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.

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 2014 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:


MIKE ROZIER

Although my beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers had won back to back national titles in 1970-71, I was quite young and was unable to completely enjoy the ride.  As the early eighties arrived, a collection of talent that came together in Lincoln that created an environment of championship expectations, culminating in 1983 with a pre-seaason Number 1 ranking based on the scoring explosion, a lethal offense led by playmakers QB Turner Gill, FL Irving Fryar and I-Back Mike Rozier.

Rozier was not blessed with blazing breakway speed, but few were blessed with such nimble moves and sheer toughness as Rozier.  As Rozier emerged at Nebraska, during his junior year, the Cornhukser coaching staff moved future NFL Hall of Famer Roger Craig from tailback to fullback to get Rozier on the field.

A bruising runner, Rozier punished would be tacklers; if the could get a hit on him.  He crushed a guy at K-State, and used his ability to make tacklers miss in a highlight touchdown run in Lincoln versus UCLA.

During his senior season, one which culminated with Rozier winning the Heisman Trophy, he set many records helping Nebraska reach the 50th Orange Bowl to play for the national title and an undefeated season.  The 'Husker defense was not as stout as the offense in 1983, and with Rozier tearing up an ankle having to miss the second half, the Big Red fell short against Miami 30-31.

Rozier went on the United States Football League, but could never get rolling due to the ankle.  An opportunity to play in the NFL emerged, and Rozier answered the call, making the Pro Bowl with the Houston Oliers.

Life is good these days for Mkie Rozier.  He turns heads with his wardrobe during the annual Heisman Trophy presentation and has become a fan favorite in ESPN's Heisman House commercials.

Thankfully, Mike Rozier remains close to the Nebraska program, availing himself to his legions of beloved fans.  I am one of those fans, and welcome Camden, New Jersey's Mike Rozier to The Hall of BAHL.






DERRICK BROOKS

Arriving from Pensacola Washington High School as a strong safety, Derrick Brooks became perhaps the finest linebacker ever to play at Florida State University, helping the Seminoles win their first National Championship in 1993.

Derrick Brooks

Brooks was everywhere, somewhat rewriting the position with a rare combination of speed and strength, destroying opposing offensive efforts via ground or air.  The ability to come off the edge and disrupt the quarterback at opportune times, using his high level of intelligence, changed the complexion of many games.  Derrick also collected turnovers, and from his position on defense, found paydirt many times during his famed career.

The two time consensus All-American was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whom he helped lead to a Super Bowl Championship in 2002.  During his NFL career, Brooks was a consistent Pro Bowl performer, having named Defensive Player of the Year in 2002.  Brooks was appropriately elected to the NLF Hall of Fame in 2014.  Perhaps his greatest achievement was having been named the 2000 co-recipient of the NFL's Water Payton Man of the Year, an award derived to recognize excellence on, and off, the gridiron.

Brooks remains close to the Florida State family, having been named to the Florida State University Board of Trustees.  Brooks is an outstanding ambassador for FSU, and the State of Florida.

Derrick Brooks

A fine man and among the best players to ever suit it up for both Florida State and Tampa Bay, I am thrilled to have Derrick Brooks join the Hall of BAHL.


KYLE PETTY

It seems only natural, having been a longtime fan of Richard Petty, to also become a fan of his son Kyle as his stock car career took shape.  It was an added plus, that as I was becoming a fan, Kyle was piloting Pontiac's out of the Felix Sabates stable.

There were highlights in the racing career of Kyle Petty, which included sitting on the pole for the 1992 Daytona 500 in his Mello Yellow sponsored Pontiac Grand Prix, and winning at Dover after starting 37th at Dover in his Coor's Light Pontiac Grand Prix.

Kyle had an attitude, and this made being his fan fun. We cheered when he punched Bobby Hillin for wrecking him out of the aforementioned 500.

With Kyle's time behind the wheel winding down, he spent time grooming his son Adam, who many thought had the talent of Richard which seemed to elude Kyle, for a shot a Sprint Cup.

Adam was well on his way, with that Petty smile, to big things on the Spring Cup Series when his life tragically came to an end in a practice session at New Hampshire International Speedway.  Adam's death, as you may imagine, hit Kyle and his family hard.

