MLB Network to feature ‘Greatest Living Players’ in Thursday special

One of the highlights of Tuesday’s All-Star festivities was the acknowledgement of baseball’s “Greatest Living Players,” the ultimate Franchise Four if you will, Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays.

While the announcement and on-field presentation immediately ignited debates about who was selected and others who may have belonged, it was an undeniable thrill simply watching those four legends take the field arm-in-arm.

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To honor their collective greatness and impact on baseball is essential, and to watch Koufax, at … years old, firing a first-pitch fastball to Bench was the cherry on top. At least until Thursday, when MLB Network provides a more intimate look into the careers of the all four men and the events on Tuesday with MLB Presents: Aaron, Bench, Koufax & Mays.

Hosted by Bob Costas, the program is slated to air at 8:00 p.m. ET.

According to the network’s press release, the program centers around an exclusive interview Costas conducted with the Hall of Famers on Tuesday afternoon as they discuss each other’s careers, their childhood idols, their impressions of one another, and their most memorable moments in their own words.

We all know the stories of each men and what they have contributed to the game and communities they called home. But it’s always fascinating to hear the perspective of their peers and fellow legends. For that reason alone, the program should be worth watching for long time fans and new fans alike.

Here’s a sampling:

Each on the other three members of the Franchise Four:

Bench: “When you think of baseball to begin with, there’s never been [anyone] like Mays and Aaron, and then Sandy stands alone with what he did. Unfortunately for him they didn’t have the Tommy John surgery or we would’ve had him a lot more. These are the special men that I grew up with but at the same time, they are the legends.”

“It was everything about Henry. Even just him saying hello when he first came up to home plate and just recognizing the fact that I was there, it meant a lot to me. It was the way he approached hitting. The balls that were by him, he just snapped the wrist and they were line drives. He never really threw to a wrong base. He was graceful in the outfield. He had a strong enough arm to do anything he wanted with it. He could steal a base if he needed to, and it was with a grace that few other people had.”

The Greatest Living Players were selected by fan voting. Fans also voted on which players have had the most impact on all 30 franchises, known as the Franchise Four. 

As noted, the voting has led to several debates, particularly when it comes to the Greatest living Player category. Were players like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Alex Rodriguez overlooked for their controversial pasts? That seems likely, but the fans have spoken and the honorees are certainly no less deserving.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813