Hall of Famers

 
My high school football coach is being inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame this year - quite the honor. I was able to have a brief chat with Coach Seward at our recent reunion, and he seemed to be doing well in retirement. A man of few words, Coach Seward always took time to check on how I was doing.

This past weekend Braves Hall of Famers Fred McGriff, Andruw Jones, Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Greg Maddux gathered to celebrate Andruw's inclusion into the elite fraternity.

  

Top 50 College Football Players

SINow.com recently re-ranked the top 50 college football players in the sport's 150+ year history. I'd say they did a decent job. Hard to believe I've seen all but 4 or 5 of these players in action.

50. Bubba Smith, Michigan State DE 1964-1966

49. Joe Montana, Notre Dame QB 1974-1978 

48. Ozzie Newsome, Alabama TE 1974-1977

47. Michael Vick, Virginia Tech QB 1998-2000

46. Joe Greene, North Texas DE 1966-1968

45. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M QB 2011-2013

44. Derrick Thomas, Alabama LB 1985-1988

43. Dave Rimington, Nebraska C 1979-1982

42. Marcus Allen, USC RB 1978-1981

41. Walter Payton, Jackson State RB 1971-1974

40. Sammy Baugh, TCU QB S 1934-1936

39. Travis Hunter WR CB Jackson St 2022 Colorado 2023-2024

38. Billy Sims, Oklahoma RB 1975-1979

37. Paul Hornung, Notre Dame QB RB S K P 1954-1956

36. Doc Blanchard RB LB K P UNC 1942, Army 1944-1946

35. Steve McNair, Alcorn State QB 1991-1994

34. Tommie Frazier, Nebraska QB 1992-1995 

33. Matt Leinart, USC QB 2001-2005

32. Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska DT 2005-2009

31. Peyton Manning, Tennessee QB 1994-1997

30. Larry Fitzgerald, Pitt WR 2002-2003

29. Bronko Nagurski, Minnesota RB DT 1927-1929

28. DeVonta Smith, Alabama WR 2017-2020

27. Ed Reed, Miami S 1997-2001

26. Lamar Jackson, Louisville QB 2015-2017

25. Baker Mayfield QB Texas Tech 2013, Oklahoma 2014-2017

24. OJ Simpson, USC RB 1967-1968

23. Reggie White, Tennessee DL 1980-1983

22. Jerry Rice, Miss Valley State WR 1981-1984

21. Archie Griffin, Ohio State RB 1972-1975

20. Ricky Williams, Texas RB 1995-1998

19. Vince Young, Texas QB 2002-2005

18. Charles Woods on, Michigan CB WR 1995-1997

17. Tony Dorsett, Pitt RB 1973-1976

16. Roger Staubach, Navy QB 1961-1964

15. Reggie Bush, USC RB 2003-2005

14. Deion Sanders, FSU CB 1985-1988

13. Joe Burrow QB Ohio State 2015-2017, LSU 2018-2019

12. Hugh Green, Pitt DE 1977-1980

11. Earl Campbell, Texas RB 1974-1977

10. Orlando Pace, Ohio State OT 1994-1996

9. Red Grange, Illinois RB DB 1923-1925

8. Tim Tebow, Florida QB 2006-2009

7. Dick Butkus, Illinois LB C 1962-1964

6. Bo Jackson, Auburn RB 1982-1985

5. Cam Newton QB Florida 2007-2008, Auburn 2010

4. Jim Thorpe, Carlisle RB DB K P 1907-1908 1911-1912

3. Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State RB 1986-1988

2. Herschel Walker, Georgia RB 1980-1982

1. Jim Brown, Syracuse RB DB K 1954-1956

Top Return Men?

Some yahoo rated the top NFL return men OF ALL TIME. They messed up the graphic, not using the uniform that some players were best known for. 

Used a rendering of Bob Hayes with Billy Johnson's name. Let's see how they stack up. Hayes, while dangerous, only tallied 1739 career return yards.

Though not listed, Herschel's 18168 career all purpose yards were the most among elite return men until Brian Mitchell retired in 2003. 

