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 2023 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below: 

BO JACKSON

There may have never been an athlete with the skills possessed by Bo Jackson, a two sport superstar who was eventually sidelined from a devastating on the field injury. But the mark left by Jackson on both the gridiron and the diamond will spawn tales for decades forth. 

I am no Auburn Tiger fan, but I did appreciate his place in college football while on the plains. With Jackson, the Tigers ended a long losing streak to Alabama in the Iron Bowl, and he sent shockwaves around the country in winning the 1985 Heisman Trophy. 

In the college game, I saw Jackson play live four times. The first opportunity came when he was a freshman, and he scored the only touchdown as Nebraska routed the Tigers on the plains 41-7. I was at the 1982 Tangerine Bowl in Orlando to see Jackson and Auburn beat Doug Flutie and Boston College 33-26. Three Florida State losses I also witnessed with Jackson and Tigers, a 42-41 barn burner in Tallahassee, a close 27-24 Tiger comeback and a 59-27 late Tiger blowout, both on the plains. Jackson killed my Seminoles in that 1985 game, with a couple of long touchdown runs. 

Of course, Bo knows the NFL as well, as Jackson played for the LA Raiders from 1987 until his injury in 1990. I am certainly not a member of Raider Nation, but boy was he gifted and fun to watch. I watched live on Monday Night along with much of the nation as he taught a lesson to Seattle and former OU standout linebacker Brian Bosworth. 

Where I really became a personal fan of Bo was during his Major League Baseball career, which began as a member of my beloved Kansas City Royals. Bo got offended by the Tampa Bay Buccaneer leadership, so rather than being the first pick in the NFL Draft and being a Buc, he went full MLB. What fun! 

At the time, Kansas City spent spring training in Baseball City, just 30 minutes (at the time) south of Orlando. We went to 75% of the games down there, and it was just a thrill to interact with Bo and all the Royals, inclusive of inaugural Hall of BAHL entrant George Brett. At Baseball City, they had a replica crown out in center field. Bo blasted one over that one time, and we really have no idea where that smash landed. 

Jackson starred with the Royals from 1986 to 1990, but the football injury played a role in his departure from Kansas City. After his time with the Royals, Jackson did continue his MLB career, most notably with the Chicago White Sox. Bo Jackson was perhaps the best athlete I have ever seen, especially in person. He is a superstar, and I am thrilled to welcome Bo to The Hall of BAHL. 

IRVING FRYAR

As a young, Nebraska Football was what is all about, and in 1983, the Huskers were set to roll with the Scoring Explosion, a group of skill position players seemingly not rival in the nation. There was superstar option quarterback Turner Gill, Heisman Trophy running back Mike Rozier, and All America wide receiver Irving Fryar. With a defense that was not dominant, the Huskers fell short of winning the National Championship against Miami in a humid night in Miami’s Orange Bowl (I was there). But Fryar, know as “The Fly Man,” was sensational as a Husker, earning consensus All America honors as a senior, but he did have a meaningful drop on a perfectly throw touchdown pass in that game that has been cemented for the wrong reasons in Husker lore. I always loved his game, and he was a personable dude as well so I always appreciated The Fly Man. The display he put on at Minnesota was one for ages! As Pete Najarian!

Fryar went on to be the first player selected in the NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Fryar was a strong player, but he had several off the field missteps, which were well documented in the media. Fryar not only flashed on the field, but there was that smile! Well, he seemingly wore out his welcome with the Patriots but then he moved to the Miami Dolphins where we was excellent. He then went to the Eagles for some other extremely productive season before closing his career out with the Washington Redskins. 

Fryar made 5 Pro Bowls, and ranks high in NFL history in several categories, including touchdowns and total yards. Fryar was the first player to record a touchdown catch in 17 consecutive seasons and is the oldest player to have four touchdown catches in a game. 

Fryar’s problems with the law have sadly continued after his playing days, including serving a prison sentence after being convicted, along with his mother, for mortgage fraud. This has been a lifetime issue, and had Fryar stayed out of trouble quite likely would be wearing a gold jacket. It seems under it all Fryar is a good dude, but he can’t seem to elude trouble. 

Eluding defenders is something he excelled at on the gridiron, and I am always cheering him on. Wish he would turn up in Lincoln from time to time, where he could find support to hit it straight and narrow with his extended Husker family. The troubles are not optimal, but I have always been a fan I welcome Fryar to The Hall of BAHL.

Photos: USPRESSWIRE, Twitter, Ebay,

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.  However, due to a scheduling conflict, the class announcement for 2019 is posted today.

