Herschel vs. the Rest

Pro Football Focus asked who the greatest running back was to win the Heisman Trophy, but failed to mention Herschel Walker, OJ Simpson, Earl Campbell, and others. Bleacher Report and other sources ranked Herschei tops among all college backs. Others listed him as the greatest college player ever. All Walker did was break the freshman, sophomore, and junior rushing records. Three time All-America. Heisman finalist three times. One kid thought Walker was overrated. How so?

16. 2004-2006 Adrian Peterson Oklahoma

15. 1907-1908 Jim Thorpe, Carlisle 1911-1912

14. 1967-1968 OJ Simpson USC

13. 1954-1956 Jim Brown Syracuse

12. 1996-1999 Ron Dayne, Wisconsin  

11. 1974-1977 Earl Campbell Texas

10. 1978-1981 Marcus Allen USC

09. 1947-1949 Doak Walker SMU

08. 1976-1979 Charles White USC

07. 1923-1925 Red Grange, Illinois

06. 1982-1985 Bo Jackson, Auburn

05. 1973-1976 Tony Dorsett, Pitt

04. 1972-1975 Archie Griffin, Ohio State

03. 1995-1998 Ricky Williams, Texas

02. 1986-1988 Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State

01. 1980-1982 Herschel Walker, UGA

Only ten running backs retired before Herschel with more NFL yards from scrimmage (rushing + receiving). Of those eight are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Herschel gained more all purpose yards in the NFL than all but one of the ten.

…YFS….YR...APYD...YR…REC YD.YR.YRS

21264 1636 21803 1682 4538 349 13 W Payton

17654 1103 17654 1103 5411 338 16 M Allen  

16293 1358 16293 1358 3554 396 12 T Dorsett

15396 1540 15396 1540 2137 214 10 E Dickerson

14811 1646 15459 1718 2499 278 09 J Brown

14407 1108 14622 1125 2287 176 13 F Harris

13442 0960 13442 0960 2090 149 14 J Riggins

13378 1216 14368 1306 2142 195 11 OJ Simpson

13335 0953 13335 0953 3062 218 14 O Anderson

13100 1191 13143 1195 4911 378 11 R Craig

13084 1090 18168 1514 4859 404 12 H Walker

One thing that makes Herschel different from these backs is his receiving yards. Walker averaged more receiving yards per season than the other ten. Marcus Allen gained 552 more NFL receiving yards in his career than Herschel, but it took him four more seasons to do it. Roger Craig gained 52 more career receiving yards.

After Herschel retired another 16 backs gained more yards from scrimmage than Herschel. Eight are in the hall of fame. Only five gained more all-purpose yards. Only Ladanian Tomlinson gained more receiving yards.

APYD.ydscrim.rec.YR.

21579 21579 3224 13 E Smith HOF

19985 19985 3985 16 F Gore

19145 19190 6875 12 M Faulk HOF

18456 18456 4772 11 L Tomlinson HOF

18190 18308 2921 10 B Sanders HOF

16532 16542 4458 13 T Thomas HOF

15632 17359 5183 10 T Barber

15610 15610 3364 11 E James HOF

15306 15665 4339 12 W Dunn

15121 15191 3683 12 S Jackson

15111 15111 1449 13 J Bettis HOF

15000 15000 3898 12 L McCoy

14891 14891 4248 10 R Watters HOF

14468 14468 4672 10 M Forte

14079 14079 2384 13 F Taylor

13154 13335 1913 10 C Dillon

13084 18168 4859 12 H Walker

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2697864-ranking-the-top-16-college-football-running-backs-of-all-time__;!!AE29DT8V!HcW66KhSHjepuqUd5ZEv8Qf7qPRdeot0nieHzoJfUFzbN2fLuqVBPCsyVb7zo5JuOB4$ 

Herschel recently was featured on the cover of Newsweek magazine.

DALLAS GREEN [SABR Bio] managed his team to the first World Series Championship in the 97 years of that franchise's existence: PHI in 1980. Team had existed since 1883. They are now 128 years old. Green surrendered Jimmy Piersall's 100^th home run on 23-Jun-1963. Dallas was once fired for mocking his team's owner. As manager of NYY, once referred to George Steinbrenner as "Manager George" because of his meddling with the baseball operations of the team. Steinbrenner took decisive action and replaced Green with Bucky Dent.