Not really sure why Tim Brown was included on this list.  

While dangerous, Deion Sanders only amassed 5722 return yards - fewer than any in the group except Upchurch and Sayers (who played half as many years as Deion).

Yards TD YR APYd last year

03172 08 07 09435 1969 Gale Sayers, Bears (3)

01739 03 11 09221 1974 Bob Hayes, Cowboys (NR)

05363 08 09 10081 1983 Rick Upchurch, Broncos (7)

06258 08 14 10785 1988 Billy White Shoes Johnson, Oilers (5)

05084 02 12 18168 1997 Herschel Walker, Cowboys (NR)

13003 09 12 13279 1997 Mel Gray DET NO HOU PHI (11)

10854 08 11 12519 2002 Desmond Howard, Packers (10)

09266 12 13 17230 2002 Eric Metcalf, Cardinals (8)

19013 13 14 23330 2003 Brian Mitchell, Redskins (4)

05722 09 14 07838 2004 Deion Sanders, Falcons (2)

04555 02 17 19682 2004 Tim Brown, Raiders (14)

12397 12 09 14386 2008 Dante Hill, Chiefs (6)

13488 11 10 15453 2014 Josh Cribbs, Browns (13)

11028 19 11 14455 2016 Devin Hester, Bears (1)

11313 09 14 19696 2019 Darren Sporles, Saints (12)

08631 06 13 11830 2022 Andre Roberts, Cardinals (15)

08229 09 12 13768 2024 Cordarrelle Patterson, Falcons (9)

Article: in a development stirring profound biblical anticipation, the Temple Institute has announced the birth of a flawless, pure red heifer calf named Tamima in Israel's Galilee Mountains—a rare red offspring from artificial insemination that experts have certified as meeting the ancient requirements of Numbers 19 for ritual purification essential to Temple service. Amid ongoing efforts to prepare for renewed Temple worship, this raises powerful questions about its timing and potential role in heralding national transformation and prophetic fulfillment in these end times.

Pitchers with Multiple Silver Slugger Awards—a list unlikely to grow. 

 

Pitcher                      #     Years    Career ERA Career WAR

Madison Bumgarner..2...2014 2015....................3.47.... 37.2

Bob Forsch.............. 2...1980 1987....................3.76.... 24.6

Tom Glavine............. 4...1991 1995 1996 1998...3.54.... 80.7

Zack Greinke............2....2013 2019....................3.49.... 77.4

Mike Hampton.......... 5...1999-2003....................4.06.... 28.2

Rich Rhoden.............3...1984 1985 1986............3.59.... 35.4

Don Robinson..........3....1981 1987....................3.79.... 17.4

Fernando Valenzuela 2...1981 1983....................3.54.... 41.5

Carlos Zambrano......3...2006 2008 2009............3.66.... 43.9

Denison: Iran has been at war with us longer than we have been at war with them.

Billy Lothridge: Super Bowl Champ

Was doing some research on Billy Lothridge. Not many photos from his time on the Cowboys and Rams. Found a picture of him on the Falcons, greeting Don Meredith after a game. 

Never really realized that in 1972, Larry Seiple, the punter for the Miami Dolphins, was injured. Lothridge was signed to fill in for two games. Pretty sure the undefeated Dolphins kept Lothridge on the roster throughout their undefeated season, so he was on the sidelines when Miami beat Washington in the Super Bowl. Backup punter, kicker, safety, and QB. 

At Tech, Lothridge was a Heisman runner-up, a top ten all time Yellow Jacket. With the Falcons he twice led the NFL in punting, and was pressed into service at safety - intercepting three passes in one season.

Latest rumor: Fever trade Caitlin Clark to LA. Doesn't seem like the Fever coaches have Caitlin's back. 

 

Braves record is what, 42-21. On pace to win 108 games. If they go 45-44 the rest of the way they'd still win 87 games. Gotta get Riley hitting again. No one has suggested it, but why not let him go down to Gwinnett for a week or two to get his swing back?