The inductees for the 2019 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

REX BURKHEAD

The pride of Plano, Rex Burkhead, exhibiting all the traits that embody success on and off the field, is by far one of my favorite Cornhuskers of all time.

Not the biggest, strongest or fastest among the running back stable, Burkhead excelled at each facet of the game, and behind a solid principled work ethic, Burkhead became the go to guy, securing many wins for the Big Red with his outstanding performances.

I was fortunate to have chance to see Rex play in person a couple of times, both in Capital One Bowl appearances in beautiful downtown Orlando.

After Nebraska, Burkhead has continued his career in the NFL. After a run with the Cincinnati Bengals, Burkhead has found a home with the New England Patriots, fitting in nicely in the platoon of backs coach Bill Belchick utilizes. The opportunity with the Patriots has allowed Burkhead to play in a couple of Super Bowls, coming out victorious in his latest appearance gaining a coveted Super Bowl ring.

Off the gridiron, Rex Burkhead is a champion in another arena; his charitable efforts through the Team Jack Foundation, who cite "Rex’s unending support has been a beacon of hope for children suffering from brain tumors. Even though Rex has graduated to the NFL, he continues to carry the ball for the leading cancer cause of death in children."

Burkhead, still fighting for the foundation, recently held a fundraiser in his home town of Plano.

Rex Burkhead, a stellar performer on and off the field and a genuinely good guy, is representative of the type individual we have always been big fans of. We are pleased to welcome Rex Burkhead to The Hall of BAHL.

LEONARD HAMILTON

While Florida State basketball has had some shining moments throughout the years, the program has found a perfect balance of success on and off the court under the leadership of coach Leonard Hamilton.  Coach Ham has been steadfast in his tenants in the principles he adheres to in running his program.  The level of play has been consistently in ascension while developing young me to become better players and citizens.

Hamilton is the school's all-time winningest coach, and has led FSU to countless NCAA tourney appearances, several Sweet 16's even reaching the Elite 8 on occasion.  His players are annually reaching the NBA, with several thriving. More importantly, these men, having been under Hamilton's direction, are successful in life.  Jonathan Issac of the Orlando Magic is a great example.

Florida State fans often joke that Hamilton never smiles, and yes, he is laid back but he is very serious about his business. His teams reflect that; utilizing discipline, toughness and strong defense.

Hamilton is s strong Christian gentleman, with an affinity for gospel music.

“I grew up in the church. That was kind of a way of life for us. Sunday school, BTU, vacation bible school, choir practice, Easter programs, Christmas programs, Easter egg hunts, all those things were part of who we were and what I’ve become as an individual. So the church has always been a very important part of my life. Going to church and worshipping has been a very important part of my life. “I remember even as a youngster going every Sunday night with my grandmother to a different church in town. So I kind of grew up with that. I enjoy it. It’s part of who I am. I enjoy it.”

We have always appreciated Leonard Hamilton, who has led the Florida State basketball program with class, raising the level of play to a consistently strong level. We welcome Leonard Hamilton to the Hall of BAHL.

BOB GRIESE

As a youngster growing up, I was a huge Miami Dolphin fan, a period of time in which the Dolphins annual Super Bowl contenders.

The quarterback on those teams was Bob Griese.

Greise was a strong field general for the Fins, leading Miami to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Unfortunately, Griese has broken his leg and was unavailable when Miami defeated the Washington Redskins to cap the Perfect Season.

Griese, the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1971, has been elected to both the College Football Hall of Fame and NFL Hall of Fame.















After his playing career, Griese ended up teaming with the great Keith Jackson at ABC broadcasting the college football game of the week. Griese provided excellent analysis, and the duo was strongly appreciated among college football fans across the nation.

Additionally, Griese has seemingly always done Miami Dolphin preseason football games and since 2011, has been an official member of the radio team broadcasting Dolphin games.













Griese has always been a Miami Dolphin, helping the team in anyway possible throughout the years since his playing days ended.  A competitive spirit, Griese always conducted himself is a classy way.

Bob Griese was a central figure in the early days as I became a fan of the National Football League. He was stellar in leading my Miami Dolphins to those early 1970's Super Bowls, and I have always been a fan. It is with great pleasure Bob Griese we welcome Bob Griese to The Hall of BAHL.

DARRELL WALTRIP

I was not really a big Darrell Waltrip fan when he came on the scene in the Winston Cup Series. Waltrip was brash and cocky, but I always respected him because he backed it up with wins.

Waltrip was one of the best, and it certainly was neat to see him finally get a Daytona 500 win.  With too many awards to note, and 84 wins recorded placing him in the top five in wins all time, Waltrip was a three time Cup Series champion.

