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!

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 announce 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 2012 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

LEE TREVINO



Although I no longer closely follow the PGA Tour, when I was a kid I watched tournaments frequently with my Grandmother. While I respected the strong group of competitors back in the day, including Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, my favorite was Lee Trevino.

During this time, the tour stop in Orlando was the Florida Citrus Open, held at Rio Pinar Country Club. My Grandparents were members and I attended the tournaments, collecting autographs and taking in the show as a gallery member. It was great fun.

My Grandmother worked the tournament, and that gave her, with me right by her side, close access to Trevino when he won the Florida Citrus Open in 1975. “You can make a lot of money in this game. Just ask my ex-wives. Both of them are so rich that neither of their husbands work" fired Trevino.” Trevino was always a character on the course, cracking jokes and engaging the gallery.

To this day, while my skills on the links are fair at best, I do possess a quick tight swing patterned after the Merry Mex. “There are two things that won’t last long in this world, and that’s dogs chasing cars and pros putting for pars” is one of many of Trevino's lines. Trevino was one of the most successful of the day, but that came at a cost. “You can make a lot of money in this game. Just ask my ex-wives. Both of them are so rich that neither of their husbands work.” I have great memories of following Trevino back in the day, and he is well deserving of an early induction into of BAHL's Hall of Fame.

BOB DEVANEY

Few things meant more to me as a child than the success of the University of Nebraska football team, and the man who is considered the architect of the modern era Nebraska success was former Head Coach and Athletic Director Bob Devaney.  Devaney, a Michigan native who came over from Wyoming to coach the Big Red in 1962, lead Nebraska to their first National Title, winning back to back in 1970-71.

Devaney, who retired as coach and placed Tom Osborne as head coach in 1973, helped Nebraska become one of the most dominant teams on the field, and engineered the traditions associated with the program, inclusive of the nations longest sellout streak and the nations most Academic All America players. It was Devaney who set foundation for much of the success the Cornhuskers enjoy today.

Through my Grandmothers association with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Lincoln, I had occasion to meet Coach Devaney several times as a child, and enjoyed visiting with him over at Mistys Steakhouse as a student when Florida State played at Lincoln in 1985. Devaney, for whom the current basketball arena is named, was a man about town and someone all Husker fans cherish, without question worthy as an early BAHL's Hall inductee. Go Big Red!

DON SHULA

Becoming a fan of the National Football League as a youngster in Central Florida, the only game in town was the newly formed Miami Dolphins, coached by Don Shula. The Dolphins came into existence in 1966, with Shula taking over in 1970.

Under Shula, the Dolphins quickly became a powerhouse, reaching three consecutive Super Bowls in 1971, 1972 and 1973, winning back to back titles in 72-73 and scoring the only perfect season in NFL history in 1972. Shula put together solid teams in these days, with a powerful running attack behind quarterback Bob Greise and a stellar defensive unit of no-name players who dominated. These were indeed great times for the Dolphins and their fans.

Shula, a stern competitor but consummate gentleman, kept the Dolphins strong in the post Super Bowl seasons, adjusting philosophies where appropriate. Trick plays and the emergence of the Killer Bees, as the defense was had several players whose last name began with the letter B. Those old days of confetti swirling in the Orange Bowl are classic moments. Miami reached the top levels of the game under Shula behind quarterback Dan Marino, losing the Super Bowl in 1984. Marino was among the best ever, but the lack of a quality running game and defensive lapses always upended Dolphin playoff runs.

Shula was practically ran out of town 1995, something that does not sit well for me to this day, particularly considering University of Miami coach Jimmy Johnson was named to replace him. Don Shula is one of the greats, and in his post football life has been a wonderful corporate citizen, owning a restaurant chain of steakhouse and being a catalyst for many philanthropic endeavors. Shula, given his time as a player and reaching the top of the game as a coach, was very appropriately elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 1997 and is welcomed as an early inductee to The Hall of BAHL.

