At a news conference, Aaron instead wanted to talk at about the World Children's Baseball Fair, a charity he co-founded that will hold its annual series of clinics for children this week in Puerto Rico.

"We started this many, many years ago and it has done magnificently," he told a crowd of reporters at San Juan's international airport.

Later, however, Aaron gave a hint of his feelings about Bonds, the San Francisco Giants slugger who is just one homer away from tying Aaron's record of 755 but who has been dogged by allegations of steroid use.

"I am making a comment by not making a comment," Aaron told The Associated Press. He did not elaborate.

A co-founder of the charity, Akiko Agishi, said she believes Aaron's decision to spend this week in Puerto Rico instead of attending Giants' games reflects his feelings about Bonds.

"We are very proud he cares about children and isn't interested in someone who may have drug problems," she told the AP. "We are happy."

Founded in 1989, the World Children's Baseball Fair was conceived by Aaron and Japan's home run king, Sadaharu Oh, to promote goodwill around the world. The group has held clinics previously in Japan, Canada and the U.S. About 180 boys and girls from about 20 countries will attend this year's event, which begins Tuesday and will feature training clinics across the island.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday at the Roberto Clemente Stadium, named for the late Puerto Rican baseball legend. Aaron praised Clemente at the news conference, saying "not only was he terrific ballplayer but he was also a terrific gentleman."

Dressed in a blue guayabera, Aaron, 73, entertained several questions about his time as a teenage infielder for Caguas Criollos of the Puerto Rican league in the mid 1950s, when he struggled to communicate as a non-Spanish speaker but hones his baseball skills.

"I wouldn't have gotten to the big leagues as quickly if I hadn't played in Puerto Rico," the Hammer said.