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 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 2020 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

KEVIN SEITZER

With George Brett moving toward the end of his hall of fame playing career,the Kansas City Royals needed to interject some power in the lineup, finding it with rookie Kevin Seitzer in 1996. Seitzer immediately started slapping the ball around, taking a stab at the Royals record books on more than few occasions.

He was a fun player to watch, and I wish his tenure with the Royals lasted longer. Seitzer headed over to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1996.  Later, after his playing career ended, Kevin entered the coaching ranks, later even spending on the Royals staff.

I really enjoyed watching Kevin Seitzer play the game, with his strong hitting abilities and his contagious love for the game. I am pleased to welcome Kevin Seitzer to The Hall of BAHL.

LARRY CSONKA

In my childhood, the newly formed Miami Dolphins were great to have as your favorite team while becoming acquainted with the National Football League.  I was not alone here in Central Florida.  In the early seventies, under the guidance of Don Shula, the Dolphins became a powerful force, going to three consecutive Super Bowls, winning two of them, including the incredible "perfect season" in 1972. There were many heroes on those teams, but one that stands out was Larry Csonka.  A bruiser from Syracuse, the Dolphins had a strong and powerful inside runner from his fullback spot in Csonka, who teamed with Mercury Morris in the backfield.

Csonka represented the toughness the Dolphin teams were built on in those days, and was a player the team could always count on. Csonka is one of only three players to have their Dolphin jersey retired, and is a member of the National Football League Hall of Fame.

An avid hunter and fisher who in post football years has spent the majority of his time in Alaska, Larry Csonka has remained very tight to those tight knit teams of the Dolphin glory years, always attending events and celebrations. He is always among the first to celebrate each season when the last NFL team falls from the ranks of the unbeaten, and has always remained close with Coach Shula.

Miami Dolphin legend and NFL Hall of Famer Larry Csonka is a powerful addition to the Hall of BAHL.

NEIL BONNETT

The Hall of BAHL welcomes NASCAR legend Neil Bonnett to the 2020 class.

Bonnett was a charter member of the famed Alabama Gang of NASCAR racers from the Hueytown area. He was a really good guy, a friend to all within the garage area, and he was one the good ole boys I always pulled for. Late in his career, Bonnett piloted a Pontiac Grand Prix, and I loved the fleet of wide tracks.

After a very serious crash at Darlington in 1990, Bonnett stopped racing and joined the broadcast networks broadcasting the races. This is where many racing fans got to know Bonnett better, enjoying his folksy personality and very strong racing acumen.  Bonnett was a great ambassador of the sport in the booth.

Bonnett was best friends with Dale Earnhardt, and he iched to get back behind the wheel.  With the help of Earnhardt and Richard Childress, Bonnett got an opportunity to run at Talladega in a Childress prepared Chevrolet Lumina in 1993. With NASCAR nation watching, Bonnett was involved in a horrendous crash down the front stretch of the White Knuckle Highway, with Bonnett's Mom and Pop's Chevrolet going airborne landing in the catch fence. Bonnett was fine, and rejoined the booth to call the rest of the race.

James Finch offered a ride for the 1994 season in his Country Time Lemonade Chevrolet, a really good looking ride.  In a most unfortunate practice season event leading up to the 1994 Daytona 500, a mechanical failure got Bonnett loose and he crashed head on in wall up in turn 4, ending his life. This was a very sobering event and it was a difficult Speedweeks to be damn sure.

Neil Bonnett was a fan favorite, and he is greatly missed, and now a member of the Hall of BAHL.

LAVONTE DAVID

Lavonte David transferred into Nebraska after a community college stint after a stellar high school career at powerhouse State Champion Miami Northwestern, and impact on the Cornhuskers was immediate. During his two years with the Big Red, David was a tackling machine, a complete disaster for any offenses attacking the Husker Blackshirts.  No matter the opponent, David was a terror, causing fumbles and picking off passes to go with his team leading tackling numbers. "David started all 27 games he played in at Nebraska (2010–11), recording 285 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two interceptions, 12 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered. His 285 career tackles rank fourth in school history, and most by a two-year player" reports Huskers.com

Picking up right where he left off at Nebraska, David is a sideline to sideline player, capable of making big time plays all over the field. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected David in the second round of the NFL Draft in 2012, and given my movement to the Bucs becoming my favorite NFL team in recent years, this suited me just fine. David has been an All Pro player for Tampa Bay, a leader on the team from his linebacker position. Defensively, Lavonte David is one of my favorite all time Huskers and is without question my favorite current Buccaneer.

Lavonte has also been a wonderful addition to the Tampa community, often volunteering on behalf of health and fitness for children issues, which is close to his heart. A great guy and fabulous football player. we welcome former Blackshirt Lavonte David to the Hall of BAHL.

Sidelined By Irma

We have been sidelined without power since Hurricane Irma blew through Central Florida.

We had limited damage, thankfully, only without power for four days.

Some of our neighbors here in Central Florida were not so lucky.



In other parts of the Sunshine State, the damage has been far worse than what we ran up against here in the home of Mickey.

Pretty much everyone has been impacted in some way. UCF cancelled two home football games, Miami, Florida and Florida State each one and the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost a weekend,

But with no apologies to ESPN's racist host Jamelle Hill, we use football in these parts to escape.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, we have much more important things to deal with.

Please keep our Sunshine State friends and neighbors in your prayers, and don't forget about those tough Texans, still reeling from Hurricane Harvey.

Who On Earth Do You Think You Are?

"You have got to say what we know in the booth" ABC Sports Frank Gifford said to ABC Sports Howard Cosell during the ABC Monday Night Football telecast of the game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins from the famed Orange Bowl in Miami.

That was a different day for our millennial followers. It was through the words of the legendary Cosell that the greater majority of our nation learned the news.

The news broke the hearts of millions.

Ex-Beatle John Lennon had been tragically murdered in front of his apartment in the Dakota Building off Central Park in New York City.

It was 35 years ago. December 8, 1980.

For all those who fail to respect the rights of our citizens and think their individual problems are solved through violence, it is my great hope the karma for you is instant and swift.

Losing Legends

Frank Gifford was a legend in the NFL, a Hall of Fame player with the New York Giants and a longtime staple in the booth of ABC's Monday Night Football. Gifford still holds the record for the most touchdowns scored by a New York Giant.  In those years, Gifford was rivaled in the Big Apple by only New York Yankee Mickey Mantle.

By all accounts, Gifford was wonderful man who lived a storybook life in a game we all cherish.  But suddenly on Sunday, the nation learned Gifford died of natural causes at 84.

Gifford, who starred at Southern Cal before entering the NFL, had retired before I became a big fan of the game, but I was very familiar with him with his announcing career. Gifford was well known to many from his lovely wife, Kathie Lee, who rose to incredible fame due to her hosting, with Regis Philbin, of the daytime talk show Regis and Kathie Lee.

It was Gifford, in the ABC Monday Night Football booth with Howard Cosell, who pressed Cosell that they needed to convey to the country the horribly sad news that came their way via ABC News flash, the news that former Beatle John Lennon has been shot dead outside of his Manhattan apartment.

Prior to internet and in large measure cable television, it was how America learned of Lennon's death, which affected many of us deeply.  I saw and heard it live, for it was my Miami Dolphins in action hosting the New England Patriots on that evening, December 8, 1980, from Miami's Orange Bowl.

Gifford was a part of Americana, and the large impact he had on the American sporting landscape was invaluable and greatly appreciated.


We woke up this morning to learn that NASCAR legend Buddy Baker has passed away at 74.

It was shortly after the Coke Zero 500 when Baker, the 1980 Daytona 500 champion, announced he was stepping down from NASCAR broadcasts due to an inoperable tumor in his lung. Baker, at 6'6" and nicknamed the "Gentle Giant" due his stature coupled with friendly demeanor, will be greatly missed in the NASCAR community.

 

"Do not shed a tear. Give a smile when you say my name." Consider that done!

