaron can be seen tonight on television selling memorabilia on a home shopping channel while the baseball world celebrates the 20th anniversary of his record-breaking 715th home run with festivities at several ballparks.
"I'm waiting until the 13th to celebrate with the Braves," Aaron said during a teleconference Thursday.The Braves will honor Aaron prior to their April 13 game against the San Francisco Giants, their second home game of the season.
Aaron broke Babe Ruth's all-time home run record at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium on April 8, 1974, in a 7-4 Braves victory over the Dodgers.
Each home team in the major leagues will mark the anniversary at its game tonight, but Aaron won't attend any of the celebrations.
"Tomorrow night I'll be on QVC," he said. "Hopefully, we can sell some baseballs."
Aaron, who has a licensing agreement with Major League Baseball for apparel and equipment, is hoping to sell T-shirts commemorating his 715th home run, as well.
"We have a line of commemorative shirts to celebrate the anniversary," he said.
Aaron also was scheduled to appear on NBC's "Today" show this morning.
Major League Baseball spokesman Rich Levin said the decision was left up to Aaron whether to attend a ballpark celebration tonight.
Asked if he was upset Aaron wasn't attending today's festivities, executive council chairman Bud Selig said, "That's a more appropriate question for Len Coleman. I'll be at the celebration next Wednesday in Atlanta." Coleman is the new National League president.
"The Braves are in Los Angeles tomorrow, so the big celebration will be next Wednesday in Atlanta," Coleman said.
Aaron's wife is retiring Wednesday from the United Negro College Fund and will be honored at a luncheon before ceremonies that day. Rachel Robinson, the widow of Jackie Robinson, also plans to attend.
Aaron, 60, is a senior vice president and assistant to the president of the Braves, but is not involved with the team - other than being a member of the board. He is also vice president for business development for the Airport Channel, which, like the Braves, is a subsidiary of Turner Broadcasting System.
He said he doesn't think any current players will break his record total of 755 home runs. He hit that many in 23 seasons before retiring after the 1976 season.
"The reason I say that is because people don't have to play as long as I did," he said. "For 12 or 13 years I played for peanuts. After four or five years now, players are set for life."
Aaron said people took him for granted because of his consistency.
"Each year they looked at my record and saw 35 home runs and a .320 average," he said. "They'd see it the next year and say, `Aaron just hit 35 homers and .320.' "
Ruth, said Aaron, was flamboyant and played in New York with the Yankees. Ruth's feats often were elevated to legend by the exaggerations of sports writers, he said.
Aaron received death threats when he was nearing Ruth's record, and he referred to the chase as "a personal hell."
"My life was turned upside down," he said. "I should have had a peaceful time enjoying the record."
Although many fans consider Ruth a greater power hitter, Aaron said he is content with his position in baseball history.
"I never thought I was in Ruth's shadow," he said. "I think most people remember me and put me in the proper perspective."