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 2018 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:


SCOTT FROST

An elite athlete out of Wood River, Nebraska, it was assumed that highly touted signal caller Scott Frost would, like many in the home state that worships it's state University football program, sign to play football at The University of Nebraska.

Frost signed with Stanford to play safety for brilliant coach Bill Walsh. You see, Frost has a plan for reaching success, doing it his way.

Nebraska coach Tom Osborne had kept in touch with Frost (Osborne knew his parents, both former athletes at Nebraska) and after two season, Frost returned home to play, quarterback, for the Cornhuskers.

Frost was not exactly welcomed back the team members, but he won them over with a work ethic and commitment to teamwork. Eventually, Frost won the starting job, but quickly came under extreme criticism after a shutout loss at Arizona State. Frost had a plan.

Under the direction of Frost at signal caller, Nebraska would win the National Championship with an undefeated season culminating with an Orange Bowl Victory over Tennessee. As it turned out, this would be the last game Tom Osborne would coach at Nebraska.  I was thankful to be there to witness it all.

Frost spent some time in the NFL playing safety, even playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After his playing days ended (he looks like he could play today), Frost entered the coaching ranks; a sponge under some of the most brilliant minds in coaching.

Frost was having great success under Chip Kelly at Oregon, eventually moving to offensive coordinator after Kelly moved on. From that spot, athletic director Danny White hired as head coach at UCF, who had just suffered through a winless campaign. The Knights were 6-6 in year one, but incredibly went undefeated in year two, dumping Auburn in the Peach Bowl and laying claim (why not?) to the National Title.

Meanwhile, the beloved Cornhuskers had hit rock bottom, going 4-8 with battering losses along the way.
Frost was loved by all in Orlando with the Knights, and while it had great appeal to continue what he had started there, the Big Red came calling and Frost did exactly what we all hoped; he came home.

In the summer before the 2018 season, Frost invited Tom Osborne down to speak to his football team at UCF, which included a speaking gathering I attended.  I had an opportunity to meet Frost, and in speaking with him immediately got the sense that he possessed the "it" factor.  Nice, measured and intelligent, it was apparent then and was when Husker AD Bill Moos inquired, that without question Frost checks very box.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, in Husker Nation is over the moon Frost is heading the Big Red, hoping he can recapture the success and pride that had always surrounded the Nebraska football program. One man is not the answer, but Frost will, and has, surrounded himself with a team that operates from the same page.

I have always cheered Scott Frost, and appreciated his ascension to achieving the goals he set for himself.
Now directing Nebraska, I have no doubt he will utilize the tools and skill that have helped him throughout his career to restore the order of Nebraska football, which will make all of us in Husker Nation, and his mentor in Coach Osborne, quite proud of our native Son.

The HALL of BAHL welcomes Scott Frost to the 2018 class!  #GBR


DALE EARNHARDT JR

Dale Eanrhardt Jr. could have taken a different path, most certainly in the horrific aftermath of his father Dale Earnhardt's fatal crash in turn 4 at Daytona International Speedway in February of 2001.

Junior had always been at his fathers side, and by the time of the death of Dale Sr., Junior was already making a name for himself on, and perhaps much more importantly, off the track.

The NASCAR faithful were going to like and admire Junior anyway, but the love and affection for his dad swamped him. While this was positive, it also came with a tremendous amount of pressure. With the help of many, but more on his own back, Junior handled it all like the champion he is.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has married, and has now retired and become a father himself with his lovely wife Amy. Dale Jr. won a lot of races, many significant ones at Daytona, but he never won a NASCAR championship. But don't get it twisted, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a champion, on the track and in life.

While Dale Earnhardt Jr. was never my "favorite" driver, he was always someone I pulled for when the cut the good ole boys loose. Junior, like his father, always piloted a Chevrolet, retiring in the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet SS, which as the owner of an SS just shifts my gears!

We won't lose track of Junior in retirement, as he has inked a deal with NBC Sports to analyze races for their portion of the race coverage.  We will appreciate hearing Junior's thoughts on what is going on out there on track where our heroes race for the checkered flag.

Dale Earnhardt Jr could have been a jerk, a legacy guy who banked on his fathers success. Dale Jr., certainly in part to his upbringing, chose a different path, one that included competitiveness with kindness, the drive to win with knowing how to employ sportsmanship in losing, and more importantly, helping others.

This is the exact kind of individual who should line the halls of Halls of Fame. And in 2018, we will welcome Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to do exactly that in the Hall of BAHL!


TURNER GILL

The Scoring Explosion! These were exciting times, the early eighties, for Nebraska football.

