During the aforementioned Sunday Funday festivities, I learned of the death of television pitchman Billy Mays.  While I tended to be annoyed at his rather loud advertisements initially, they kind of grew on me.  Watching “Pitchmen” on Discovery was another way I actually grew to appreciate Billy Mays.

While his style was very much made to get your attention, there was something admittedly everyman about him.  Of course, khaki pants, dress blue shirt, and beard became his signature style.

Of course, I have enjoyed the recent series of advertisements he was doing for ESPN360, ESPN’s online venture.  The ads poked fun at Billy Mays’ style, but it was even more entertaining considering he was pitching the service in an ad that clearly spoofed his style.

“Now my job is way less soul-crushing!” Yes it is, all thanks to Billy and the miracle of live sports surrounding me wherever I go.

“Hey we all make mistakes. That’s what you told those Yakuza businessmen, but they did not want to hear it.” The most priceless part of this clip is Billy smiling after the sound of glass breaking outside of his motel room.

So, the next time you come across a clip of Billy Mays exhorting you to “TAKE THE HARD WORK OUT OF YARD WORK” with the Awesome Auger or to “FIX, FILL AND SEAL VIRTUALLY ANYTHING FAST AND MAKE IT LAST” with Mighty Putty, reflect on how much better Billy was then Vince Offer (the Sham-Wow guy).