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.  

Girl Power

With good reason, Richard Petty is affectionately known as The King, both for his second to none performance on the track during his career, inclusive of seven Daytona 500 wins, but due to his decades of ambassadorship for the sport of NASCAR off the track. 


Richard Petty

Off the track, Petty made sure he never missed signing an autograph for an adoring fan, and has been a help to anyone who asked for it around the garage area.

As a kid, I considered Petty, racing in his famed Petty Blue 43 STP Pontiac, a hero, and with that in mind, placed him in the inaugural Hall of BAHL class.  I have had a handful of personal experiences with King Richard, and he has always been as advertised; friendly and approachable.

As we prepare for Speedweeks 2014 at Daytona, Petty sort of stepped in this past week in negative comments he made about Danica Patrick, the only female driver on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Danica Patrick

While Danica Patrick took the high road in response to Petty's comments, many media outlets have called Petty out, even hitting him with the term sexist. 

Petty commented when asked if Patrick could win on the circuit said "only if everyone else stayed home" and that her popularity was a "female deal". Certainly, while we know Petty to be a good natured good ole boy who would not seek out an opportunity to launch personal attacks, he is off target with these comments and should be called to task on them.

In two separate stories, writers at The Orlando Sentinel sure did, with lead sports columnist Mike Bianchi calling Petty a hypocrite.

Bianchi, for once, has a point.  While Patrick is taking all the advantages that come from being the only female driver, coupled with outstanding looks, this is nothing other drivers would not do if given the chance.  As Bianchi points our, the Petty name carried a lot of weight for Kyle as his career emerged.  Others have benefited from having the "name", from Dale Earnhardt Jr to Chase Elliott.

Some drivers have their own sponsors, which get them rides they may have secured on their own driving abilities.  Paul Menard comes to mind.

None of the above mentioned drivers are poor racers.  To the contrary, but they take advantage of the cards they are dealt.  I call that capitalism, something my fellow republican Petty should well recognize.

Is Danica Patrick the second coming of Buddy Baker? Heavens no.

But is she a skilled driver who continues to practice her craft seeking to incrementally improve as she adds seat time.  While she has had issues, she did win the pole for the 2013 Daytona 500, finishing eighth in her #10 Go Daddy Chevrolet.  She gets collected in wrecks more than the average racer, but few seem to be her fault.  There are some tracks she could potentially win on, but there are 10-15 drivers in the field every race that, save restrictor plate racing, have virtually no shot to win.

2014
The Great American Race
Daytona 500

The King would have been much better off to keep these thoughts, which he is welcome to, to himself.  Petty rarely makes the wrong call around the race track, but this time, I think he did.

Maybe Petty was being a sport for NASCAR to stir up some controversy, as ticket sales continue to slump.  It would be grand if Danica pulled the Go Daddy Chevrolet for Stewart Hass Racing into victory lane on after The Great American Race on Sunday.

I will be there watching.

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 2013 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

BOBBY LABONTE





 With Richard Petty retiring at the end of the 1992, I needed another driver to pull for. While I did like and pull for Kyle Petty, a driver my age caught my eye driving the Maxwell House Pontiac Grand Prix for Bill Davis. That was Bobby Labonte of Corpus Christi, Texas.

When Joe Gibbs entered the NASCAR circuit, Bobby was tapped to drive the Gibbs #18 Interstate Batteries Pontiac Grand Prix. Bobby Labonte would have tremendous success piloting the green 18, winning 21 Sprint Cup races over his career, including a Brickyard 400, and winning the Sprint Cup Championship in 2000.

Ironically, I first met Labonte in 1999 at a lunch set by BudFeiser, for whom the Hall of Ball is dedicated.  BudFeiser worked in the grocery industry and through relationships with some of Labonte's sponsors, BudFeiser arranged for me to be included in a lunch and Q&A at the Outback in Daytona.  What a day!

I also had the opportunity in January of 2001 to be participatory in the filming of a SeaDoo commercial with Bobby and fellow Gibbs driver Tony Stewart in Grant, FL. It was a bitterly cold day, and while I enjoyed hanging out with the guys that day, I was disappointed to have ended up on the cutting room floor with respect to the commercial that aired that year.

Bobby remains one of the very few drivers to win a Nationwide and Sprint Cup series championship, and is one of few who have scored wins in the Camping World Truck Series, Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup Series.

For the last few years, Bobby has been piloting the #47 Toyota for JTG/Daugherty Racing. In an ironic twist, it was announced this week Bobby will be replaced for a few races for the remainder of the season as the team seeks to improve the on track performance.

Bobby has always been recognized by his peers as a class act and a good, clean racer.  Labonte is someone I have been proud to have been associated with and an individual and welcome his inclusion
in The Hall of BAHL.

JOHNNY RODGERS

When I began following college football as a youngster, my beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers were unleash decades of football excellence by winning back to back National Championships in 1970-71.  While the teams had several All Americans on the roster, it was flanker Johnny Rodgers who led the way.

Nebraska was a unanimous undefeated champion in 1971, defeating #2 Oklahoma at Norman and then #2 Alabama in The Orange Bowl.  In the nationally televised "Game of the Century" versus OU, Johnny the Jest electrified the crowd with a brilliant 72 yard punt return helping the Big Red to victory.