After retiring after the 2000 season, Waltrip joined the newly formed FOX Sports NASCAR broadcast team as lead analyst along with Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds. The first broadcast of this crew was the 2001 Daytona 500, a race filled with joy as his younger brother Michael won the race and with extreme sadness with the last lap wreck that claimed the life of his longtime friend Dale Earnhardt. In watching the broadcast, Waltrip seemed to know the severity of the situation in turn four before most others did; it was written all over his face.  For DW, in the blink of an eye, it was the best of times and the worst of times.













Waltrip was a champion in the booth. He was as knowledgeable as it gets about all aspects of racing, a wonderful ambassador of the sport and a great friend and colleague to the drivers, race teams and broadcast partners.  Additionally, DW was a favorite of the legions of fans of the sport.

Darrell spent almost 20 seasons with us before retiring from the broadcast team after the last 2019 FOX broadcast.

I am sure we can still call on DW for NASCAR perspective when needed, but after giving 50 years to the sport we all love, he is going to spend some well deserved time with his grandchildren.  Boogity, Boogity Boogity are we fired up to welcome Darrell Waltrip to the Hall of BAHL!

DAVE RIMINGTON

The Pipeline. Although there had been outstanding offensive lineman on previous Husker teams, for a couple of decades beginning in the late seventies, the unit became know as the Pipeline as several players earned All America honors, with many winning the Outland and/or Lombardi Trophies.

This seemingly started with center Dave Rimington of Omaha.

Rimington was stellar, a consensus first team All America player in 1981 and 1982, wining a pair of Outland Trophy and a Lombardi Trophy. In 1997, Rimington was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame and was named to the Walter Camp All Century Team.

In the NFL, Rimington played from 1983 to 1989, mostly with the Cincinnati Bengals.  During his tenure with the Bengals, Rimington became close to his quarterback Boomer Esiason, joining Boomer to work his foundation, the Boomer Esiason Foundation, in the fight against cystic fibrosis.


Since 2000, the award given for the nations top center is the Rimington Trophy, named in his honor.

Dave Rimington is a true Cornhusker. He has stayed close to his former coaches and remains close to the program. After a change was made at the position of Athletic Director in 2017, Rimington came home to serve Nebraska in that capacity on an interim basis.

Husker nation loves Dave Rimington, who set the foundation for the beloved Nebraska pipeline. His contagious smile is always a welcomed sight on the sidelines at Memorial Stadium.

I always remember Rimington setting up at center and firing off the ball, paving the way for the most prolific offense of the day to run roughshod. Ole #50. Displaying leadership, character and tenacity, on and off the field, ever since he became a Husker, we welcome the blueprint of the center position, Dave Rimington, to The Hall of BAHL.

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 2017 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

TREV ALBERTS


Trev Alberts came to Nebraska from Cedar Rapids, IA to play football for the Cornhuskers.

Alberts became an All-American at defensive end for the 'Huskers, winning the Butkus Award for the nation's top linebacker in 1993.

In perhaps his top performance for the Big Red, Alberts, playing with an injured elbow, had three sacks of Florida State Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Charlie Ward in the Orange Bowl, a game I attended (somewhat in turmoil given my heartfelt allegiance to both Universities).

Alberts went on to be the sixth pick in the NFL Draft, selected by the Indianapolis Colts.  Although he played three season, that arm injury lingered and Alberts never quite materialized to be the NFL player many hope he would become.

No worries; Alberts was a consensus Academic All American, earning an NCAA Top Six Award.















After football, Alberts turned up working at CNN/SI as a college football analyst. In 2002, ESPN hired Alberts and he became part of top analyst team. Alberts often argued with co-host Mark May, and while the fans enjoyed it, it became too heavy for ESPN and Alberts was let go in 2005.

Now, Trev Alberts is Athletic Director at The University of Nebraska-Omaha.  The Mavericks athletic program has been making great strides under the leadership of Alberts, who just may find himself back in Lincoln performing that duty at a late date.

While Florida State was in New Orleans waiting to play Virginia Tech for the National Championship in New Orleans, we ran into Alberts, who was in town covering the game for CNN. Before being called away late in the game to do a Sugar Bowl preview, Alberts joined our group to watch Nebraska bury Tennessee in the Fiesta Bowl.

We really enjoyed that experience, loved Albert as a Husker and welcome him as a 2017 inductee to the Hall of BAHL

MIKE MARTIN

Ole #11

That is how Mike Martin, who has been manager of FSU Baseball since 1978, likes to be referred to as.

