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 2021 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

SALVADOR PEREZ

Kansas City Royal catcher Salvador Perez is a fan favorite for Royals fans, considered one of the best overall catchers in the league. Salvy, as he is affectionally known, is very valuable to the success of the Royals.

Salvy is exceptional on the defensive side,  winning multiple Gold Gloves, but his bat has quite a pop as well, with Perez know for some big time timely hits, including a huge one in Kansas City's 2015 World Series Championship.

Perez is the quarterback of the ball club, handling the pitchers and defensive alignments throughout the season. As such, he is a team leader in the clubhouse. But more importantly, Salvy has a deep love for the game, and his positive attitude and determination is infectious, bringing out the best in all those who are blessed to play with him.

Salvy awards players of the game the Salvy Splash, where the Gatorade jug of water is dumped on the head of the player of the game. It is great fun and is a favorite among Royals fans. Having attended many Kansas City Royal games both in Kaufman Stadium and on the road in Atlanta and Tampa Bay, we have had many occasions to interact with Salvy, and every single time he has greeted us with his wonderful smile.

We are so pleased to welcome Kansas City Royal catcher Salvador Perez to The Hall of BAHL!

TONY STEWART

I became an instant fan of Tony Stewart when he came over to NASCAR from IndyCar to pilot one of Joe Gibbs Pontiacs.  In fact, Stewart would step into the Cups series in a Gibbs Pontiac with sponsorship from The Home Depot, one of my larger stock holdings and a company I frequently support.

Stewart was very competitive in the series right out of the gate, and went on to win three Cup Series Championships.  Stewart left Gibbs to form his own team, teaming with Gene Hass. Stewart finished driving career with 49 career wins as a driver, finding great success on the superspeedways and road courses. His first win was a Richmond International Raceway, a track he scored many wins on. We used to say that that out on the track, if Tony hit you, you needed hitting. 

These days, Stewart Hass remains quite successful, continuing to stack up wins with a trio of Ford teams, lead by former Cup Series Champion Kevin Harvick.

Stewart has racing in his blood. He has formed a new racing series, similar to the old IROC series, which will have drivers from all series of racing competing. This series will no doubt very interesting, and great fun.

We will continue to watch and cheer the contributions to racing by one its greatest ambassadors, Tony Stewart. We welcome Tony Stewart to the 2021 class of The Hall of BAHL!

DALVIN COOK

Former Florida State running back Dalvin Cook was one the best at his position to ever play for the Seminoles, and he was simply incredible to watch. He got loose with the best of them, and when he did, he most often found paydirt!

A product of Miami Central, Cook not only excited with his blazing speed, but he broke tackles with the best of them. For Seminole fans, we were particularly pleased that Cook had some of his best performances against our hated rivals.

Always displaying a fun demeanor, Cook was a great teammate for the team, counted upon often to lead FSU to victory. Cook left Florida State with 4464 yards rushing and 48 total touchdowns.

We saw Dalvin around town on occasion, and he was always friendly placing his big smile on display. 

In the 2017 NFL Draft, Cook was selected in the second round by the Minnesota Vikings. What a steal! Although he has had some injury issues, Cook has exceled with the Vikings and is considered without question one of the best running backs in the NFL, and a favorite of fantasy football players nationwide.

It is exciting to welcome former Florida State great Dalvin Cook to The Hall of BAHL!