Why did Ronald Acuna wear number 21 for Venezuela? He was paying tribute to Roberto Clemente. A noble gesture. He had previously worn 42 to honor Jackie Robinson.

My church always draws a big crowd to Wednesday night supper when they serve Bourbon Chicken. Not sure why. 

Johnson's Ferry is a great church, but needs to improve in the dry erase marker department.

Sermon topic that I'd like to hear: we know that all dogs go to heaven - but what about cats? Surely not. 

Churches across America are being set on fire. Just a few years ago the same thing was happening in Europe, and we all know what's happening in Europe now. Are sleeper cells involved?

Yesterday W&MC had friends in town from Texas. They took them to Bellwood Coffee in Decatur, then went to Kimball House. C had a doctor's appt so she went over to babysit. At 6:20 pm, I left to drive down and help out with the 5 kids. Stopped by Chickfila to get C some supper. 

Didn't leave to drive home until 10:30 pm. C had fallen asleep on the couch. From their house you can drive one mile west on MLK Blvd to go 20 west to 285 north, but C doesn't like that way. So we took MLK east to Northside Drive north. 

   

Today: (1) walked Winnie, (2) gym to lift weights / sauna / treadmill, (3) Walmart for a big shipping envelope, (4) post office to mail a package, (5) Whattaburger for the free burger deal, and (6) Kennesaw Mountain to buy a lifetime visitor pass. 

Tonight will be the first night C and I have been home together all week. Nothing big on tap for the weekend.

Kirk Cousins 2.0

The Las Vegas Raiders produced a funny schedule release video with QBs Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins. Many Atlantans don’t like Cousins after he didn’t reveal that he was injured late in the 2024 season. He obviously thought he gave the team the best chance to win. The team had really messed up by signing Cousins to a huge contract, then drafting another QB with the #8 pick in the draft - a move that eventually cost the GM his job. 

But I’m a big Cousins fan. He’s a hard worker, loves Jesus, is a family man, and establishes deeper than usual relationships with his teammates and coaches. In fact, Fernando Mendoza may just be Kirk Cousins 2.0.

Heard someone say that Vans are the new dad shoes. Also Hokas. In fact it doesn’t matter what brand of sneakers an old white guy wears - he’s not going to look cool, even if it’s the same exact sneaker the cool 20-something’s are rocking. 

Speaking of the cool 29-something’s, looks like they all wear golf shirts and kaiki shorts to Braves games, and probably to everywhere else. It wouldn’t be cool for them to be seen wearing a Braves jersey or cap. They gotta stick to their uniform. Now get off my lawn. 

Reminds me: I need to check eBay and Poshmark for one of those cool dude golf shirts with the tiny Bloopers or Braves feather designs on them. 

BREAKING NEWS: "Numerous Residents are furious after dozens of empty Waymo autonomous vehicles reportedly flooded an Atlanta neighborhood, circling a cul-de-sac for hours without passengers and causing major frustration among locals". ME: I love how the media uses words like "furious" and "major frustration".

Yesterday afternoon Matthew stopped by to visit. We watched the Braves game last night. 

This morning Ceil and I went on a walk after 10:30 am - 1.75 miles with Winnie. Then I cleaned out her car and drove over to the CarSpa on Windy Hill and Cobb Parkway. Ran it through the wash and detailed the inside. Stopped by Taco Bell on the way back for a free burrito and free senior citizen soft drink.  

Article reveals the actual source of covid, which also answers the question of why. The truth is out there.  

TED WILLIAMS  [SABR Bio] was the AL MVP in 1946 & 1949. However, he led in WAR four other years: 1941 (10.4) 2^nd; 1942 (10.5) 2^nd; 1946 (10.6) 1^st; 1947  (9.5)  2^nd; 1949  (9.0)  1^st; and 1951 (7.3) 13^th. – Ordinals indicate AL MVP voting position. He led the majors twelve times in on-base percentage and ended his career as the all-time OBP leader. His lead in OBP, .482, will not be challenged any time soon. His memorable home run in post-World-War-II Fenway Park has been scrutinized extensively. In Boston on 09-Jun-1946(1), he hit a ball that stands as the record distance, 502’, for any home run ever hit there.  A good explanation here:  SABR. 