Nebraska was upset at UCLA early in 1972, and did not have the season they had hoped for in the first season for famed Coach Tom Osborne.  But Rodgers did not disappoint, winning the 1972 Heisman Memorial Trophy.  In The Orange Bowl as Nebraska smashed Notre Dame 40-6, Rodgers ran for three scores and caught a touchdown, and threw for another touchdown setting Orange Bowl records along the way.

 

I was fortunate to see JR Superstar in both of those Orange Bowl games, and particularly remember his outstanding performance versus Notre Dame.  Rodgers was well deserving of the Heisman, the first for Nebraska, and an integral part of helping the Big Red win the national title for the first time.  I join a legion of Nebraskans who adore and appreciate "The Jet" from Omaha who electrified the college football landscape in the early seventies.

After some issues, Rodgers ended up graduating from The University of Nebraska and remains a strong supporter of the program, often participating in promotional partnerships with the University.  I am pleased to now include Johnny Rodgers in The Hall of BAHL

CHARLIE WARD

Among the most gifted athletes I have ever witnessed, who operated with extreme poise under pressure, was former Florida State quarterback Charlie Ward. Ward, of Thomasville, GA, the 1993 Heisman Trophy winner, helped lead Florida State to their first National Championship in 1993 with an 18-16 victory over Nebraska in The Orange Bowl.

Coach Bobby Bowden, who recognized the talented skill set and maturity level Ward possessed, change the Seminole offense to better utilize ward's abilities. The Seminoles broke out the Fast Break offense, and with Ward directing a very talented group, Florida State began to set a slew of offensive records.

Ward would direct a comeback for the ages against a top ten Georgia Tech team at Atlanta, however, the Seminoles would fall at Notre Dame 31-24. With the Irish losing the following week, the stage was set as FSU would face undefeated Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. Nebraska came to play, and it came down to the final play, but Ward and the Seminoles would win their first National Title.













Ward was a stellar athlete, who was the starting punter as a freshman and doubled as the point guard on the Florida State basketball team, which went to the Elite Eight under his direction.  After FSU, Ward would not attempt a career in the NFL, opting to embark on a long term career for in the National Basketball Association, most notably with the New York Knicks.

Charlie Ward has had a long term association with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has always demonstrated excellent attributes as a citizen and member of the Florida State family.  It is an honor to induct Charlie Ward into the third class of The Hall of BAHL.

TOMMIE FRAZIER

The run. In one of college footballs greatest plays, "Touchdown" Tommie Frazier, seemingly stopped on numerous occasion, ran over several Florida Gators en routed to an electrifying 75 yard touchdown run to help Nebraska demolish the Gators 62-24 in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl following the 1995 season.  It was a season Nebraska would dominate the competition and finish undefeated, capping back to back National Championships for the Cornhuskers.

Well known down in these parts from his high school days at powerhouse Bradenton Manatee, Tommie Frazier was sure for stardom when he took his skills to Lincoln.

Frazier had a brilliant career with the 'Huskers, 33-3 as a starter, but did suffer adversity as his junior season was cut short due to blood clotting in his leg.  This unusual injury keep him sidelined for many games, but Frazier came back and, sharing time with Brook Berringer, played well in the Orange Bowl victory over Miami after the 1995 season.  The injury cast a cloud on how effective he would be during his senior season.  But, Frazier would get through the season without a measurable incident earning All America honors and finishing as runner up for the 1995 Heisman Trophy.

Frazier remains close to the program and is a strong ambassador for UNL and the Nebraska football program.  Recently elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, and you cannot have such a thing without Frazier, I am honored to welcome "Touchdown" Tommie Frazier to the Hall of BAHL, whose incredible Fiesta Bowl run will never be forgotten.



GENE DECKERHOFF

Florida State began emerging on the national scene under legendary coach Bobby Bowden in the late 1970's.  This was before ESPN, and Seminole games were rarely on local television, leaving a scratchy AM radio as the only live alternative.

 

In 1979, Gene Deckerhoff became the Florida State football play by play announcer, and has remained "The Voice of the Seminoles" ever since.  Gene is in a class by himself in the press box, exhibiting extensive knowledge and unrivaled enthusiasm. TOUCHDOWN FLORIDA STATE!

 

In 1980, Deckerhoff began hosting the "Bobby Bowden Show" with Coach Bowden, which became a sort of cult favorite with Bowden and Gene rehashing the game. At the halftime break of the show, Deckerhoff teamed with former FSU halfback Burt Reynolds in a segment titled "Great Moments in Florida State History," usually filmed over the summer on location with Reynolds. 

 

Deckerhoff continues to be a tremendous ambassador for Florida State, speaking at booster functions across the country, often in the company of Coach Jimbo Fisher.  I have visited with Gene at several of these functions with the Seminole Club of Greater Orlando, and have always enjoyed his company immensely.

 

With the blessing of FSU, Gene took over the play by play gig for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where several of his favorite FSU stars, including Derrick Brooks, Brad Johnson and Warrick Dunn, have starred.  It requires extensive and pinpoint travel, but with all smiles, Gene has always been up for the job.

 

Deckerhoff is well recognized as the best in the business, not only by his legion of fans, but by his peers in the broadcasting industry.  In 2011, with Gene set to broadcast his 400th FSU football game, a video tribute to Gene was put together, which we wrote a blog about.  Please take a listen as we welcome Florida State's Gene Deckerhoff into The Hall of BAHL: