ATLANTA — Hank Aaron smiled today 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 on Thursday 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 received racial insults and even death threats as he approached Babe Ruth's mark of 714 home runs. He broke the record in Atlanta on April 8, 1974. Aaron, who retired with 755 home runs, said he couldn't enjoy the chase.

Still bothered by negative memories of his pursuit, Aaron wanted no part of the publicity that came when Bonds approached his mark. He didn't attend Bonds' games, though he sent a video message congratulating Bonds for breaking the record.

Aaron says he has enjoyed a season with no talk of Bonds or the chase. He hasn't even discussed Bonds with Bud Selig.

"I know I've had several conversations with the commissioner, and I don't think his name ever came up with the two of us talking," Aaron said. "The one thing I can say is it seems to me the commissioner is in better spirits than he was two years ago when he had all this in front of him."

Aaron was 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 Selig, are believed to be advantages for the Sports Acquisition 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."

Instead, Aaron says he's enjoying retirement.

"It's kind of settled down a bit now," he said. "There was one time when I had all the (automobile) dealerships and it was kind of hectic. I had to go to all the automobile meetings and things like that. Since I'm no longer involved in that, it's really settled down. ... My life has really toned down quite a bit. I'm very much enjoying it, yes. I don't have to punch the clock for anything."