The idea of Henry Aaron and Willie Mays in the same outfield is the stuff of “all-time team” discussions, yet the two legends came close to beginning their careers as teammates. MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince looks back at an Aaron quote given to author Donald Honig for an essay published close to 20 years ago, as Aaron stated that the Boston Braves and Mays’ New York Giants were among the teams looking to sign Aaron away from the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro Leagues.
“I had the Giants’ contract in my hand, but the Braves offered $50 a month more. That’s the only thing that kept Willie Mays and me from being teammates — $50,” Aaron said.
If it’s any consolation to old-school Giants fans, Castrovince notes that this story could be somewhat apocryphal. Plus, Aaron might not have gotten as immediate a chance to regularly play if he had signed with the Giants, considering New York had a stacked team that won the 1954 World Series. However, one can only imagine the alternate version of baseball history that would have grown from a Mays/Aaron tandem in the Giants’ outfield, whether it results in more championships for the Giants, how it would have impacted Aaron’s home run totals, or perhaps whether the Giants would have remained in New York rather than moved to San Francisco.
More on the Braves…
- The Braves had interest in Liam Hendriks before Hendriks signed with the White Sox earlier this month, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports (Twitter link). This could indicate that Atlanta is looking to bolster its closing options, and perhaps make a significant investment in the process. The Braves have shown willing to spend on their bullpen in recent years, with moves like last winter’s free agent deal with Will Smith and absorbing Mark Melancon’s contract at the 2019 trade deadline. Melancon handled closer duties for Atlanta in 2020 and is still unsigned, so a reunion seems theoretically possible.
- George Springer was also reportedly on the Braves’ radar until the very late stages of the outfielder’s free agent tenure, though ESPN.com’s Buster Olney (subscription required) writes that the team was looking to act “as a potential safety net” if Springer didn’t find a long-term offer to his satisfaction. Essentially, it would have been this offseason’s version of the Braves’ past one-year deals with Marcell Ozuna and Josh Donaldson, as Atlanta took advantage of thin markets for those two players and were rewarded with outstanding seasons. Springer did find the big deal he was looking for, however, landing a six-year, $150MM contract from the Blue Jays.
I remember so many reports about the Blue Jays similar to this one when AA was in our front office and our GM.
Jays fans conveniently forget about this.
Atkins isn’t their real dad.
One year deals are exciting but BORRRRRING
If in on Hendricks, does that mean there’s interest in Hand – though we essentially have that in Will Smith (southpaw with closing exp)? Trying to make sense of all this is like my favorite song, Fart in the Wind.
I’d love to get Brad Hand on a two year deal.
Braves aren’t interested in signing anyone else
In on Hendricks but couldn’t get it done
In on Springer but couldn’t get it done
Not sure how some of you struggle to see this pattern from Braves management every year. You can always tell when they’ve packed it in on free agency because it’s a bunch of leaking reports they had interest in top of the FA class guys who already signed elsewhere.
Basically it’s them posturing to the fanbase that they’re trying when in reality there’s no intention of bringing in an impact player.
You guys fall for it every time. “Well if they were in on Hendricks maybe we’ll land next best RP on the market.” No we really won’t. Because the Hendricks news was a facade to begin with. Same with the Springer news.
They made their typical one signing early on (Morton) and now it’s time to play pretend until March
Lol
exactly…I’m ‘woke’ right there with you MJ…have been for a long time lol
People realized this now?
AA can take this one-year policy too far. Ozuna isn’t Josh or Cole. He’s a player still in his prime with a skill set that typically ages well. AA should have and still should pull the trigger on a deal. Waiting this long may have raised the price, though.
Agree. I love the one-year results they got from Donaldson and Ozuna, but there will not always be a guy like that available.
There is no policy. It was a win-win deal that worked for both parties (not Hamels, though that was only a $6.6M loss). AA does not want a bad contract – and without knowing Ozuna’s asking price – I don’t blame him for not pulling the trigger just yet. Considering him and Cruz are both unsigned, he’s not the only GM that feels that way.
Okay, but he’s already thirty. If he wants a contract comparable to Springer, I don’t blame AA to be hesitant to pull the trigger considering Ozuna would be 36 when the contract ends. Guys don’t age THAT well. Nelson Cruz is an exception, not the rule.
Springer is 31. whats your point?