Ja For AD? No Thanks

An “expert” on ESPN Radio thought it would be a good idea if the Grizzlies would trade Ja Morant to the Lakers for the injury prone Anthony Davis. AD is an old 28, having been in the league for ten years, missing plenty of time along the way. And when AD isn’t hurt, he’s asking to be traded. If he wasn’t happy in New Orleans, think he’d be happy in Memphis? Sure that would be a good trade – for the Lakers. Some people talk just for the sake of talking, not even thinking about what they’re saying.

At times I think about getting extra involved at church once I retire. Right now there’s not any one specific program that has caught my fancy. We’ll see. My buddy who is a bigwig at a bank is ready to retire. He was wanting to relax but his wife wants to go out on the mission field. They’re talking to the missions director at JFBC (who doubles as our Sunday School teacher). There’s an overseas position that would be perfect for them.

God is hearing my groanings, as work has improved a little. Boss jokes that he is now on the chopping block for going up the ladder asking for help. Did work well past six last night.

Drove straight home and ate Matthew’s Chinese leftovers. Also more of the apple pie Ceil had baked for Valentines. Guess I’m finished watching all three seasons of Young Sheldon. Gotta find something else to watch. Was in bed before ten.

Took a mental health break this morning and went to play golf. Got a good, early start and finished before 8:30.  Was chilly, so I added an extra layer, plus a stocking hat and gloves. Spent the 35 minute drive to the office making work calls.

What It's Like to Be on the Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol. Interesting info on how the company takes in billions every year, so the prizes they award are no problem for them.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.insidehook.com/article/arts-entertainment/publishers-clearing-house-howie-guja-interview__;!!AE29DT8V!BOCZb7OQk6mWWiXzW48qWfdHpzb2p5LoGUe3mJjfZTGwc2f1eH3MjRRe_0GxEASX2NE$

I got a shingles shot a year or two ago. Pretty sure I got the follow up shot. If n the doc would’ve bugged me about it.

A. EDGAR MARTINEZ [SABR Bio] was the first designated hitter to hit a home run in an All-Star Game. He homered off Greg Maddux in Cleveland in the 3rd inning of the 1997 ASG. Edgar was the first player to collect seven runs-batted-in in a single postseason game, in the 1995 ALDS, G 4. He is the only batter since WWII to lead the American League in batting playing for a last-place team. In 1992, SEA finished seventh in a 7-team division. Martinez not only led MLB in batting with a .343 average, but he led the majors in doubles (46) as well. He also had a pretty great year in 1995 when SEA again finished 7th in a 7-team division. Martinez not only led the AL in batting with a .356 average, but he led the majors in doubles (52), OBP (.479), OPS (1.107), OPS+ (185) & G played (145), but also won his second Silver Slugger Award, and was third in a famous MVP race.

Fake Introverts

Fake Pandemic Introverts vs. Real Introverts. So true. Good stuff.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/fake-pandemic-introvert-vs-real-introvert__;!!AE29DT8V!EkFc_sHpnGtPAA2LhAn43E13oR5jZ7Li1TJrcU-t6GHpI4JI7kFHFa7lUcU7hnlct7s$

Stir fry for Wednesday supper. White Collar.

With Ceil headed out of town I’ll have plenty to do, starting with work. Scovile’s Hot Chicken. A BBQ place. Buccees. Golf. Thrift stores. Leftovers. Laundry. And more.

What it's like at Augusta National when the Masters isn't in town.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.golfdigest.com/story/what-its-like-at-augusta-national-when-the-masters-isnt-in-town__;!!AE29DT8V!DlwplS1RVs8z7FRNIRtLtgqxlAT8kWwK4mb_yg1Dz_3erf59J0ga1y32ucll8JA5iB4$

Chipper Jones discusses Freddie Freeman’s free agency

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.talkingchop.com/2022/2/16/22937316/chipper-jones-comments-freddie-freeman-free-agency-atlanta-braves__;!!AE29DT8V!GqcbEp_p9wcEG0tXX0vr6CNN3NziFe6PxAy6ibDp8oOFHsx49fSGjc11FW7q6VUDFUk$

The good news: a country is discouraging abortion, and encouraging families to have more children. The bad news: it’s China.

https://www.insider.com/china-plans-special-campaign-to-intervene-in-abortions-2022-2?fbclid=IwAR3NEDBDAFepXQeF-lp9jUNU6RuaIHGtjd-1r2qoikkNOhuwfotPwTLY6lY

ALBERT PUJOLS  [B-R Bio] broke the Robins’ Johnny Frederick’s National League 1929 record of 82 extra-base hits by a rookie. In 2001, Pujols had 47 doubles, 4 triples & 37 HR for a total of 88 EBH as a rookie. Hal Trosky is the AL/MLB rookie record holder with 89 EBH in 1934. Pujols led the majors in runs scored five times, in 2003 (137), 2004 (133), 2005 (129), 2009 (124) & 2010 (115). Pujols is the all-time leader in grounding into double plays, having done so 413 times. He passed Cal Ripken with number 351.

