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!

Glimpses of Greatness

There were glimpses of greatness.

In a battle of titans, Florida State faced the Michigan Wolverines, coached by favorite son Jim Harbaugh, in the Capital One Orange Bowl in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Michigan was favored by a touchdown.

But did the odds makers really know the Seminoles? Hardly.

There is little question the Seminoles underachieved in 2016, taking half the season to get hold of a defensive unit that lacked early discipline and focus.

Florida State went to work fast, taking the opening possession down for a touchdown, culminated by a short run by the phenomenal Dalvin Cook.

3, 2 1 Touchdown FSU, Dalvin Cook!

Florida State had stopped Michigan early, but Nyqwan Murray muffed a punt, giving the Wolverines the ball inside the FSU five, but the Seminoles were able to hold Michigan to a field goal. Murray made up for the blunder quickly, scoring on a 92 yard bomb from Deondre Francois (the longest passing touchdown in Orange Bowl history) which helped FSU build a 20-6 halftime lead.

The game should have been over, and looking around the stadium at the faces of the large contingent of those in blue, it was. However, that would not be the case.

Michigan was tough, and they stuck with their game plan.  It had some effectiveness.

QB Wilton Speight leads the Wolverines

Florida State redshirt freshman quarterback Deondre Francois, beyond demonstrating significant toughness, did not make the mistakes in 2016 one might expect from his lack of experience, but he made a big one on this night, throwing an ill fated late pass deep in our own territory which was picked and returned for a touchdown. The error put Michigan right back in the ball game, cutting the score to 20-15 FSU.

Then, Dalvin Cook went to work, racing 71 yards to set up another FSU score.  FSU 27 Michigan 15.

Michigan fought back, with perhaps their best drive, getting a touchdown pass to cut it to 27-22. The Wolverines stopped FSU, and then put together a scoring drive capped by a 29 yard run by tailback Chris Evans.  Out of seemingly  nowhere, Michigan led 30-27.

With less than two minutes left, things looked bleak for FSU.

When Keith Gavin accepted the kickoff, he appeared to not know where he was on the field, and decided to run the kickoff back. It seemed a poor decision, but defenders seemed somewhat frozen by his action, allowing him to race 66 yards before being stopped.

Francois hit Cook for 21 yards, and then fired a 12 yard score to Nyqwan Murray, giving FSU the 33-30 lead. The PAT would exponentially increase the odds of victory, forcing Michigan to score a touchdown with little time to work. But the Wolverines blocked the PAT, returning it for 2 points, cutting the lead to 33-32.

FSU WR Nyqwan Murray

Florida State held Michigan on downs and won the football game.

Dalvin Cook was brilliant as usual, and Nyqwan Murray more than atoned for his early fumble blunder with two major touchdown grabs. Defensively, LB Matthew Thomas (15 tackles, 9 solo) shined, and DE DeMarcus Walker was nothing short of outstanding, with 4.5 tackles for loss.

The Seminoles looked like a playoff team at times on this evening, but made a boatload of errors which prohibit teams from reaching lofty goals like that.

It was an exciting game, although is should not have been.  It was a stellar crowd, which included former Dolphin great Dan Marino, current Pitt Panther James Conner, Dolphin broadcaster "Hammerin" Hank Goldberg and Kansas City Royal first basemen and Miami native Eric Hosmer.

Dalvin Cook is off to the NFL, but Florida State has a veteran team returning in 2107, with approximately 37 of 44 on the two deep coming back. Talent abounds, and given improvement in focus, FSU has the look of a playoff team.

Always a pleasure to run with King Orange in Miami. I attended my first Orange Bowl in 1972, and this was my fifteenth contest. The game gave us all another glimpse of the greatness that could have been for FSU in 2016.

No Lane Changes Lead to Loss

Houston came to the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl with one task on the mind; WIN!

That they did, surprisingly, in rather dominating fashion, defeating Florida State 38-24.