Denison: more details come to light about the 2024 sinking of the Russian 'ghost ship". 

2026 SEC QB Power Rankings?

680 posted Chuck Oliver's 2026 SEC QB power rankings. Not so fast. Usually the King of College Football is spot on, but this time he has several kinda shakey picks. We'll see who is on top come December. Here's the rankings, but with last year's QBR.

1. 86.0 Trinidad Chambliss Ole Miss. A Mississippi judge recently granted him a 6th year of eligibility, but it very well could be overturned by a NCAA protest.

2. 65.2 Sam Leavitt LSU transfer from Arizona State. Every year the LSU comes into the season highly touted, and more often than not, they fade away.

3. 70.6 Arch Manning Texas. In 2026 Arch's QBR will be top ten. Ya heard it here first.

4. 85.8 Gunner Stockton UGA. I expect no letup from Gunner.

5. 61.5 LaNorris Sellers SC was supposed to be a Heisman candidate last year, then struggled. He won't be in the top five come November. 

6. 65.6 John Mateer Oklahoma struggled with injuries last year.

7. Byrum Brown Auburn

8. Marcel Reed Texas A&M struggled against tough competition

9. Austin Simmons Missouri

10. Austin Mack Alabama will be a first year starter

11. Aaron Philo Florida transfer from GT. Might surprise some people. 

12. Kemario Taylor Miss State

13. Jared Curtis Vanderbilt. True freshman. May not even start.

14. Kenny Minchey Kentucky

15. KJ Jackson Arkansas

16. George MacIntyre Tennessee. The Vols' fifth starting QB in 5 years. 

Speaking of Gunner, he and Herschel were on hand to greet the president when he stepped off Air Force One in Rome this past Thursday. Social media going crazy. 

Sportscaster Al Michaels has done so many great things in his long career. The miracle on ice in 1980. Super Bowls. World Series. The 1989 San Francisco earthquake. But perhaps best of all: Al Michaels has never eaten a vegetable.  

The Idiot's Guide to Being Alone: Chapter One: How to Exist in Public Without Triggering an Alarm. Old guy things...

1. You explain things no one asked about.

2. You think your experience is relevant. It's not. No one cares.

3. You linger. Regular people finish the transaction and leave.

4. You mistake proximity for permission to chat. Standing near someone doesn't mean they want your commentary.

5. You make eye contact, and expect it back. 

6. You evaluate people out loud. "You look tired!" or "That's a lot of groceries!" This is not charming, not desired in any way, and quickly becomes creepy. leave other people alone.

GROVER CLEVELAND ALEXANDER [SABR Bio] is the only pitcher to lead the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA in three straight seasons. 

1915 – Led NL in W (31), K (214) & ERA (1.22)

1916 – Led NL in W (33), K (241) & ERA (1.55)

1917 – Led NL in W (30), K (167) & ERA (1.83)

He won 91 games for the Phillies, 83 for the Cubs, and 34 for the Cardinals. In 6 seasons, his CG total was more than 30. Only Christy Mathewson did this 7 times.

Top Five QB's by Team

Question of the day was who were your team's top five QB's. I posted six teams. Since so many youngsters post the most recent five, my picked traded old school. Should be easy for you to figure out what the teams are below.

