The Hall of BAHL

Sports is and always has played a significant role in my life. I have found that most all of life's lessons are learned between the lines. Discipline, individual responsibility, teamwork and sportsmanship are among many opportunities presented within the games that offer guidance to prosper in life.

Over the years, there have been many individuals associated with sports that I have looked up to, been a fan of, owned a jersey of or just pulled for. These are my guys, and although it has not always been a road without bumps for many, these are my guys. In an effort to recognize these folks, I have formed The Hall of BAHL.

Individuals making this list may or may not be the greatest ever players, coaches or ambassadors, but they are my favorites.

Each year, I will induct five members into The Hall of BAHL. In honor of my good buddy and Sportsman Big Ole BudFeiser, who we lost in 2011 and who I grew up playing sports with, each class will annually be announced on his birthday, June 13.

The inductees for the 2015 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

DICK HOWSER

It is not often in sports when some of your favorite people get to play integral roles for your favorite college and professional teams, but for me, Dick Howser was such a man.  Howser was the first All America baseball player at Florida State University, twice earning the honor as a shortstop.  Howser was signed by the Kansas City Athletics, and earned rookie of the year honors.

After his playing career ended, he joined the New York Yankees as third base coach, even managing a game during the 1978 season.  Howser came home to Florida State to become manager in 1979, but was hired away to become the Yankees skipper in 1981.  He was then hired to manage the Kansas City Royals, who he led to many division titles which culminated in wining the 1985 World Series.

While managing the 1986 All Star Game for the American League, players and announcers noticed Howser was not himself.  He stepped aside for treatment for what was diagnosed as a brain tumor.  Howser tried to return to the Royals in 1987, but it was not to be due to his condition.

Howser died back in June of 1987at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., just two years after leading the Kansas City Royals to their first World Series victory, won in 1985 over the St. Louis Cardinals in the I-70 Series. He was buried in Tallahassee, Florida.

'No matter how you prepare for this day, when it actually happens, it's a shock,'' said George Brett, the Royals' third baseman. ''You just hate to see him go. He's going to be missed.''

In 1988, during a preseason game where the Kansas City Royals came to Tallahassee to play the Seminoles, a game I was fortunate to attend and have a commemorative bat from, FSU names the on campus baseball stadium in honor of Howser as Dick Howser Stadium was born. As reported by Seminoles.com, "As part of the stadium dedication, Kansas City all-stars George Brett and Bo Jackson helped unveil a new $150,000 matrix scoreboard and a bronze bust of Howser.

Hoswer has had his number retired by both the Florida State Seminoles and the Kansas City Royals, with bronze statues at both baseball parks.  I have visited both of these personally, and they are beautiful tributes to an individual who is among the most beloved people to grace those places.



It is an honor to induct forever Royal Dick Howser, an unconquered Seminole, to the Hall of BAHL.

WARRICK DUNN

Back in Baton Rouge, LA, Florida State commit Warrick Dunn was dealt a tragic blow as his mother, Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge police officer, was shot to death in the line of duty.  This tragic event, which made Warrick head of his household, could have derailed many a young man, but Smothers did not raise such a man. Dunn held steady on his commitment to Florida State, where he became one of the most gifted players ever to wear the garnet and gold.

Dunn possessed blazing speed and was member of the FSU track team, but it was his cat quickness with great vision that he was noted for.  Dunn was stellar in evading would be tacklers and was brilliant catching the ball out of the backfield.  More important, although soft spoken, Dunn was a team leader, a young man of great character who was a role model for his teammates and fans.

Dunn helped Florida State win the schools first National Championship in 1993, and in integral play in that season was a tough win at Florida, where Dunn took a swing pass from Charlie Ward and raced for a score late to capture the win.



Dunn closed out his FSU career as the school leader in career rushing yards, most rushing yards in a season and became the only Seminole to rush for over 1000 in three consecutive seasons.  Dunn's number 28 jersey has appropriately been retired by Florida State.

Dunn played in the NFL for over a decade, beginning and ending with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a few years as an Atlanta Falcon in between. Dunn was the offensive rookie of the year with Tampa Bay, and was a three time Pro Bowl selection.  Beyond the field, Dunn won several citizenship awards, including winning the prestigious Walter Peyton Man of The Year Award.

In honor of his mother, Dunn began a program to build houses through his Home for the Holidays program as part  of his foundation Warrick Dunn Charities which helps single parent families attain home ownership through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity. "Warrick Dunn Charities has awarded millions in furnishings, food and other donations to single-parent families and children across the nation to combat poverty, hunger and ensure families have comfortable surroundings and basic necessities to improve their quality of life."

Warrick Dunn was a great football player, but perhaps he is even a greater individual.  Seminole Nation is very proud to have Warrick as one of our best players and representatives of our beloved University. Throughout his life, Dunn has exhibited the principles and values that honor the core beliefs of the Seminoles, perhaps a live illustration of the unconquered.

It is a thrill to have FSU and Tampa Bay standout Warrick Dunn among those in the Hall of BAHL.