While I agree with your sentiment, Ozuna isn’t the guy to be upset about if they let him walk. He’s a 30 year old DH
The Breves are nowhere near as good as last year without him.. Meanwhile every other team the Braves will have to compete with have made huge moves to improve.
If Ozuna does not return, it may be time for Atlanta to use someone else in the leadoff spot and let Acuna be the slugger behind Freeman. Maybe Swanson, Albies, or an outside guy (Pillar?) can handle that duty.
In fantasy land, I would prefer that Atlanta signs someone like Rosario for LF and swings a Cleveland trade for Jose Ramirez (3B), but not sure that’s likely.
Acuna doesn’t seem to do as well hitting in the middle of the order, and I’m not a fan of moving a guy like that down who thrives hitting 1st. Managing is about putting your players in the best position to flourish.
They should sign Ozuna, or someone else with a similar skillset.
Need a big bat, and moving Acuna isn’t the answer.
Baumgartner is the answer right?
Ozuna is becoming an interesting wild card in this offseason. If teams really don’t want him in LF for a full season, the number of suitors seems minimal. I think a team like Seattle or Texas might be able to jump in here.
To me, Cruz is the wild-card. Ozuna keeps getting all the press, re: DH, but Cruz has been going crazy. OPS+ since age-35 season: 147, 149, 135, 168, 169.
Sorry, but even at age-40, I’d gamble a high AAV deal (or two) on him before Ozuna – if DH is remotely possible.
Who says no:
Cleveland gets Pache or Waters and Contreras or Langeliers and Riley, Braves get Ramirez.
Waters, Contreras and Riley for JRam.
I would take that deal.
not Cleveland they’re ok giving away players and getting minimal returns so long as they don’t have to spend money
That’s a tough call, but if I’m the Braves I’d have to consider Waters, Contreras and Riley for three years of Ramirez. LFs are a lot easier to find than 3Bs.
That’s prob too much to give up for the Braves. Market nor the Indians have really commanded such talent even for that good of a player. Do I think he’s worth it… yea maybe.. good discussion. Would this deal ever happen, no…
I say NO hogan.
Braves say no I think
Does Riley really have any significant value?
Seems like he’s going to get expensive after next year and could easily be DFA’d with a bad year. I don’t think either team takes the deal
Braves would worry he breaks out in Clev, and therefore it’s too much to give up. Imo. But I think Clev can get a longer controlled and less risky package elsewhere
Who here would have gladly payed the extra $50 to have the two together?
paid*
I would’ve, without hesitating
@hogan. No way Braves do that. Pache and Waters are 1-2 in our system and both have tools to make them certain can’t miss guys. Both C are also at top of our system not to mention the bat of Riley. He is still figuring it out but no way they send all 3 for Ramirez. Possibly Waters and Riley but that would be it. From what I understand some in Braves brass are higher on Waters than Pache so it’s a tough call.
Jose Ramirez has three years of cheap control that has finished in the top 3 twice (2018 & 2020) in the Al MVP race. He is certainly valuable and worth a great deal including a team’s top prospects. Over the years, many can’t miss top prospects have missed or have been totally mediocre. .
If the Indians made Ramirez available, which they better not, many teams would jump in so the player and prospect cost would be expensive.
Correct but if you know anything about the Braves they don’t trade top prospects since AA is at the helm.
Again Riley is not a very good trade piece. You do not get superstars for your scraps, or “just need to figure it out” guys
Would you trade Freeman for one great prospect and a “figuring it out guy?” Of course not. And J Ram has 3x the control at a cheaper rate, and a more valuable defensive position
The Braves should work out a deal with the Rangers for Gallo, Leclerc and Trevino(catcher).
The Braves don’t really need another catcher, but I like Gallo and LeClerc.
This is a good idea. Depends on what the Rangers want back. I would not move Riley but maybe Camargo and Toussaint and even Jackson would get it done.
Those three would not get it done. Johan, might not even be on the team this season, and he’s been bad for 2 years now. Touki has shown flashes but has yet to put it together. Jackson has the most success of the three but looked bad for a lot of this year. Gallo, is an in his prime CF with power….
Maybe Bryce Wilson, Shea, and another pitcher for Gallo.
I’ve been saying Gallo all off-season and all Braves fan can say is we need right handed power I don’t think it matter which side our 3/4 hole hitter hits from as long as we replace ozuna. Gallo makes a lot of sense
He also won a gold glove last year and has a cannon for an arm. His #s would probably go up too hitting around guys like Acuna, Freeman and Swanson.