1. Otto Brown

2. Frank Ryan

3. Bernie Kosar

4. Milt Plum

5. Bill Nelson

1. Joe Namath

2. Harry Gilmer

3. AJ McCarron

4. Tua T

5. Ken Stabler

1. Joe Montana

2. John Brodie

3. Steve Young

4. YA Tittle

5. Frankie Albert

1. Brett Favre

2. Bart Starr

3. Aaron Rodgers

4. Zeke Bratkowski

5. Lynn Dickey

1. Sammy Baugh

2. Sonny Jurgenson

3. Joe Theisman

4. Billy Kilmer

5. Doug Williams

1. Roman Gabriel

2. Norm Van Brocklin

3. Bob Waterfield

4. Kurt Warner

5. Jim Everitt

1. Eli Manning

2. YA Tittle

3. Charlie Connerly

4. Fran Tarkenton

5. Phil Simms

1. Johnny Unitas

2. Peyton Manning

3. Bert Jones

4. Earl Morrall

5. Andrew Luck

1. Trevor Lawrence

2. Deshaun Watson

3. Steve Fuller

4. Homer Jordan

5. Tajh Boyd

1. Roger Staubach

2. Don Meredith

3. Troy Aikman

4. Eddie LeBaron

5. Danny White

1. Drew Brees

2. Archie Manning

3. Billy Kilmer

4. Bobby Hebert

5. Aaron Brooks

1. John Lujack

2. Paul Hornung

3. Joe Theisman

4. Terry Hanratty

5. Joe Montana

1. Stetson Bennett
2. Fran Tarkenton
3. Buck Belue
4. Aaron Murray
5. Matthew Stafford

1. Billy Lothridge
2. Kim King
3. Joe Hamilton
4. Shawn Jones
5. Haynes King

1. Matt Ryan
2. Steve Bartkowski
3. Michael Vick
4. Bob Berry
5. Chris Miller

2025 NFL Regular Season QB Ratings

2025 regular season NFL QB rating (minimum 185 attempts). 

Rating YDs comp% TD INT

113.2 4394 72.0 31 08 Drake Maye Patriots AFC

109.2 4707 65.0 46 08 Matthew Stafford Rams

105.5 4564 68.0 34 08 Jared Goff, Lions 

103.8 2549 63.6 21 07 Lamar Jackson, Ravens AFC

102.2 3668 69.4 25 10 Josh Allen, Bills AFC

101.2 3381 66.3 23 06 Jordan Love, Packers

100.7 1809 66.8 17 05 Joe Burrow, Bengals AFC

100.5 2167 69.4 20 10 Brock Purdy, 49ers

100.2 3101 68.0 19 08 Daniel Jones, Colts AFC

99.5 4552 67.3 30 10 Dak Prescott, Cowboys

99.1 4048 67.7 25 14 Sam Darnold, Seahawks 

98.5 3224 64.8 25 06 Jalen Hurts, Eagles

97.4 2151 69.6 13 06 Mac Jones 49ers

94.8 3322 65.7 24 07 Aaron Rodgers Steelers AFC

94.1 3727 94.1 26 13 Justin Hebert Chargers AFC

94.1 3366 65.0 23 08 Jacoby Brissett Cardinals

92.9 3041 64.5 19 08 CJ Stroud Texans AFC

91.7 2272 63.7 15 05 Jaxson Dart Giants rookie

91.3 2384 67.6 10 06 Tyler Slough Saints rookie

91.0 4007 60.9 29 12 Trevor Lawrence Jaguars AFC

90.6 3693 63.2 26 11 Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers    

90.1 3942 58.1 27 07 Caleb Williams, Bears

89.6 3587 62.8 22 11 Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs AFC 

89.5 1259 62.8 07 01 Justin Fields, Jets

88.5 1982 60.1 09 03 Micheal Phenix, Falcons

88.4 2660 67.7 20 15 Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins AFC

