Mays and Aaron on HBO

HBO is broadcasting a 90-minute look at the state of the game on the Costas Now program.  It was recorded Wednesday from New York University.   Caught most of it last night.   If you read the collective wisdom Maury Brown put together at Business of Baseball, you probably didn't learn anything new.

They saved the best for the last, Aaron and Mays taking the stage.   Costas spends about 15 minutes with them, starting out with a nice video tribute, then asking them some questions.  Aaron always seems more polished and refined, but Mays will give you a straight, no BS answer. 

Say Hey Willie's honesty included calling Bob Gibson, who was sitting in the audience a "headhunter."  Costas engaged Gibson, who seemed to be staring down Mays for that comment.   The Cardinal great went on to explain that he didn't throw at players, they just got in the way when they leaned over the plate.   Everybody except Gibson, who would make a great poker player, chuckled!

At the end, Costas brought up the fact that none of Aaron's season totals in HR and RBI were top 10 all time, a tribute to his longevity.   Mays got the "joy to watch" compliment, but one thing I think that gets overlooked is he led the league in stolen bases four years in a row ('56-'59).      

Speaking of Mays and New York City, there's an effort to get a street named after him at the site of the old Polo Grounds.   Details at this article by Frank Lombardi of the Daily News.