An offense which unleashed a barrage of points on opponents, ignited by an explosive rushing attack led by option wizard quarterback Turner Gill. During his career at Nebraska, Gill was 28-2.  Under his direction, the 'Huskers played for the National Title in The Orange Bowl twice, losing to Clemson 22-15 in 1981 and 31-30 to Miami in 1983. Gill turned an ankle against Clemson, which, according to coach Tom Osborne, really hurt Nebraska offensive with Gill out. An undefeated Nebraska team fell at Miami, with a two point conversion pass from Gill batted down.

I was in attendance for both of these contests, and while the outcomes were not what we had hoped for, we always stood in good company with Turner Gill.

With his eligibility expired, having suffered from concussions and not the prototype NFL signal caller, Gill, who was also a fantastic baseball player, went on to play minor league ball with the Cleveland Indians.

But Gill returned to Nebraska to become a coach under Coach Osborne, and remained on staff from 1992-2004. Gill then became coach of The University of Buffalo, having great success, which propelled him to getting the job at Kansas. That did not go well, and Gill was let go. Landing on his feet, Gill became head coach at Liberty University, where he continues today.

Given Gill's strong commitment to his Christian faith, Liberty is a fantastic place for him to influence young men, both on and off the field.

Turner Gill was a special player, and watching him run the Nebraska offense was a sight to behold. But Gill is a better man, and he has been easy to cheer for throughout his life.

Gill is a 'Husker, and he will always be remembered with great fondness by the Cornhusker faithful. We are honored to induct form Nebraska standout quarterback Turner Gill to the Hall of BAHL.


ODELL HAGGINS 

I recall while I was at Florida State, a young mild mannered new recruit arrived from Bartow. Indeed, the arrival of Odell Haggins on campus would change Florida State University forever! 

Starring on the defensive front, seemingly often at the nose tackle spot, Odell Haggins earned All America honors for the Seminoles. After being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, Haggins returned to join the Seminoles coaching staff after his brief handful of seasons in the NFL.

Haggins worked his way up on the coaching staff, eventually handling the defensive line, a unit that produced many All Americans and NFL draft picks under his tutelage. Players who have been coached by Odell have the utmost respect for him.

After Bobby Bowden retired, new coach Jimbo Fisher retained Haggins, where Haggins defensive unit continued to thrive. As Fisher unceremoniously departed FSU, Haggins got an opportunity to coach Florida State as head coach on an interim basis, which turned out to be the final 2017 postponed home game against Louisiana Monroe and the Seminoles Independence Bowl game versus Southern Mississippi, both wins.

This was very fitting, because few individuals rival the love for our university Odell Haggins has. Haggins is a Seminole, true and true. He bleeds Garnet and Gold. An the Seminole faithful love him!

Seminole fans were thrilled to learn that new coach Willie Taggart, who grew up a Seminoles fan, recognized the coaching prowess of one of our favorite Seminoles and retained Haggins as defensive line coach, helping a link to legendary coach Bobby Bowden remain.

Odell Haggins, rolling in all those years ago from ole Bartow, remains one of the most beloved Seminoles, and a gentleman we are honored to place in the 2018 Hall of BAHL class.


MICHAEL WALTRIP


I first became a fan of Michael Waltrip, younger brother of NASCAR Champion Darrell, when he emerged on the scene driving the Pennzoil Pontiac Grand Prix.  Anyone in a Pontiac had my support.

For many years, Michael had a rough go of it, and held the record for most career starts without a win before winning his first, a Daytona 500 on February 16, 2001, the day his great friend and mentor Dale Earnhardt Jr. lost his life. I was there, and while we were thrilled for Michael, our joy was short lived. Micheal even penned a book describing the days events, called "In the Blink of an Eye: Dale, Daytona, and the Day that Changed Everything."

Michael Waltrip is a two time Daytona 500 champion, but all along the way, even having struggles before finding success and then failure again as owner of his own race team, Micheal has been a great friend to everyone in the NASCAR community, extending well beyond the drivers to the fans.

Michael is an inventor as well. At 6'5, Waltrip, not foreign to high speed crashes, designed a roof hatch for easy exit for a driver of his size. It was more comical than practical, at least I think. Waltrip likes to clown around.

Now retired, Waltrip, is a fixture on the FOX Sports NASCAR broadcast team, well know for talking to drivers along pit road before the race, a very popular segment on the FOX race coverage. Waltrip is always quick to help in philanthropic efforts, and remains committed to frequent interactions with the fans through social media.

My family had the opportunity to meet and visit with Michael Waltrip, along with Brian Vickers, at a corporate event prior to a Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway.  It was quite a hoot.

