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.

Prime Time in the Canton Sky Line

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

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

Congratulations Deion! Great speech. Job well done!

Turmoil at Florida State

Gold has reached the highest level adjusted for inflation since 1983. The nations unemployment rate is the highest recorded since 1983. It has also been since 1983 that Florida State has had a losing record in football after five games, and it is creating quite a bit of turmoil.

The administration of Florida State has put in place a transition timetable by naming offensive Coach Jimbo Fisher as the head coach to take over after Coach Bowden retires. This will take place at some point no later than after the 2010 season.

It appears the transition is not working as well as planned, and the results of the team thus far in 2009 would indicate that. I am amazed this team has struggled so, particularly on offense, where the entire offensive line, the tight end and a superb quarterback returned. The fact remains, the Seminoles are 2-3 and that is unacceptable.

There are calls for the dismissal of legendary Coach Bobby Bowden, rumors of infighting among assistant coaches, tales of recruits running away and the sense of a general lack of leadership.

Discounting all media reports, the inconsistency of this team, and overall record, suggest things are not right. The heat is on Bobby Bowden, as many have called for his removal. Blog Tomahawk Nation has done a superb job of covering the entire situation, and I would encourage you to review their material on the subject.

According to them, and many others, Coach Chuck Amato, who returned to FSU after several years at NC State, has been at odds with Fisher since returning . When I was closer to the program back at my time there, Chuck Amato was someone I respected and thought very highly of. I recently met Jimbo Fisher and I was very impressed with him, although I remain unsure how successful he will be when he takes over FSU. At the end of the day, Fisher seems shackled and there seems to be too many chiefs on the coaching staff, which may be at the heart of why this team is struggling so.

There is a blackout being orchestrated on FACEBOOK in which many fans will be wearing black to show their displeasure of the job being done by Bobby Bowden. The group is approaching 5000 members. I checked out the group and noticed many of the participants appear to be students or younger alumni, which solidified my thoughts on the blackout: juvenile and disrespectful. Needless to say, I will be in Garnet and Gold Saturday night.

I do not think these younger fans have an appreciation for what Coach Bowden has meant to this University as it ascended from the doghouse to the penthouse. Coach Bowden used to drive the game tape of the Bobby Bowden show around the state to media outlets so they could run the show in an effort to promote FSU, prior to youtube or Ipods. In addition, he has represented our University with class and has been an unparalleled ambassador for FSU. Did I mention he is currently the second winningest coach of all time? I have tremendous respect for the man and am very grateful for his contribution to FSU and vehemently oppose any disrespect toward him, which would include the blackout.

However, we again go back to the record of the current team, which I deem unacceptable. Florida State has the nations longest streak of consecutive bowl games, and this streak is flat out in jeopardy. If these problems on the coaching staff do exist, I expect Coach Bowden to fix them immediately, with the understanding that Jimbo Fisher is the next Coach. Decisions regarding the staff in this regard should be made accordingly.

FSU President T. K. Whetherell released a statement today, which I completely agree with. Coach Bowden will remain at the helm throughout this season. Things will be evaluated, by both Bowden and the administration, after the season concludes. Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews has announced that this is his final year. I like the idea of Jimbo Fisher replacing departed coaches as going forward, this will ultimately be his team. If Coach Bowden is unable to accept this, then 2009 should be his final season. If Coach Bowden can accept this, I would like 2010 to be his last season, one which should be very successful on the field and could give the players, fans, and alumni an opportunity to send Coach Bowden off in proper, well deserved fashion, as we give way to a new era under Fisher of strength, skill and character.

It is always tough when an era as successful as Coach Bowden's comes to an end. I remember Richard Petty climbing out of his crumpled STP Pontiac at Atlanta Motor Speedway in November of 1992. These gentlemen are competitors, and legends, and it is not easy leaving the stage. For Bowden, it is no doubt tough to step down. After all, he is one of us, THE UNCONQUERED!

GO SEMINOLES!

DISCLOSURE: I HAVE BEEN AN FSU SEASON TICKET HOLDER AND SEMINOLE BOOSTERS MEMBER SINCE 1982.

Prime Time In The Daytime

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



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

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