EARVIN "MAGIC" JOHNSON

In what has to be considered the glory days of the National Basketball Association, the classic battle had the Los Angeles Lakers, with Magic Johnson, battling the Boston Celtics and Larry Bird. Having no home team, I had become a Laker fan, following Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Lucius Allen over from the Milwaukee Bucks in 1975.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, fresh off a National Championship at Michgan State, was selected as the first pick of the 1979 NBA draft by the Lakers, which signaled the birth of Showtime in Tinseltown as the Lakers. With the 6'9" Johnson running point in never before seen precision, couples with infectious smile,the Lakers changed the game with their fast break offense. It was Showtime!

Although the Lakers had a very strong cast, including Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA all time scoring leader, and North Carolina superstar James Worthy, it was Magic that lead the way. Beyond being one of the best all time players, it was Johnson's personality that really pushed him to become such an endearing figure, both on and off the court. Unfortunately, Magic contracted the AIDS virus through unprotected sex.

"The Announcement", that he had to retire from the game, was a significant event in American history, as at the time AIDS was thought to be a death sentence.  Magic stood very tall staring in the face of this adversity, or perhaps death, no doubt about it.  We all had a lot to learn at that time, and I somehow think Magic may have been hand picked to lead the fight with his winning attitude and that wonderful smile. ESPN's outstanding 30 for 30 has a great show on "The Announcement".

Magic came back to play some, and won the MVP of the NBA All Star game here in Orlando in 1992 behind an awesome shooting performance. Magic is doing just fine physically these and is thriving in the business community. Johnson runs Magic Johnson Enterprises, which helps business development in inner city communities and houses the Magic Johnson Foundation, which helps combat HIV.

Although Johnson is active in Democratic politics, we cannot hold that against him because he was among the greatest athletes ever to play the sports we love, had a great attitude and competitive spirit and had a bunch of fun performing Showtime.  I had fun watching it, admire Johnson, and welcome him as an inductee into The Hall of BAHL.

DAN MARINO

Although the Miami Dolphins continued as among the winningest NFL teams following the Super Bowl years, the Dolphins were searching to recapture their dominance. With the 27th pick in the 1983 NFL draft, Miami selected Pitt Panther quarterback Dan Marino, and life in south Florida would never be same. Not only did the Dolphins hit paydirt, so did the south Florida community as Marino became a beloved figure on and off the gridiron.

Marino showed flashes while at Pitt, leading the Panthers to Cotton and Sugar Bowl appearances. In fact, I got a chance to see Marino live as Pitt visited Florida State in Tallahassee in 1982. Once a Dolphin, history under Marino immediately began being written. Marino devastated opponents with his pinpoint accuracy and arm strength, leading Miami to the 1984 Super Bowl by throwing an NFL record 48 touchdown passes and with over 5000 yards passing. Marino was brilliant most of his career, but the lack of a solid running game and defensive lapses derailed the Dolphin playoff runs throughout the remainder of Marino's career.

I only saw Marino play live twice as a Dolphin, but my second opportunity was stellar as Marino and the Fins hosted Joe Montana and the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC Playoff game on December 31, 1994. The Dolphins won 27-17, but witnessing two Hall of Fame signal callers go at it is a cherished memory. Marino retired after the 1999 season, as the Dolphins imploded with a 62-7 playoff loss at Jacksonville. Although Dangerous Dan's legs were shaky, his arm was not and he could have easily played a few more seasons.

Unfortunately, the Dolphins have not been the same since Marino was half sort of shoved out. When they showed Marino the door, it deepened my wounds from Shula's exit, and I came to become a Buccaneer fan also after a lifetime of pulling for the Fins. Marino continues to excel out of football, having a short stint as a NASCAR team owner, and NFL analyst for CBS Sports and effort in philanthropy as founder of the Dan Marino Foundation for Autism. Marino, unfortunately like many other athletes, has an Autistic child.

Dan Marino had the strongest arm of any quarterback I have seen, and had a stellar career for my beloved Miami Dolphins. Marino, elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 2005, the best player in Dolphin history, is a very worthy inductee to The Hall of BAHL.