Though the buzz on the news is still the world reeling from MJ’s death (not Jordan for those living under a rock), many have overlooked the passing of a great, or perhaps greatest pitchman of the television era.

Billy Mays hocked more items on infomercials then you could count. Items that ranged from OxiClean to Mighty Putty, he stood firmly behind all of them, a rare proclamation found these days. The instant you heard his signature booming voice, you would instantly pay attention to what this man was pushing. Today looking an episode of Seinfield, I came across commercial and was about to change the station when Mays’ voice caught my attention. This time a hand held saw that could probably cut through diamonds was the product. Mays could make you want to buy anything he could describe to you at home.

A great among broadcasters and television personas, the world just lost a great man and salesman. Infomercials will continue without Mays, but they will forever pale in comparison to the great Billy Mays’ work.



Note: To cross reference this with the whole sports theme, Mays recently made commercials for ESPN 360, which are quite entertaining.