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 2016 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

TOM RATHMAN

The Pride of Grand Island, Tom Rathman burst on he scene in Lincoln as a hard nosed fullback and catalyst of the the 'Huskers powerful rushing attack. The position was mainly a blocking position at that time for the Big Red, but Rathman possessed skills that allowed him, and the position, to elevate to become more of a weapon in the triple option attack.

While Rathman has strong footing in 'Husker lore, it is time professionally with the San Francisco 49ers that got Rathman the high level of accolades he deserves.The 49ers employed a version of offense he had previously learned, which was labeled the west coast offense, as Walsh won several Super Bowls while at San Francisco.  Rathman emerged as a serious threat as a receiver out of the backfield, presenting coverage mismatches for linebackers trying to cover him  When they did get hold of Rathman, they were punished by his bruising running style.

Until the NFL banned the activity, both Rathman and fellow 49ers teammate Roger Craig, both 'Huskers, wore the a tribute to the 'Huskers on their helmets.  Man, did I appreciate that gesture.

Rathman left the 49ers to play for the LA Raiders for a short while, but post playing days Rathman joined the 49ers as an assistant.  In fact, despite several coaching changes, Rathman remains running backs coach for the stories franchise.

Rathman, The Pride of Grand Island, is one of my favorite players of all time, both at Nebraska and during those glory days with San Francisco.  We welcome Tom Rathman to The Hall of BAHL

ALEX GORDON

I grew up a fan of the Kansas City Royals, but after Major League Baseball failed to play The World Series due to a strike, and coinciding with the retirement of my baseball hero George Brett, I sort of got involved with other things and only paid passing attention to my Royals, who became one of baseball's worst teams.

I continued to follow college baseball, and took note of a Lincoln Southeast product named Alex Gordon, who starred for the hometown Cornhuskers.
Gordon won the Golden Spikes award as the nations top player, and then was drafted by the Kansas City Royals.

Along with others to be sure, Alex has led the Royals back to prominence, playing in back to World Series and winning the Series last fall.

Over the last several years, in part due to Gordon, I have once again began closely following my old Royals.  My family has attended games in St Petersburg when the Royals have face the Tampa Bay Rays, and even saw Gordon hit a home run to top the Texas Rangers in a game at Kauffman Stadium in 2014.

At the major league level, Gordon is a consensus All Star and Gold Glove winner displaying tremendous ability in left field.  Gordon just signed a huge contract with the Royals, which will likely keep him in Kansas City for the remainder of his career, placing him in Forever Royal lore similar to George Brett.

Kansas City always has college night, welcoming nearby teams with special events and seating packages. Gordon always welcomes the Big Red when they come to town. Gordon has been very generous to the Nebraska community, donating heavily to the university. Per UN, "The Alex Gordon Training Complex was completed in the fall of 2011 at a cost of $4.75 million, renamed the Alex Gordon Training Complex following a $1 million donation from the Alex Gordon Family."

We are thrilled to welcome former 'Husker and current World Champion Kansas City Royal Alex Gordon to the 2016 Hall of BAHL.

ARNOLD PALMER

As a kid, I had the pleasure of following Arnold Palmer around as part of Arnie's Army at the Florida Citrus Open at Rio Pinar Country Club, the PGA stop in Orlando. I got his autograph several times, and he was always a complete gentleman, even with all us little kids hovering around.

Lee Trevino was my favorite, but I was also a fan of both Jack Nickluas and Arnold Palmer as well.

In 1979, Arnold Palmer got command of the local tournament, moving it from Rio Pinar to his new Bay Hill development in southwest Orlando. At the time, I did not like that at all.  My Grandparents were members at Rio Pinar, and it seemed like all the fun was over.

But looking back, Rio Pinar was not the type of facility needed for Orlando to keep it's PGA stop, and the move to Bay Hill. with Palmer's association, seemed like a perfect match. So it was, the Bay Hill Classic was born in 1979 with Arnold Palmer as host. Palmer would never win his host tournament.

It was unknown at the time, but Arnold Palmer would go one to become one of Orlando's top ambassadors, from hosting his tournament to donating millions to the construction of a hospital in downtown Orlando, The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Children, which opened on Palmer's 60th birthday in 1989. Orlando is very proud of this wonderful addition to our community, and the hospital is one of only six hospitals nationwide to focus on the needs of women and children.  The impact and generosity of Arnold Palmer to the Orlando community is immeasurable.



Arnold Palmer, Orlando's most famous resident, is welcomed into the 2016 Hall of BAHL.

ROGER CRAIG

Roger Craig came to Nebraska from Davenport, IA to play tailback for the 'Huskers, considered a sure fire Heisman candidate.  Craig had a brilliant combination of power and speed and a unique running style that was certain to help bring Coach Tom Osborne his first national championship.

Craig was as advertised, and had some wonderful moments of the field.  But things would soon change as future Heisman Trophy winner Mike Rozier arrived in Lincoln. Rozier was a gifted player, but Craig was much to talented to just play second team, so Osborne and his staff found was to keep Craig on the field, at times lining him up at fullback.

Craig performed strongly, even running for 94 yards and a touchdown against Florida State in Lincoln in a 34-14 win.  But while Craig raced around and through the Big 8, he made the most noteworthy chapters in his career as a running back with the San Francisco 49ers.

Craig was unstoppable in he 49er offense of Coach Bill Walsh.  In fact, Craig became the first player to reach 1000 yards both in rushing and receiving. Craig helped the 49ers win several Super Bowls, including a defeat of Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins in 1984, when Craig scored 4 touchdowns.

Until the NFL banned the activity, both Craig and fellow 49ers teammate Tom Rathman, both 'Huskers, wore the a tribute to the 'Huskers on their helmets.  Man, did I appreciate that gesture.

The Hall of BAHL is delighted to welcome Roger Craig to the Hall of BAHL as a 2016 inductee.

MICKEY ANDREWS

For sure, the emergence of Florida State on the national scene was the direct result of legendary coach Bobby Bowden.  But, Bowden always had a very good staff, and chief among those staff members who played a vital role in helping Bowden and Florida State gain and maintain their status among the nations elite was longtime defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Mickey Andrews.

Coach Andrews, who played under Bear Bryant at Alabama, is a mild a speaking fellow as you will ever meet in person, but on the field, he is tough and commands the respect of all his players.


But they all love him, inclusive of famed corner Deion Sanders, pictured at left with Coach Andrews.  One of the things about Andrew's coaching style that gave FSU and edge was the attacking style Andrews employed.

Many a talented corner came through town, from Sanders to Terrell Buckley, and they made life miserable for opposing wide receivers. The attacking nature of the unit was not left to the defensive backfield, it also incorporated the ends and linebackers, who were always able to run, cover the field from sideline to sideline.

Through my associations with FSU Boosters, I had the opportunity to meet and visit with Coach Andrews on many occasions, and always thoroughly enjoyed those times. Mickey went out with Bobby, which seems fitting.  Coach Andrews was beloved, not only by his players, but by FSU fans throughout Seminole Nation.



Ole Mickey Andrews joins the Hall of BAHL in the 2016 class of inductees.