Rough at work. Worked past 6:20 last night. Today has been constant, from one emergency to another. No time to plan. Machines go down, and not enough manpower to run all the orders we have. Harder to order material. After a few months during covid we quickly got sales / orders back to the pre-pandemic levels, had a huge 2021, and 2022 is off at a record pace. Everyone on the team has taken on more responsibility. When we go on the new computer system at year end the work load will only increase. Woe is me.

Sermon Notes

 

Sermon notes: Clay Smith JFBC John 20: 19-23

85 youth basketball players accepted Christ at JFBC in mission statement Purpose As followers of Jesus our purpose needs to be eternal JFBC Mission Statement: We exist to help people find truth belonging and purpose in Jesus.

How were the disciples feeling after the authorities killed Jesus. Were they next? Jesus first words to them were Peace be with you. They rejoiced. Look at my hands. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. He breathed His spirit onto them. Now you are empowered by the Spirit. When they share they can declare that their sins are forgiven.

V21 we need to understand what it means that Jesus was sent, and Connect "sent" to "purpose".

1. His identity as a sent one. Jesus countered satan with scripture. John 4 my food is to do the work of the father.

2. Jesus' intentionality - humbled himself by being obedient even to the point of death.

3. Incarnation-God became flesh. Similar to the Apollo moon missions. But Jesus took off his helmet. Accommidated sinners. Did ministry in the world w/o becoming of the world.

4. Compassion to sinners. Grace. Go and sin no more 5. Jesus' sacrifice. He lived a hard life, constant sacrifice. Demonstrated his love for us by dying to save us from our sins

So Jesus sends us. Examine our lives in light of these five things 

What it means for us to be sent:

1. Our purpose is to help save people from hell, and deliver them to God. Go and disciple the nations Matt 28 Reach out to people not previously reached out to - 3.2 billion around the world. The local church is God's method for sending out missionaries 

2. Realize that God's purpose will cost us. It's hard. Could cost promotions, reputations. Must give up idols. Spurgeon: if sinners must go to hell let it be over our outstretched hands 3. It is worth it. Worth the effort.

Living with purpose calls us to send. These days the term missionary is a dangerous word, causes security risks. JFBC wants to send 35 sent ones on missions of more than one month, to two years or permanently.

Jonesing about buying either/or three pairs of sneakers, none of which I need. Even if I limit my sneaker buying to two pair a year, I am kind of ahead of where I need to be. As always I use money from gifts of focus groups. I've culled off a few pairs of old rarely worn thrift store sneakers, but I still have too many. Trying to wear most all my shoes at least once per month, though I have my favorites. Did some more shopping and are rethinking the Hardwoods. 

2020 Puma RSX low

2020 adidas black

2021 Puma LQDCell

2021 Puma RSX high

2021 Nike golf ("needed")

2022 Puma Hardwood Clyde?

2022 Vans golf high navy?

2022 Nike Space Hippie navy?

Braves take step into metaverse with Digital Truist Park.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2022/02/15/Media/Braves__;!!AE29DT8V!EDvLyxs8jRj3jwyoFNIkmDrxTrmai6IrygdZ8li2SrGY-ZXrTtrz7Vf788x3oo-U9YM$

My golf round this past Saturday:

1. Poor tee shot and 5 iron. Then a good 5. 6 iron just lands short of elevated green. Chip over, better chip back. Two putt.

2. Bad tee shot, then a flub. Next shot onto green, but it rolled off the back. Then several bad chips.

3. All three of us hit nice tee shots just off the front of the green. I managed to bogey.

4. Nice straight 5 iron off tee. Chip and two putt.

5. Tee shot felt good but I only popped it up. Decent pitch and better lag putt.

6. Bad drive and flubbed second shot. Great 5 iron around tree, that rolled down into the middle of the fairway. Good 7 iron rolled off the back of the green. I leave so many short that I didn't mind going long once or twice.

7. Two bad shots followed by a couple of good ones. Bad chip.

8. Good 5 iron off tee, but it didn't roll down the hill. Then another good 5 iron was sailing left before hitting the one branch hanging out over the fairway, and the ball dropped on the fringe. Decent chip, but it rolled just off the green. But I drained the putt for par.

