And Then There Was One

Aug 5 2007 10:09AM

By Kevin Haake

CLEVELAND -- Unless you've been living under a rock, you know by now that Barry Bonds has finally matched the statistical greatness of the immortal Hank Aaron. The majestic blast, which caromed off the PETCO Park upper deck facade, was surprisingly acknowledged by mostly … cheers.

For the first time in history, another man now shares the same pedestal as Aaron. But in the eyes of many, Bonds has only matched Aaron in statistical prowess and not in the characteristics that define a man.

"Hank Aaron Rookie Cards have been one of the most sought after items at this year's National," said Craig Jones of All-Star Cards in Lenexa, Kansas. "Before the show, I had been closely watching the closing prices of graded Aaron rookies on eBay and they were all selling for over book. As a show special, I heavily discounted our ‘86 Topps Traded PSA 10 Barry Bonds cards and I've maybe pulled them out of the showcase once all weekend."

Jones when on to note that while Bonds seemed to be receiving the cold shoulder from collectors this weekend, Alex Rodriguez Rookie Cards had been one of the most sought after items on the show floor. "I was sold out of all of my 1994 SP A-Rods by Thursday," Jones said. "PSA 9s were bringing a heavy premium and I was asking full book on PSA 8s and BGS 8.5s and nobody even blinked."

For most collectors, the accomplishment of Bonds reaching the historical milestone has done little to change the perception of collectors. "I didn't like him before and I still don't like him now," said collector Roger Miller.

Hobbyist Larry West agrees, "I've got plenty of Bonds cards in my collection, but currently I am not looking to add any more. I've got most of his rookies from 1986 and 1987 and that's enough for me."

But for many collectors, Bonds' feat is just another historical step in the evolution of the hobby.

"I just want to collect cards," said John Neumann. "I don't care what sport or who the player is. I just want to add relevant cards to my collection, even if the cards are of Barry Bonds."