Kyle changed his car number from 44 to 45, Adam's number, after his death.  Sprint and Wells Fargo were sponsors.  I had a chance to see Kyle and Adam race together in a Busch Series race at Daytona International Speedway, which I cherish.

But, in impressive fashion, Kyle wanted to honor Adam with something meaningful and long lasting. The death of Adam Petty gave birth to The Victory Junction Gang, a camp honoring Adam for children with chronic diseases which over the years, has brought a tremendous amount of joy to these children and their families.  This has been an inspiration to us all.

Full disclosure, one of my companies held an annual golf tournament which raised money for Victory Junction Gang, and its local partner, Camp Boggy Creek.

Kyle has retired as driver, and has found a home as an analyst for Sprint Cup Racing with FOX Sports and TNT Sports.   Petty remains opinionated, ruffling feathers along the way.  There are many times I disagree with Kyle, but I know his thoughts come from his line of thinking, and that is fair.


While Kyle was driving, he drove some really cool looking cars.  Two Pontiacs I especially liked were his Mello Yellow Pontiac and his Hot Wheels Pontiac.  Through his television career, we continue to get a chance to viist with Kyle all along the circuit.  Kyle Petty is welcomed as a 2014 Hall of BAHL inductee.


DEION SANDERS

I remember my Mother had watched Florida State get killed at Florida, and while we were in depression, she pointed out that that your man on defense who returns kicks is really special.  Indeed, in all my years, Deion Sanders, perhaps along with Bo Jackson, is perhaps the most gifted athlete I have been around.

Deion arrived as an unheralded recruit out of North Fort Myers, but it only took a practice for the coaches to recognize that they had a world class athlete that could take the program to the top.

Sanders dazzled from the get go, receiving All America honors and wining the Jim Thorpe Award as the nations top defensive back.  "Prime Time" was at his best against top competition, toying with some and outclassing many.  Sanders picked a pass in the end zone to preserve a Sugar Bowl victory over Auburn and blistered Clemson on a 75 yard punt return in the Puntrooskie game at Death Valley.


Sanders calls out Clemson prior to punt return TD

With Neon Deion a human highlight film on the gridiron, it is noted that Sanders ran track at FSU, running a leg of a 4X100 relay in his football pants, and starred on the baseball team. While at FSU, Sanders was always singled out, by both Bobby Bowden and Mike Martin, as among the hardest working athletes ever to wear the garnet and gold.

Sanders went on to a Hall of Fame career in the NFL, most notably with the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys. In addition, Sanders starred with the Atlanta Braves, becoming the first player to score a touchdown in the NFL and hit a home run in MLB in the same week.  Astonishing!

Without question, Deion Sanders is among the greatest athletes of our time, recording record setting performances in College Football, The National Football League and Major League Baseball.

I am thankful to have witnessed many of his historical performances in person, and currently enjoy his work with the NFL Network.  It is a pleasure welcome Deion "Prime Time" Sanders to the Hall of BAHL.




LEE CORSO

Unfortunately, for the longest time, I only knew of Lee Corso from a historical perspective.  I followed his coaching career at Indiana and heard all the stories of his record setting skills as a defensive back at Florida State in the late 1950's.  Yep, no matter the age, all FSU football scholars were well aware of the stellar career at FSU of "The Sunshine Scooter"

I first met Corso when he became Head Coach of the Orlando Renegades of the USFL in 1985.  It only lasted a year, but Orlando really enjoyed that team and it was great fun back in those days.

However, Corso is now a beloved star across the nation due to his performances on ESPN's Gameday.  The show is tremendous, pushed to must see status by the antics of Corso.  At first, it was simply the pencil and his frequent politicking for beautiful downtown Orlando, where Corso remains a resident up in the Alaqua area.

Corso reached new heights when he started assuming mascot costume status for his final pick of the day, jousting fans along the way.  This is must see viewing for the college football fan, and has really become part of the historical fabric of the color and pageantry of the game.

Fans across the nation cheer Corso, mobbing him at public appearances seeking pictures and autographs.  These are great times for Corso, who is well deserving.  As fans, we are lucky to still have an opportunity to enjoy his Gameday antics, as a stroke in 2009 almost ended it all.