9. Decent 6 iron off tee. Good chip. Two bad putts. Called it a day.

TOM HALLER [SABR Bio] once caught a major league game when the home plate umpire was his brother. On 14-Jul-1972, for the first time in major league history, an umpire officiated a game where his sibling was a participant. Bill Haller called balls & strikes with Tom catching. Nothing untoward occurred. A version of this had happened with them once in the minors, years earlier. On 05‑Aug‑1960 in a game between the AAA Spokane Indians and Tacoma Giants in the PCL, Tom came in as a Giants' pinch-hitter to Bill's first game at the AAA level. Tom batted L & threw R. After Jackie Robinson nullified his trade to the Giants from the Dodgers by retiring, Haller was the next player SFG traded to LAD. On 13-Feb-1968, SFG traded Haller w/minor leaguer Francis Kasheta to LAD for Ron Hunt & Nate Oliver. Haller was an All-Star player for two MLB teams. He was an NL AS 1966, '67  for SFG & in 1968 for LAD.

Valentine Taco

 

Have a good Valentine’s Day? Ceil was still worn out from our busy weekend, and got a late start on supper. I didn’t leave work until after 5:45. Stopped for gas and a few treats for her: candy, a card, and helium balloon (which freaks Winnie out). I’d already given her a present on Saturday.

M helped C with supper, cooking the smash burgers while she tossed a salad, cut the potatoes, and made the apple pie. I ran back out to Kroger for cheese for the burgers. Saw Jenny Bates at the Kroger. Was nice to hear someone call out “Dave Murphy!”.

Anna and Caleb ordered a heart-shaped taco platter (top) from a place on Cobb Parkway near The Battery. Tacos are Anna's love language.

It was 10 pm by the time we were through with the dishes and I took Winnie outside. C went on to bed. I watched an episode of Young Sheldon.

Our small group has been moved to tonight.

In the South you know someone was raised right if they do these things. Some I had to pick up along the way. All are just being consider of others.

1. If you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all. Or at the very least add “bless your heart” at the end.

2. Send thank-you notes, even in this digital age.

3. Bring food to people when a loved one dies.

4. Give the shirt off your back. When we have more than enough, we should share with those who don’t.

5. Live by the golden rule: do unto others as you’d like others to do to you.

6. Open doors for others.

7. Pull over for funeral processions.

8. Say please and thank-you. Request, don’t threaten or demand.

9. Keep your word.

10. Stand if someone needs the seat more than you.

11. Be a good host, even during surprise visits. Always offer food and beverage..  

12. Speak with respect to others, especially your elders. Use “ma’am” and “sir”.

13. Do not curse around other people.

14. Understand that you aren’t the only person in the world. Respect the space of others.

15. Never start a fight in public, including on social media.

16. Listen. Don’t interrupt. Don’t assume you know what someone is going to say. But when you speak, don’t drone on and on and on. Give people time to respond to what you are saying.

17. Help when others are in need.

18. Be humble.

19. Put your feet in other people’s shoes.

20. When someone comes in the room for the first time, stand to greet them (unless you are a king).

21. My beef: when crossing the street, even though you have the right of way as a pedestrian, be courteous of all the people in cars who are waiting on you. Some people seem to walk slower when they know someone else is waiting for them.

https://www.southernthing.com/raised-right-2655206142.html 

I added 21 my own bad self.  Witnessed it this morning on the way to work. Not sure but these days people are walking around next to traffic with headphones on, oblivious to traffic behind and right next to them.

You ought to see all the disagreeing on social media, even between “friends”. One Christian writer was calling out people for complaining. Shouldn’t that kind of admonishing be done in private? I’ve tried to cut out a bunch of it. Some people change jobs every 6 months. Why? Are they getting better offers/promotions? Are they wearing out their welcome?

Like the Super Bowl halftime show. Not for me, but I’m not their target audience. Doesn’t do me any good to complain. That would just show how out of touch I was. Did I say this yesterday? I heard the halftime performers were 56, 51, and 50. M&M was youngest at 35. I bet there were a bunch of young people wishing they’d have performers younger and more cutting edge than old Snoop, etc. As always, I was just checking out their sneakers.

I have seen that Trump and Hillary have been in the news lately, perhaps about Russia, but I haven’t really heard many of the details. Trying to limit my Biden and Fauci intake as well. Seems like something different comes out about covid every day. Hard to keep up. I got vaccinated and wear my mask where I am supposed to. Same with the MLB lockout and Bob Saget autopsy.

Destin is one of my go-to places to daydream about.