Sadly, we are starting to lose many of the legends we grew up with.  We need to keep their memories alive.

Rubio Rising

Marco Rubio
Photo/Getty Images

From the Freedom Tower in Miami, Florida Senator Marco Rubio on Monday announced he will enter the race to seek the republican nomination for president in 2016.

While Rubio possesses a boatload of the attributes most would consider presidential, most thought he would wait a few cycles to get in the race.  However, although the field is expected to be strong, inclusive of mentor Jeb Bush, Rubio concluded the time is now.

Having watched Marco Rubio rise in the Florida House, combined with his most compelling history and appreciation for the risk and reward component of free market capitalism, I strongly supported Rubio as he battled the unprincipled Charlie Crist to become my Senator from Florida.

While Rubio has most impressive in many ways during his senate tenure, his entrance in the immigration debate, an issue for which is recognized Rubio has great passion, joining with the gang of eight to arrive at a bill of compromise that seemingly violated the principles we entrusted him to protect.  I consider this Rubio's choice in this area of legislation one which Rubio will have to fight to overcome, but according to a report, Rubio may have reasoning that could be deemed somewhat credible.

Unlike Hillary Clinton, the presumed Democratic opponent, Rubio is a real person, a family man who embraces the history and traditions of America, from the Constitution to NFL football.  Rubio is a big fan of the Miami Dolphins, with his wife Jeanette a former cheerleader for the Fins.

Rubio should not be discounted. Although Jeb Bush is a very capable and smart guy, perhaps the best of the Bush family, America seems to want to stay out of the Bushes and due to progressive positions inclusive of but not limited to Common Core, conservatives are most weary of Bush as well.  Therefore, Rubio can not only win Florida from Bush, but also the nation.

It seems Rubio will have to beat Rand Paul, Ted Cruz and potentially Scott Walker for the nomination. On the campaign trail, few will be able to match Rubio with his youthful exuberance and passion, high level command of the Constitutional principles our governance should be adhering to and his extremely compelling personal story.  Add in his Cuban heritage, he has the chance to secure a large portion of the minority vote.

Contrary to media assessments and the propaganda released from the Democrats, the GOP is blessed to have three candidates in Cruz, Paul and Rubio to choose from.  I look forward to vigorous and respectful debate from this group, and other potential candidates who step forward, in the upcoming months.

Something In The Air

The college football season has been tremendous this year, from outstanding Color & Pageantry to fantastic finishes.  There have been several Hail Mary touchdowns to win games, notably Nebraska taking down Northwestern in Lincoln, but nothing can compare to the Prayers In Jordan Hare, where Auburn used a miraculous reception and extremely rare return of a missed field goal, of 108 yards mind you, to win back to back games in the rugged Southeastern Conference.

 

Not to be outdone, the National Football League games on week fourteen were the most dramatic ever, with longstanding records having been broken in rapid pace. 

Matt Prater, a UCF product kicking for the Denver Broncos, broke the record for the longest field goal in NFL history, a 64 yarder.  Tom Dempsey, who kicked with club foot, set the record, which has been equaled twice since, in 1973 with the New Orleans Saints.

Among the records were the most fourth quarter lead changes and the most total touchdowns on a single day.  In the final 2:05, five scores took place exchanging the lead before Baltimore edged Minnesota with :09 left.  Miami had not won in Pittsburgh in decades, but as underdogs did so on this day. 

Barely.

The Steelers, took a page from the Cal-Berkley in the Big Game of 1982 by successfully navigating a series of laterals to score the winning touchdown, only to learn the player to hit paydirt stepped out unforced at the thirteen yard line.  The Dolphins win.
 

Let it snow.

 

Several games were played in a winter wonderland.  The dream of most every youngster, to play the game in field of covered snow, was played out on HD screens around the world for all to see.

 

Impacted games included the Minnesota Vikings at the Baltimore Ravens, the Kansas City Chiefs at the Washington Redskins, the Atlanta Falcons at the Green Bay Packers and the Miami Dolphins, pictured below, at the Pittsburgh Steelers.

