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 a new class 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 2022 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

JAMES WORTHY

In the early eighties, I followed the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball program as one of my good friends was a big Carolina fan and went to school there. We enjoyed their national championship run, a stellar team with Michael Jordan and James Worthy, who both went on to Hall of Fame NBC careers, with Jordan most likely the greatest player of all time.

Worthy was eruptive in the paint, often exploding for a rapid and thunderous dunk. These skills were enhanced in the NBA with Worthy a member of The Los Angeles Lakes. Teaming with the great Kareem Abdul-Jabber (HALL of BAHL 2017) and the incomparable Earvin "Magic" Johnson (HALL of BAHL 2012) among others, Worthy and the gang went on to win several NBA championships. It was the glory days of the game! 

I found the Lakers such a joy to watch, with Johnson running their fast break offense, which often found a trailing Worthy from the flank to reach the rim.  Worthy could also shoot from the edges of the paint and he was also a good defender.  It was seemingly his quickness inside the pain that gave opponents the most trouble.

I truly enjoyed watching James Worthy throughout his hall of fame career, and now, James Worthy is a member of the HALL of BAHL!

JACK NICKLAUS

Jack Nicklaus is the greatest golfer of all time!  I watched the PGA with my Grandmother, and annually went to The Florida Citrus Open PGA tournament stop in Orlando at Rio Pinar Country Club. I had a blast, and got to meet Jack and see him play through the years. 

Jack was not my favorite golfer; that was Lee Trevino (HALL of BAHL 2012). But boy howdy did I respect Jack and was in awe of his talent. Like everyone else who watched, his run at the 1986 Masters was just incredible.

Jack's son Steve ended up playing wide receiver for Florida State in the eighties, and in support of his son, Jack, grew to adopt Florida State as his second team behind his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. His grandson, Nick O'Leary, was a decorated tight end for FSU and was key contributor to the 2013 National Championship team. Jack has become a strong supporter of the entire Florida State athletic department, and recently spearheaded a revamp of the Florida State University golf campus, helping develop The Seminole Legacy Golf Club at Florida State University, which significantly enhances FSU's stellar golf program as well as the University and community.

Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear, is golf's greatest player and a tremendous ambassador for the game of golf and Florida State University. We welcome the great Jack Nicklaus to The Hall of BAHL.

MARVIN JONES

Shade Tree! Former Florida State linebacker Marvin Jones was one of the greatest defensive players ever to play for the Garnet & Gold. As a middle linebacker, the two time consensus All America player he terrorized opponents, winning the Lombardi Trophy and Butkus Award in 1992.

Jones was picked as the fourth pick in the first round, and after ten seasons with the New York Jets he retired. He entered the coaching profession rising to head coach of the Omaha Beef indoor league team, where he won a championship.

Marvin Jones struck fear in opponents, leading Mickey Andrews stellar defensive units while he played for the Seminoles. I always noted where Jones was on the field when watching live, because he was such a dominating player he often covered the entire field with a reckless abandon. The nation noted what I saw confirming his immense talent as Jones was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

Shade Tree is one of my favorite 'Noles, and now he is a member of the HALL of BAHL!

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