"I'm still the home run king."

The words are still ringing in my ears.

"I'm still the home run king."

Not in an arrogant way.  Not to criticize Barry Bonds, because Hank's too classy for that.  And not that he doesn't recognize the current record.

"I'm still the home run king."

But when I asked Hank Aaron about the fact that the last time he was in Milwaukee, he was the home run king, so how had his life changed since then, he delivered that epic line.

"I'm still the home run king."

And the room erupted with applause and laughter.  Concordia University can't buy publicity like this.  With Hank giving the commencement address, everyone will know where they were when number 44 uttered that memorable statement.

On first glance, you could misinterpret his words as a slam on Bonds.  Not the case.  Aaron went on to say that Barry has unbelievable talent, and when I asked Aaron a follow up question if he's troubled by the recent 15 felony charges levied against Bonds for perjery and obstruction of justice, Aaron replied that he hopes Bonds can get his legal troubles behind him and move on with his life.  It just means that since he did hold the record for 33 years, he still feels like he's the Home Run King...just like Babe Ruth probably does in heaven, since he held the mark.

This is shocking because Aaron virtually never comments on the subject.  It's very understandable.  Hank Aaron hates questions about Barry Bonds, steroids, and all of the dark cloud surrounding baseball that has nothing to do with him.

Yet on this day, I'm thankful he answered my question, and didn't make me look foolish in front of a room full of reporters and university officials.  For that Hank, I'm thankful.  But I always knew you were classier than that, and you proved it again.  Thanks for being Hank...the Home Run King.

Emails at lallan@todaystmj4.com