88.1 1262 60.6 08 03 Jayden Daniels, Commanders

87.8 3931 63.4 25 11 Bo Nix, Broncos AFC

87.8 3011 63.6 23 11 Bryce Young, Panthers

86.5 1586 67.7 08 05 Spencer Rattler, Saints

86.1 1695 61.2 10 07 Marcus Mariota, Commanders

84.8 1721 61.7 10 05 Kirk Cousins, Falcons

84.7 3025 67.4 19 17 Geno Smith, Raiders AFC

80.8 0937 59.5 07 02 Dillon Gabriel Browns AFC rookie

80.2 3169 59.8 15 07 Cam Ward Titans AFC

79.2 2479 60.3 15 10 Joe Flacco Browns Bengals AFC

72.6 1632 57.6 11 12 JJ McCarthy Vikings

68.1 1400 56.6 07 10 Shedeur Sanders Browns AFC rookie

BABE RUTH [SABR Bio] batted 6th in the lineup in Game 4 of the 1918 WS vs. the Cubs. He was the starting pitcher. Ruth knocked in George Whiteman & George "Stuffy" McInnis with a triple off Cubs starter Lefty Tyler in the 4th inning. Only Barry Bonds led his league in bases-on-balls more times than Ruth. Bonds broke Ruth's record, having led the NL 12 times. Ruth is still the AL king, leading the league ten times. 

Bowl Game QBRs

QBR performances from the bowl games. In the Citrus Bowl against Michigan, the Texas QB had the highest rated game for a QB all season. Most of the similarly highly rated games came against much weaker teams like Mercer and James Madison.

1. 99.1 Arch Manning Texas vs Michigan

2. 99.1 Dante Moore Oregon vs James Madison 

3. 96.7 Fernando Mendoza Indiana vs Alabama

5. 95.2 Carson Beck Miami vs Ohio State

7. 93.4 Trinidad Chambliss Ole Miss vs Tulane

11. 90.6 Trinidad Chambliss Ole Miss vs UGA

15. 85.2 Jeff Sims Arizona State vs Duke

17. 84.3 Bear Bachmeier BYU vs GT

18. 82.9 Haynes King GT vs BYU

27. 74.8 Gunner Stockton UGA vs Ole Miss 

31. 70 6 Julian Sayin Ohio State vs Miami

42. 60.4 Carson Beck Miami vs Texas A&M

57. 43.2 Cade Klubnik Clemson vs Penn State 

CLAYTON KERSHAW [B-R Bio] wins above replacement is the highest in the history of the Dodgers’ franchise (1884-2025) - 80.9. His career ERA is the lowest of any pitcher in the Live Ball Era and had 3000 strikeouts: a 2.53 ERA with 3052 strikeouts. His career .699 winning percentage is the best of any pitcher in the Modern Era, topping Whitey Ford’s .690.

Bowled Over

Exciting Citrus Bowl. The Texas QB passed for 2 TDs and ran for two more, including a 60 yard TD run to put the game out of reach. The Michigan QB was supposed to be great, but he threw at least two interceptions.

A pretty good Cotton Bowl. Miami outplayed Ohio State. The Orange Bowl was pretty one sided: Oregon shut out Texas Tech.

Sad to hear this announcement before the Rose Bowl game: "We invite those who are willing and able to stand for the playing of the national anthem." I understand that some might not be able to stand, but otherwise, standing for the national anthem shouldn't be an optional thing.

Sugar Bowl: Ole Miss playing better in the second half, after making numerous mistakes in the first half. Dropped passes, then the receiver failed to run out of bounds at the end of the half.

Gunner taking a beating. Chad Eaton thought one of the hits was targeting. Dawgs lost a player to a targeting call. Not sure. I wasn't at the game. I was home watching the slo mo replays on the hi def wide screen. Did the defender lead with his hands?

On New Year's Eve I considered purchasing the last print edition of the AJC at RaceTrac but didn't. I did say goodbye to my friends at RaceTrac, as my daily free drink status ran out at year end. 

Our office closed at 3 pm Wednesday. I'd been busy all day with personal stuff for the most part. Then to the post office. Got to Perimeter Mall at 345 and learned they were closing at 4. So I didn't stay long.

Stopped by three thrift stores on the way home. Bought two pairs of sneakers: some gum soled New Balance 727s like so many people are wearing these days.

Also some classic Nike Air Max 90's with red trim. Christmas presents to myself. Plus I just sold a pair of Nike Air Marinos.

Ceil wanted me to pick up a pizza from Pizzeria Lucca but it had closed early. Picked up Moxie Burger instead.

C cooked breakfast Thursday morning, then steak and baked potatoes for supper.