JIMBO FISHER

For the Florida State faithful, it was most difficult to part ways with legendary football coach Bobby Bowden, who built not only the Florida State football program, but played a significant role in the growth of the university itself.  But for most, there was only one choice to follow Bowden's path, and that was Jimbo Fisher.

Fisher had a strong relationship with Terry Bowden, who Fisher played quarterback for and later coached with, ending up at Auburn together as part of the Tigers undefeated 1993 season.  Fisher would continue to polish his craft before becoming offensive coordinator under Bobby Bowden at FSU.  Fisher developed a keen ability to groom the quarterback position, but learned a great deal about team structure and leadership during a stint at LSU, where Fisher was offensive coordinator when the Bayou Tigers won the national title.

Fisher started strong at FSU, and while there were some growing pains, which included a couple of head scratching losses, a culture of winning was being built by Fisher.  If you would ever speak to Jimbo about what he calls the organization, you would promptly recognize that Fisher has complete control and confidence in his mission in developing young men in the pursuit of excellence. Nothing is left to chance in the development of the organization, and young men are held accountable to the team and themselves.  The team is a family, and this is not by coincidence.

When Fisher was introduced as head coach at FSU, he said "Empowered, confident athletes are winners. My goal is to get the structure, the staff and the support resources in place to facilitate a winning plan and get players into the structure and start effecting change. Now."  The grade in accomplishing that plan is A+.

Fisher quickly set the tone, and after losing four games in each of his first four seasons, the Seminole jumped up a few levels and won the 2013 National Championship with a victory of Auburn. In addition, quarterback Jameis Winston won the Heisman Trophy.  Before losing in the College Football Playoff to Oregon, the Seminoles has ran off a school record 29 game winning streak.

Fisher has returned Florida State to the national elite, with stellar recruiting as young men want to come and be a part of the working to achieve greatness.  Jimbo is a favorite of the FSU faithful, and he can remain parked in Tallahassee as long as he wishes.

Florida State head football coach Jimbo Fisher is welcomed into the Hall of BAHL.

ERIC CROUCH

Eric Crouch was the third Nebraska player to win the Heisman Trophy winning the coveted award in 2001 after a brilliant senior campaign which culminated in the 'Huskers losing to the Miami Hurricanes in The Orange Bowl.

The Omaha Millard North product compiled a 35-7 record as starting quarterback for Nebraska, and left left Nebraska in possession of 32 school records.  At the time, Crouch was one of just three quarterbacks in NCAA history rush for 3000 yards and pass for 4000 yards in a career.

Crouch broke top ranked Oklahoma's back on a reverse 41 yard touchdown catch, pummeled a would be Iowa tackler on the way to paydirt and delivered a blow to Hall of Famer Ed Reed in a losing effort in The Orange Bowl.  But, Crouch really dazzled the faithful with a breathtaking touchdown run at Missouri, an integral part of the highlight reel that helps secure a Heisman.



Crouch remains in Nebraska and close to the program, doing work for FOX Sports and the Big Ten Network.  I had a chance to meet him in New York City on Heisman weekend one time, while he did not have the look of  an elite athlete, lest there be no doubt he is one of the best players in the storied Nebraska football history.

Crouch vs. Notre Dame

Crouch vs. OU/Getty image

BAHL Revere is pleased to induct Nebraska's Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Eric Crouch into the BAHL Hall of Fame.

CHRIS WEINKE

Chris Weinke came to Florida State an unusual way.   After originally signing a letter of intent to play football at Florida State out of after Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul, MN, Weinke ended up spending six seasons in the minor leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays.  Coach Bobby Bowden promised his scholarship would be honored if he decided to come, Weinke retired from the Blue Jays and arrived at FSU at the age of 25.

Weinke was the starting quarterback for Florida State in 1998-99.  After leading the Seminoles to a 9-1 record in 1998, Weinke was forced to sit due to a neck injury suffered late in the year.  Healthy, Weinke returned to lead the Seminoles to an undefeated season culminating with FSU winning it's second National Title with a 46-29 victory over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.


As president of the Seminole Club of Greater Orlando in 1999, I was able to attend this game, a game in which Weinke had a stellar performance.  Beyond winning the National Title and Heisman Trophy, Weinke left FSU holding records for the most passing yards and touchdowns in a career in compiling a 32-3 record as the starting quarterback.

Weinke had numerous plays which could compile a lengthy highlight reel, perhaps Weinke is best known for this backbreaking play against Clemson, deemed "The Play Fake".



Weinke played several years in the NFL most notably with the Carolina Panthers.  Since his retirement, Weinke has dabbled in many arenas and is now quarterbacks coach of the St. Louis Rams after being head coach at IMG Academy in Florida.

Florida State remains special to Chris Weinke, and he is no stranger to the program, attending many events and games while cheering on our beloved Seminoles.  Weinke is a very special player in the history of FSU football, and among the hearts of Seminole Nation.

Chris Weinke, Heisman Trophy winning quarterback of the Florida State Seminoles, is welcomed as part of the 2015 Hall of BAHL class.