RON REED [Wiki Bio] a one-time White Sox righty, who the Cardinals acquired to replace Bob Gibson in their rotation. On 28-May-1975, STL traded Ray Sadecki and Elias Sosa to ATL for Reed and a player to be named later. ATL sent Wayne Nordhagen to STL to complete the trade. Reed was drafted in the 3rd round, 23rd overall by the NBA’s Detroit Pistons in 1965, but chose baseball after 2 NBA years. He was the winning pitcher of the game where Hank Aaron passed Babe Ruth on the career home run list, on 08-Apr-1974.

Lars Win Super Bowl

Stay up until the end of the Super Bowl? After church yesterday I turned on the pregame show and left it on all afternoon. Some parts were boring, others interesting. For instance:

By chance free agent QB Matt Stafford vacationed in Cabo at the same resort as Rams coach Sean McVay and OT Andrew Whitworth. They bonded, and Stafford signed with the Rams. Retired QB Drew Brees happened to be there as well, and crashed the meeting.

Former Giants head coach Tom Caughlin is taking care of his elderly wife, who has dementia.

Dale Earnhart Jr and another guy were traveling around Los Angeles. They met Jeff Goldblum at Universal Studios to hype the new Jurassic Park movie.

Lots of the pregame commercials were almost as good as the in game commercials. Had to run out to the library and bank during the afternoon. Ceil fixed me some chicken nuggets for lunch.

At 6:15 we went over to my other friend Reid's basement to watch the game. Six couples: Murphys Halls Earharts Chiles Cho's and Bradberrys. Lots of food: salsa, cheese dips, vegetables, two salads, burritos, two desserts, and ice creams. All sorts of bottled drinks. The women stayed upstairs for over half the game, talking about Lord knows what.

Perhaps the game was decided early in the first quarter on the Bengals first possession, when they failed to convert on fourth down. Gave the Rams the short field, and they punched it in for six.

Sure there were plenty of missed calls, then on the final drive the refs started calling it closer – but what they called were indeed penalties. Both QB's stayed in the game despite twisted knees/ankles. A defensive struggle the Rams finally overcame on their last drive, similar to the national championship game.

I enjoy listening to announcers Al Michaels and Chris Collinsworth. The Cincinnati resident and former Bengal admitted to his bias, just like Kirk Herbstreidt does for Ohio State. A much better duo that Buck/Aikman. So many complain about this announcer or that. Some people seem to hate everyone.

As an old person I actually had some knowledge of the halftime performers. Many complained, showing that they just didn't get it. I know I'm not the target audience. They ought to have a whole other broadcast just for old people.

The commercials were interesting. As usual some were bizarre, in an effort to be noticed. Others clever. Good Caesars Palace commercial with the Mannings. A few car commercials were good. Larry David's commercial. Others missed the mark.

I wasn't really rooting for either team. Since I had my number 9 Bengals jersey, I wore it. Some broke into applause when the Rams scored at the end. The Halls live on a cul de sac and two other parties nearby were letting out at the same time. A neighbor saw my Bengals jersey and commiserated with me.

 

Friday afternoon I worked late. Don't remember what we did for supper. Think it was leftover homemade pizza, which we shared with Matthew.

Saturday morning golf. It was "warmer" at the course, so I didn't need a stocking cap, gloves, or an extra layer. Played with the other two regulars: Auburn Anthony and Robert the Wreck.

Stopped by to say hello to Will's old coach Henry on the way home. Did a lot of housework, cleaning out closets so M could move into a bedroom. Lots of trash, and another carload for Goodwill.

At 3:30 we drove over to Avalon in Alpharetta so C could return an item. We decided to have out Valentines meal at Superica, now open in the old El Felix location. Over an hour wait, but it was worth it. Good people watching.

MLB players from towns with "port" in their name.

Player       City of birth                  DOB

Belle..........Shreveport, LA.........25-Aug-1966

Brown........Shreveport, LA.........26-Jun-1915

Green........Newport, DE.............04-Aug-1934

Haller.........Lockport, IL..............23-Jun-1937

Hisle..........Portsmouth, OH....... 05-May-1947

Lolich.........Portland, OR............12-Sep-1940

Milbourne...Port Norris, NJ.........14-Feb-1951

Moseby......Portland, AR.............05-Nov-1959

Mussina.....Williamsport, PA..... .08-Dec-1968

Quantrill.....Port Hope, Ontario...10-Feb-1995

O'Rourke...Bridgeport, CT......... 01-Sep-1850

Reed..........La Porte, IN.............12-Nov-1942

Smith.........Shreveport, LA.........02-Apr-1945

Stanley......Portland, ME............10-Nov-1954