Since then, I run into to Michael from time to time, having visited with him at the High Banks and even out on the golf course. Recently, at the Diamond Resorts Celebrity Golf Tournament, Michael told me he liked golf more than driving, as he had "never caught fire playing golf." Waltrip, who plays often plays pickup hoops, does not golf particularly well, down at the level of Larry The Cable Guy, but he has a great time.

"Mikie" is a very cool guy, great fun to be around; a championship driver who we are excited to induct into 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 2014 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:


MIKE ROZIER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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






DERRICK BROOKS

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

Derrick Brooks

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

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

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

Derrick Brooks

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


KYLE PETTY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


DEION SANDERS

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

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

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


Sanders calls out Clemson prior to punt return TD

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

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

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

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




LEE CORSO

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

In The Name Of Love

I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Martin Luther King, Jr.



I am by no means an expert on Dr. King, but I do not think things have turned out quite as he had hoped. From the speeches I have read and the interviews I have watched it seems to me Dr. King wanted an even playing field.

I recall ESPN College Football Gameday host Reece Davis making commentary about how few African-American head coaches there are in college fooftall, although one of BAHL's Blog's favorite people, Turner Gill, is tops on the list. Davis failed to make commentary on the overwhelming amount of African-American players there are.

Monday night, Michigan State will take on North Carolina for the NCAA Basketball National Championship. One white player will start. Let the chips fall where they may. Competition brings out the best in all of us. It's all good.

Recently, Rev. James Lee Patterson was a recent guest on Hannity and commented on how an unfortunate example of socialism is the African-American community HERE and HERE. He commented how the policies of President Obama are not helpful.

Columnist Star Parker, author of Uncle Sam's Plantation, took the discussion further in a recent column.

The enabling of the African-American community over the last several decades through government programs and initiatives, which although well intended, have hampered progress in the community. It is far time for the government to get out of the way and allow the African-American community to realize their goals and dreams, which are not unlike those of most Americans. Unfortunately, with associations like ACORN as an arm of the Obama administration, it seems as though the government will continue to be an impediment, not only for the African-American community, but for us all. Not Good.

Since Magic Johnson has exhausted his eligibility, I'll take the Heels to cut down the nets!

The Coaching Carousel

Last fall, in the aftermath of Rich Rodriguez's rather puzzling bolt from West Virginia to Michigan, Florida State fans had a weekend of uneasiness as offensive coordinator and "coach in waiting" Jimbo Fisher was strongly considered for the job at Morgantown, which is close to where his mother resides.

Now, with an opening at Auburn (it is like a soap opera out on the plains), where Fisher spent time as an assistant under Terry Bowden, rumors persist that FSU is in yet another battle to keep Fisher, even though agreements were made after last year to prohibit this type of flirting.

Who knows what is going on behind the scenes? If Jimbo is a Nole, than great. If not, he should be on his way. What I do know is I have grown tired of these developments.

At any rate, it looks as though Florida State is heading to the Champs (Tangerine) Bowl here in beautiful downtown Orlando. Back in 1958, FSU was scheduled to take on Buffalo in the Tangerine Bowl, but the The Orlando High School Athletic Association, leaseholder of the stadium, would only allow Buffalo to participate if it left the two African American players on the team home. The Elks Lodge, sponsors of the game, protested this ruling to no avail. Buffalo's coach let the team vote, and they unanimously rejected the bid, for they were a team and would not be the team if they did not have all their players. ESPN recently did an outstanding lengthy story on this.

Buffalo had since endured decades of losing and had never been to another bowl game, until 2008. Former Nebraska all star quarterback and later assistant coach Turner Gill was hired two years ago. Since joining the MAC conference in 1999, the Bulls were 9-56 in conference play prior to last season where the Bulls, even with a 5-7 record, shared the divisional title.

The outstanding coaching job Gill has done has not gone unnoticed. On Friday night, Buffalo defeated previously undefeated Ball State, who has two first round NFL draft picks on their offense in quarterback Nate Davis and tight end Darrius Hill, to capture the MAC Championship. Buffalo will finally be bowling, led by an African American coach, who as gifted as an athlete he was, is even a better person. What goes around comes around.

Should Jimbo Fisher take the money and run to Auburn, it would be a serious blow to Florida State as the 'Noles would have to start from scratch searching for a replacement for the legendary Bobby Bowden and the recruiting implications could be staggering. Hopefully Fisher stays put, but if he does leave, I know how to do some quick damage control, and that would be to hire Turner Gill as the new coach in waiting. Someone is fixin to, and for darn good reason.