Houston, behind versatile quarterback Greg Ward Jr, spread the field offensively and gave the Seminole defensive scheme issues all day.  Yes, FSU appeared asleep for another non kickoff, but that is no excuse.  I closed down the bar at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis the night prior, and was there to answer the bell.

The Cougars jumped out 7-0, with FSU looking somewhat confused defensively.  On some plays, Houston was stopped cold, but they took advantage of QB runs and targeted lined throws to coverage gaps.  It was obvious within the first pair of series the base FSU defense would be ineffective, as Houston got rid of the ball quickly and did not give the 'Noles rush ends time to pressure Ward, and on occasion, his backup.

Inexplicably, DC Charles Kelly failed to make adjustments. Florida State seemed reactive, rather than proactive and disruptive. Houston was throwing to targeted holes, which should have been plugged by FSU adding a rover and playing a zone. Never happened, and Houston put up 38 points, 13 more than the Seminoles had given up in any game this season.  FSU played at #1 Clemson.

Demarcus Walker had some moments, but the line was ineffective, primarily due to the Cougars plan. Terrance Smith made some play, but the defense looked out of sync most of the game.  Jalen Ramsey was not imposing, and LaMarcus Brutus, who had a stellar year, had a very poor game.  Derwin James had a career high tackling effort, but he lost a few battles out there as well. Very disappointing day for the defense.

Offensively, the Seminoles scored a field goal on the opening drive, then missed a field goal of 53 yards. Before we got a beer from the concession stand, it was 14-3. After FSU got a stop deep, Dalvin Cook lost a fumble.  Ward raced to the corner of the end zone and Houston led 21-3.

FSU looked at times like they would be able to outscore Houston if they just settled down and stuck to the normal business.  But, Rick Trickett's offensive line performed very poorly, taking a huge step backward. Receivers were wide open, but Shawn Maguire most often was unable to locate them.

Maguire badly turned an ankle badly in the first half, and supposedly returned with an air cast. While Maguire was in the locker room, JJ Cosentino got a few series in, where the Seminoles lost overall yardage. Cosentino was not ready for this platform.  Maguire, on one leg, gave it a go, but while he did hit some throws, he could not get it done.

Maguire tossed four interceptions; tough to win with that going on. Based on this performance, neither Maguire or Cosentino appear to be the long term answer for the Seminoles at quarterback.

With the OL ineffective, Cook was harnessed and FSU was offensively limited. Cook is a overwhelming part of the offense, and if he is stymied, so is FSU.  Houston was a sure tackling outfit on this day, refusing to let Cook hurt them with yards after contact and by breaking tackles.

FSU RB Dalvin Cook smothered by Houston Cougar defenders
Photo/FOXSports.com

There appeared to be limited if any adjustments offensively; FSU only tried one misdirection reverse to attempt to slow the Cougar swarm, but it was only one feeble effort. It is noted WR Travis Rudolph continued his recent progress and had a good game.

Coach Tom Herman and his Houston Cougars were most impressive, and had a stellar game plan on both sides of the ball.  FSU was frustrated on both sides of the ball, and appeared to do little in terms of adjustments to shift lanes and make something happen. For sure, Houston quarterback Greg Ward, Jr. is quite a player.

Rarely, particularly in a bowl game, would someone categorize a Jimbo Fisher coached FSU as being out-played and out-coached, but in front overwhelmingly heavy Seminole crowd, so it was.  It was evident from the stands early on that the standard operations of the Seminoles would not work, and they would have to adjust tendencies.

The Seminoles did not, and therefore, got whipped.

On a good note, The Marching Chiefs were stellar at halftime, and congrats to FSU cheer for flat out representing!

Henry A Heisman Hit

Derrick Henry/Alabama
Photo/ABC7News

The Color & Pageantry extends our congratulations to Alabama running back Derrick Henry for winning the 2015 Heisman Memorial Trophy.