At FSU, Corso was roommates with Burt Reynolds and remains regarded as part of a core of a historical that helped FSU get on the map.  Corso, due to his capacity at ESPN, is asked not to publicly cheer for his beloved Seminoles, and while he remains quite professional, he can't hide his pride and love for the Seminoles.

 

Long before Gameday, as Seminoles, the "Sunshine Scooter" held a special place in our hearts.  Now, we find difficulty in having our college football Saturday's kickoff without him.  Corso loves the game of college football, and we love him.  It is an honor to welcome Lee Corso as a 2014 inductee in the Hall of BAHL.  

The Rest of the Story

As an avid football fan, although I much prefer the collegiate game, I have never missed the Super Bowl, and this past Sunday was no exception. Although much of the country becomes immersed in watching and grading the commercials, this have never been more than a passing fancy for me, save the time my wife was featured in the local NBC affiliate commercial during the 1990 game.

This year, I found most were rather stupid, ineffective or downright offensive. I did like the Budweiser ad, and loved the NFL network ad featuring former Florida State star Deion Sanders. But far and away, the ad that I found most compelling was the ad for Dodge Trucks featuring longtime ABC Radio announcer Paul Harvey, a great American.

Take a listen:



I am sure you found the ad as powerful as I did. Farmers are getting the backside slap in this country today in a variety of ways, from price fixing to regulatory action, including at local levels and property rights. Some sensible measures are being taken to protect farmers, including caps on rising property tax rates.

In this environment of government encroachment advancing along seemingly every avenue of approach, I have often said owning land outright, both improved and vacant, is the best protective measure of capital.  Farming is tough; not for the faint of heart.  And while the average age of the farmer is increasing, opportunities have been presented, and famed investor Jim Rogers is and has been most bullish on the sector.

Harvey and his commentary was a favorite of many an American in the last half century, seemingly part of the fabric of our nation as media outlets grew.  Harvey's daily commentary was syndicated to over 1200 radio outlets.  People took his messages of old fashioned common sense thought to heart.

While many became acquainted with Harvey is this most recent ad, Paul Harvey had many messages for the American citizens he loved so much.  One such message, presented in 1965, is prescient today.

Take a listen:


Our country is in fact in peril.  The government is being run by individuals drunk on power, who are not honest brokers, who have little respect for the rule of law.  While many instances are small in significance, such as President Obama failing to present a budget in a timely manner or having the Senate fail to do so at all even though legally bound, the aggregate of these instances is significant.

Propaganda is rampant, as a complicit media is in fusion with an oppressive government allowing the political ruling class to enact laws without comprehending all the intended and unintended consequences.  Operating outside the Congress, with our government implementing the global transformation of wealth, inclusive of a reduction in liberty, and attacking the Constitution and religion, the government has flamed class warfare and has placed a record percentage of our citizens into dependency.

If I were the devil, and I wanted to rob the citzenry, who are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pusuit of Happiness, of their identity, I would be acting in concert with the actions of the progressive, ruling class leites that are running the country today.

Paul Harvey tried to wake America up.  Attributed to Davy Crockett but certainly spoken by Gerald Ford, "Remember that a government big enough to give you everything youwant is also big enough to take everything you have."

Don't think they won't, as history shows they will.  What say you?

Prime Time in the Canton Sky Line

The National Football League held its annual Hall of Fame Ceremony in Canton, Ohio last night, and among those inducted was Deion Sanders of Florida State University. It was nice to see former Seminole Defensive Coordinator Mickey Andrews in attendance. Sanders joins Fred Biletnikoff as the only Seminoles in the NFL HOF.

Without question, one of the most talented players I have ever seen, Deion was also known among those with a superior work ethic. Perhaps my favorite memory was on a rainy day up at Clemson, where prior to the world famous puntrooskie play, Deion stunned the home crowd returning a punt 76 yards for a touchdown.

Congratulations Deion! Great speech. Job well done!

Prime Time In The Daytime

Former Florida State All American Deion Sanders brings a youth group to Tallahassee to visit with some old friends, including Coach Bowden and Coach Andrews.



In all my years associated with college football, Sanders is probably the best player I have ever seen. Johnny Rodgers, Barry Sanders, Tommie Frazier and Charlie Ward are among the others.

Along with his career in the National Football League, Sanders also excelled in Major League Baseball. He is the only athlete to ever play in a World Series and the Super Bowl.