The Braves don’t need guys whose strikeout totals are higher than their batting average. The only thing they should want from the Rangers is Acuna’s brother.
Good… Braves had interest in good players, didn’t pull the trigger.. same news different day and names….
it’s gotta be annoying when the Braves call Free Agents offering 1 year deals….’Your agent is the phone with an offer from the Braves’; involuntary roll-eye and head shake from said player hahaha smh…
It depends on the circumstances. It didn’t seem to annoy Donaldson, Ozuna, or Hamels recently.
especially not Hamels…stealing money ha!
$6.6M loss for Hamels. Considering the net gains from Donaldson/Ozuna – keep it doin’ it, AA.
I know I know a lot on here are apologists which is ok…a lot on here also would like to see things that shows the fans they are going for it whether multi year contracts or trading from our precious prospect pool which is ok as well….these 1 year deals are great when they work but obviously you can’t always catch lightning in a bottle which EVERYONE would have to agree with. Yes I know Will Smith got a 3 year deal, its also known they wouldn’t go over 3 years for Zack Wheeler. While its not a public known policy, its obvious 3 years is max contract for Free agents with 1 year deal the preference…
and btw RunDmc…$2.2mil per inning pitched. Like I said…Stealing Money! lol
Injuries happen…
Math is fun! Every team has them. I’d take that over a bad contract.
your Life Insurance agent must love clients like you @Rundmc…never takings any risks at all ahahahha
I miss the days when Ted Turner owned the Braves. Braves would’ve already signed the big bat we need and it probably would’ve been Springer.
man me too @FredMcgriff…me too smh
Rosario is the perfect fit
Bat him 5th with Travis batting 4th
Got him for 2 years then by then Waters/Pache/Acuna dream OF will be ready
1.Acuna
2.Albies
3.Freeman
4. d’Arnaud
5. Rosario
6. Swanson
7. Riley
8. Pache
Bring Contreras up to back up d’Arnaud for 1 year before he takes over as C and give Riley the 7 hole where he will take over clean up next year
If the NL has the DH then d’Arnaud can be used more there and let Contreras & Jackson share time
If you read Hank Aaron’s autobiography (“I Had a Hammer”), he also states that the Braves were pursuing Mays before the Giants signed him. At the time, Mays was playing for the Birmingham Black Barons, and the Braves were negotiating with the team to sign him. Meanwhile, the Giants found out that Mays was not under contract with Birmingham, so they negotiated directly with him and signed before the Braves did.
So Mays and Aaron could have also been teammates with the Braves.
Crazy to think of them, 2 of the best baseball players in history, being on the same team
Hey Cle, there is no such thing as a can’t miss PROSPECT!!
No doubt there aren’t many but at least a couple every year. Obviously many more prospects miss than make it. I do believe the Braves should use prospects to go for a big player more than they do but the system does work. The Braves have been one of the top 5 most consistent teams in baseball over the last 30 years so they are doing something right. The Braves are 1 big bat away.
I would loved to have seen Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente in the same outfield & batting lineup …
As for the 1 year higher AAV contracts most have worked. I said it on here before. Hamels was no doubt a bad move but it was done before the 60 game schedule was set. It’s possible if it were a regular season, he could have come back and made a huge difference for a playoff push. Then it wouldn’t have been such a bad move. But that isn’t what happened, therefore a bad signing.
Hendricks and Bryant rumors to the Jays. I’m intrigued.
Even though the New York Giants were really good in the 1950s, they were still considered the third team in New York after the Yankees and Dodgers. The Giants were planning to move to Minneapolis by the time the Dodgers decided to move to Los Angeles.
At the time, MLB told the Dodgers that they would not allow them to move unless another team joined them on the West Coast. Walter O’Malley convinced Giants owner Horace Stoneham to instead move to San Francisco. Both men reasoned that their franchises’ intense rivalry could survive the move. They were right.
As great as a Giants outfield which included both Mays and Aaron would have been, the tandem might have been winning more championships together in San Francisco, or even in Minneapolis, just not in New York.
The Braves seem very committed to doing absolutely nothing.
aaron took his covid19 jab and died in about two weeks
Wait for the DH situation to clarify then sign Cruz…