Henry becomes only the second player from the storied history of Alabama Crimson Tide football to win the famed trophy (Mark Ingram 2009), perhaps the most significant individual honor in all of sport.

For the record, our Heisman ballot, if we had one (and we don't) would have read as follows:

1.   Christian McCaffrey, Stanford,
2.   Dalvin Cook, Florida State
3.   Derrick Henry, Alabama

Henry, however, is certainly well deserving of the award.  A long standing record of former Georgia star (and Hesiman winner) Herschel Walker of most rushing yards in a season in the Southeastern Conference was broken this fall by Henry.

Henry literally carried Alabama offensively, and in large measure because of the performance of Henry this fall, Alabama is a participant in the College Football Playoff with a chance to bring home yet another National Championship.

Henry, from the north Florida town of Yulee, certainly made his opportunity in the spotlight shine.  In offering testimony, Henry stated the following words of wisdom:

“I just want to talk to the kids that are looking and watching this TV today,” Henry said. “I just want to give you all advice. I am hoping I am someone you can idolize yourself behind and look up to because God is everything. Always keep God first. Always pray. Don’t be afraid to pray. He always hears your cry. If you have dreams, go chase them. If you believe it, you can achieve it. And God will be there every step of the way. I am a living testament, man. Growing up, having this dream, I am so nervous. I never thought I would be up here. But God is good. And I get on my knees every night and thank him for everything. So keep God first. Always pray. And always chase your dream.” 

Congratulations again to Alabama's Derrick Henry, the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner!

The Quack Attacked

'Noles swarmed by Oregon at The Rose Bowl

The Florida State Seminoles returned to The Rose Bowl, the historic venue where the Seminoles defeated Auburn for the National Championship a year ago, to face the high flying Oregon Ducks in a semifinal contest of the first ever College Football Playoff.   FSU was riding a 29 game winning streak, tied for fifth best since WWII.

Although the Seminoles were 9 point underdogs, FSU had failed to play anywhere near their best game, and given the talent level, there were high hopes that on this day, the Seminoles would click on all cylinders. It was not to be, as Oregon devastated the Noles in a third quarter barrage, never looking back en route to a stunning 59-20 victory.

The Seminoles opened the scoring on the day, taking a 3-0 lead, but it became apparent there were red zone issues for FSU.  Offensively, Oregon was almost immediately effective, and it became obvious FSU would have to outscore the Ducks if they were going to secure a victory.

Florida State suffered some miscues, along with a horrendous no interference call, and a missed field goal to potentially leave 14 points on the field, but was only behind 18-13 at the half.  The Seminoles came out of the half moving right down the field, until Dalvin Cook fumbled.  Oregon, who has made teams pay for turnovers all season, drove the field to score a touchdown.  FSU matched that score, but then fumbled again after some large gains, and from there, it was all Oregon.

The Seminoles had a mind boggling 4 turnovers in the third quarter, and it is hard to beat just about anybody doing that.  Even without the turnovers and generating over 525 yards of offense, Florida State never exhibited the ability to stop Marcus Mariota and the high octane offense of the Ducks.  The Quack Attack was as advertised.

Certainly, this team underachieved all season, and could be considered fortunate to have finished the regular season undefeated with an opportunity to play in the first College Football Playoff.  While the loss to Oregon is most disappointing, and we will always wonder why this team struggled so while finishing an undefeated regular season, there is nothing to hang our heads about.

As someone stated, this group of seniors took FSU from the Russell Athletic Bowl to a National Championship, a historic winning streak and a berth in the College Football Playoff.

Coach Jimbo Fisher has built the Seminoles to last, and while a slight drop off is anticipated next fall as the Seminoles must replace most of the offensive line, a record breaking wideout, an award winning tight end and potentially developing a new quarterback, the future is very bright.

Congratulations Seminoles on another great season; ACC and State of Florida Champs once again!