The exception is photographs of baseball heroes, especially those without a player's signature.

Which is just where a baseball hero comes in.

Mantle, being the baseball hero of the boomers, was treated with the most respect this week.

A few baseball heroes enjoy eternal fame too, but many others disappear from sight and mind as soon as they leave the lineup.

The ghost of a baseball hero is not too happy about seeing his home run record broken.

He instantly became the most successful home run hitter for one season and a modern baseball hero.

But to the local players, parents and coaches, the news fell decidedly into the "Say it ain't so" category of fallen baseball heroes.

There is a ripple of subtle laughter from those who know the baseball hero has just heard the same line.

Some fans will profess that old-time baseball heroes would have found a way to get out there and play.

He has joined great baseball heroes with an amazing record.