PHOTO/FinSider

Nothing can compare to the game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia as the Philadelphia Eagles hosted the Detroit Lions.  The conditions during the game were incredible, a wild whiteout.

PHOTO/Fansided.com

 

PHOTO/CTVNEWS.COM

 

PHOTO/EONLINE

Having followed both the collegiate game (my favorite) and The National Football League from my earliest memory some 45 seasons ago, I cannot remember searching for the pigskin in such a winter wonderland.  The whiteout got the attention of the nation, deservedly having been the topic of conversation at public schools and water coolers across the fruited plain.

Sadly, the global warming enthusiasts, who failed to find themselves in front of HD television, or for heaven sakes, in the stands of one of these contests.  In fact, on the day following the snowstorms, the administration held it first annual White House Task Force on Climate Preparedness.

As reported on Jim Hoft's Gateway Pundit, "The task force was established to advise the Obama administration “on how the Federal Government can respond to the needs of communities nationwide that are dealing with the impacts of climate change,”

Perhaps they discussed sending some snow plows down to Dallas, who was blanketed over the weekend with ice and frigid temperatures.

Additionally, former Clinton chief of staff John Podesta, who was co founder of The Center for American Progress, has been brought in to help retrieve the sinking second term of President Obama.  Podesta will be tasked to help save Obamacare, which has turned into a catastrophe, and to, according to The Washington Post, "be broad and include climate change issues and executive actions."

The description by the Post is most troubling for those of us who see the real directive behind the actions take by our president.  Among those sounding an alarm is Rush Limbaugh, who nailed it in describing the objective of shredding the Constitution.

As such, it is important to note that global warming, or the newly defined global climate change, is not about weather.  These people have no idea if it is going to rain next Tuesday in their own back yard.  It is about governmental control, the transfer of wealth, and limitations on real property, restricting property rights under the global premise of social justice.

If it was about weather, we all could conclude given the NFL frolicking around in a winter wonderland over the weekend that the earth is not warming.  Certainly, the those pushing climate change regulatory action know it as well.

This weekend, there was something in the air.  In more ways then one.

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.

Futuristic Football

The Omaha World Herald reports today that during a game next fall, Nebraska will wear a Adidas designed futuristic uniform, including a helmet variation. Traditionalist that I am, I am very much against Nebraska changing their helmet, and it is hard to imagine Dr. Tom Osborne signing off on this.

But, this is all the rage, and over at Lost Letterman, they recently previewed several new helmet designs by a gentleman named Charles Sollars. He is not only working on NCAA helmets, but the NFL as well. BroBible has more.

Some teams have great helmets, and among them are my Florida State Seminoles and Miami Dolphins. But some teams could use a makeover, and some of these designs are very cool.

Whoa Nelly, did I like the designs for Arkansas, Kansas, Illinois and the Tampa bay Buccaneers.





















Others I liked were Iowa State, Indiana, LSU and Miami.






















A few seasons ago, NIKE changed the Florida State uniforms for a game with Maryland. They uniforms were not bad, but did not come close to our normal uniforms, complete with our award winning helmet, named the best in college football. Pictured below is the helmet used in the aforementioned game, and a Sollars concept. These are not bad, but I say no thanks. Fear the Spear!











Nebraska has uniforms that are conservative and traditional, just the way I like it. Below are two designs of alternate helmets, both of which I am against.











Sollars has many designs available for preview on You Tube, and he offers a full compliment of Nebraska options below. Go there and search for your favorite team after you preview the 'Huskers.





There were several designs I did not care for, and again sticking with tradition, the new designs for the Red River Rivalry I thought were disappointing.











All in all, this is great fun as we finish up spring and get ready for the color and pageantry of fall, which will be here before you know it!

Preserve the Dolphin history

In honor of the 1972 Miami Dophins, like most of the country, I will be hoping and praying the New York football Giants can defeat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl XLII.

It seems fitting to think of Larry Csonka on this day, since during his NFL career he played for two teams; the Fins and the Giants.

For all us Dolphins out there, Go Giants!