Martin took over for Dick Howser, who left to manage the New York Yankees and later managed the Kansas City Royals to a World Series championship in 1985.


Florida State under Martin has had tremendous success, and leading the Seminoles to 38 consecutive regional tournament appearances and 16 trips to the College World Series, winning at least 40 games for the 38th consecutive seasons. That is some resume.

Only a championship could top of Martin's career, which includes playing in the College World Series for the Seminoles. Yes, Martin has always been a Seminole.

Beyond his coaching attributes, Martin is a complete class act.  He has warmed the hearts of fans talking baseball across the nation at Seminole Booster events, and I have had many an occasion to visit with him, as pictured above some years back.

Eleven is among the most beloved figures in Florida State history, nothing would be nicer to than for the Seminoles to win the College World Series in 2017. They are one of eight going to Omaha!

Florida State baseball's Mike Martin joins the Hall of BAHL

ERIC HOSMER

When we arrived at Tropicana Field in St. Pete to watch our Kansas City Royals take on the home Tampa Bay Rays, we had no idea what the day would hold.

While watching the Royals take batting practice, just off the dugout, rising Royal Eric Hosmer tossed a ball to my daughter, and life has not been quite the same. From that moment, our family have been huge Eric Hosmer fans.

Whether we have watched at The K in Kansas City or over at the Trop, we have always cheered on theReal305, who happens to be a fellow Floridian.  He has not disappointed either, always smiling and waving to us, and knocking some home runs along the way.

Hosmer has become one of the premier players in the league, earning All Star honors and winning a truck last year of the MVP of the game. Hosmer played an integral role helping Kansas City to back to back World Series, with the Royals winning the 2015 title.  Forever Royal!

Consideration was given to wait another year to induct Eric, as he is a free agent and may not re-sign with Kansas City. The Royals desperately want to keep him, as he is not only an All Star player and a team leader, but has gained favor in the greater Kansas City community for his charitable activities.

Hosmer was Raised Royal, and I certainly hope the Royals can find a way to keep hin Kansas City.

However, we are great fans of Eric will support him in all future endeavors as he has given us plenty of Royal Roar and smiles along the way. Here's hoping one of our all time favorites, Eric Hosmer, stays Forever Royal as he is welcomed as a 2017 inductee into the Hall of BAHL


JEFF GORDON

Jeff Gordon, The Wonder Boy, was a California kid who entered NASCAR just as Richard Petty retired and took the sport by storm, becoming a four time champion driving for the famed Rick Hendrick stable of Chevrolet's.

Jeff Gordon's Hendrick Racing Chevy SS

Gordon, who was hated by the fans of rival Dale Earnhardt, earned the respect of the garage area and his fellow drivers, by not only winning races, but by carrying himself in sportsmanship and humility.

If fact, him and Earnhardt became quite good friends, even engaging in some avenues of business together.

Jeff Gordon is third all time in wins, with 93, trailing only David Pearson and the King, Richard Petty.

While Gordon was not my favorite out there, it always seemed he was my second favorite.  My wife and I got the experience of a lifetime watching live in person Gordon winning the 2005 Daytona 500.

Gordon retired, only to be called back to substitute for an injured Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in 2016. But Gordon seems officially out now, having settled in to a new career, doing an outstanding job as an analyst joining Mike Joy and famed drive Darrell Waltrip in the booth for NASCAR coverage for FOX Sports.

Jeff Gordon becomes the fourth NASCAR drive to become a member of the Hall of BAHL.

KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR

As a young boy, when I first became aware of NBA basketball, I became a fan of the Milwaukee Bucks. Maybe it was the red and green uniforms, but more likely, it was the players on the team. There was the famed Big O, Oscar Robertson, and Bobby Dandridge along with two UCLA guys, guard Lucious Allen and center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.













Almost immediately after I became a fan, Allen and Jabbar went to join the Los Angeles Lakers. I went along with them.

Abdul-Jabbar, formerly Lew Alcindor, was a towering figure, both figuratively and literally, within the game. Kareem, known as The Captain for the Lakers, had developed his own unstoppable shot; the sky hook. Jabbar could probably make a living in the league to this day with that shot!

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will without question always be one of the greatest basketball players of all time, a mellow individual who was a fierce competitor who embraced discipline and commitment.

Abdul-Jabbar is also a noted author and an outspoken individual off the court, who more often than not seems to approach topics with thoughtfulness and respect.  I am rarely in agreement with Kareem on the issues of the day, but I do respect him as an individual and appreciate the greatness he exhibited on the hardwood.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Captain, is now a member of the Hall of BAHL.

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.