tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25255012189129803092024-03-13T17:48:28.743-04:00Fred Said ItWith over 30-years of award winning broadcast experience under my belt, I still wake up each day eager to work with new people and challenge myself professionally. My talents are diverse as a media trainer/coach, speaker, spokesperson, host, voice/over artist, narrator and consultant. But that’s not where they stop, that’s where they begin.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-4491955669049077332011-07-11T12:09:00.031-04:002011-07-13T07:38:17.529-04:00Congratulations to the Captain: Derek Jeter...Mr. 3000Derek Jeter has been a Great member of the New York Yankees ever since he broke into Major League Baseball in 1995. 5 rings later, I place him in the conversation for being one of the top five Yankees of all time. We all know about Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Mantle, but the Captain is right there.<br />
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It is fitting that, at age 37, he gets his 3,000th hit on his 2nd at bat of the game...at home...With a homer, becoming the first Yankee to reach the milestone. And, only the 2nd player ever...anywhere...to get there with a big fly. (Wade Boggs while with Tampa Bay). By the way, he had a five hit game and stole a couple of bases in a 5-4 team victory in which he also drove in the game winning run.<br />
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To my mind, Jeter should be a first ballot, unanimous selection into the Baseball Hall of Fame. But, he won't be, and for most preposterous of reasons. Here it is. He's too clean. No steroids. No controversy or scandals. Nothing the media could feed upon in all these years. Nothing.<br />
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And, for as much as the writers who will someday vote Jeter into Cooperstown want the 'clean guy', some would simply rather have the lightening rod, dumb, quote machine. Were Jeter one of these guys, they'd killed him for it. You can't make the media, for the most part, happy I'm afraid. I hope to never find myself in that particular subgroup.<br />
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Finally, my favorite memory of Derek Jeter came as I covered him with the YES Network my first year with the then start-up operation. I took our young son to Spring training in Tampa. And, as we sat in the dugout, I noticed our son talking to Jeter as I was conducting another interview on the field. Our son then handed Derek my cell phone. A brief conversation ensued with one of our son's grade school classmates.<br />
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When I returned to the dugout, my phone was ringing. It was the kid's dad apologizing for his son lying about speaking to Mr. Jeter and burning minutes on my phone. All I could tell him was that his son was NOT lying, and that Mr. Jeter was a very nice man and one of the outstanding role models in sports I've ever encountered.<br />
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Derek Jeter has done nothing in all these years to make me consider changing that opinion.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-70838778650368486892011-07-04T00:05:00.000-04:002011-07-04T00:05:54.110-04:00A Tribute to the Troops...Happy July 4th!It was my honor and pleasure today to partake in Fox Sports South's 'Tribute to the Troops' at Turner Field in Atlanta. What a thrill!<br />
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The network, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves welcomed more than 70 servicemen and women to the ballpark along with their families. But, this wasn't just a show and tell kind of deal. These brave warriors had just returned from their posts in the middle east 15 days ago, and will soon be taking the 14 hour flight back to stand in harm's way once again for you and me. It was great to treat the troops to a little red carpet treatment, a good meal, and to a ball game before heading back into the fray.<br />
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I cherish every hand I shook, every smile I encountered, and every family member I met. I cannot imagine the turmoil they are returning to, but I know my family and I could not not do what we do if these brave souls didn't do what THEY do.<br />
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Thank you, and Happy Independence Day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-17505285158831085882011-03-15T11:41:00.000-04:002011-03-15T11:41:21.534-04:00A Letter to a Friend from a Friend. Dear Nick Charles,I was just looking at an old trophy we both have from our CNN days marking our three thousandth Sports Tonight show together, and it made me smile...'More than Lucy and Desi', we were told! That was in 1994, and we did more and better after that. <br />
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Seeing that old hunk of Lucite also made me want to express to you how wonderful it was working with you all those years and beyond, and how much you taught me as a journalist. How to never skip the details. How to cultivate, work and respect your sources. And, above all, how to tell a story and paint a picture for the viewer.<br />
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We had a great team, and I was sorry to see it broken up, but that choice was not ours. Just the way of the business I guess. Boy, we got our money's worth though, didn't we?<br />
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I recall broadcasting the Olympic Winter Games with you twice and the Goodwill games from St. Petersburg, Russia from the roof of a floating hotel on the Gulf of Finland. The latter was at night...outside...with full lights, and every flying bug in Russia attacking us!<br />
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There were all those Superbowls...lot's of work, but lots of fun. I always tell people that we didn't have the glamorous office space. Remember the Redskins-Bills game in Minneapolis when we worked in a hallway between the hotel kitchen and a dining room...dodging the wait staff all week? And, there was one of many in New Orleans where were once visited live on set by the Voodoo Queen...the REAL one...bearing gifts? No way I was eating that candy, Pal!<br />
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One of my fondest Superbowl memories was of us in Miami at the Niners-Chargers game...they were just about to kick, and there you were reading the travel section of the New York Times planning your next exotic trip to the Himalayas or, somewhere else involving pack animals and Sherpas.<br />
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Yeah, we started in the old manual typewriter days of 1980...back when if you found a GOOD machine, you'd run for a sharpie and write 'NICK' on it. My guess is that by the time we switched over to computers, 'Nick' was inscribed on at least twenty of those old beasts.<br />
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Good times, man.<br />
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We ALWAYS had good times. We never...not once...in all those years of shows and over two decades working together...had a beef or a harsh word, no matter the circumstances we might have been going through personally or professionally. I'm more proud of that than anything.<br />
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You have been my mentor and a great inspiration since my younger days watching you in Springfield, Illinois...to the thrill of knowing the late, great Bill Macphail was teaming us up at CNN Sports. I've always appreciated our phone calls since then, and seeing you last year after all those years.<br />
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But, you have never inspired me as much as you do now as your light in this world is fading. It pains me to see you ill, but it makes my heart glad to see the way you are finishing the race, just like the thoroughbred fan you are! Trying to catch your patented 'Lightening in a Bottle' a few last times for your wonderful wife Cory and your beloved daughter Giovanna. I know they give you strength the way my wife and kids empower and encourage me.<br />
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All I can pray for is to be as courageous in living the rest of my life as you are in the last days of yours. But don't leave yet. Remember, you owe me dinner in New Mexico. And, I've never seen you welsh on a deal. God bless you...and, thank you from the bottom of my grateful heart.<br />
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Your Friend Always,<br />
FredUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-61717188609414501802011-02-21T09:48:00.000-05:002011-02-21T09:48:16.284-05:00NASCAR Racing: Our First Experience...COOL!My wife and I just returned from Daytona, Florida and the running of the Daytona 500. And, I must say, of all the major sporting events I've been blessed to cover and attend over the years, this ranks right at the the top.<br />
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As a disclaimer, please know I don't get anything about cars except for the fact that they get you from point A to point B in rush hour traffic and cost $3.55 per gallon to fill these days. But, Daytona is a whole different experience. And, the EXPERIENCE part is what makes it special.<br />
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We were guests and treated as royalty by Talia Mark, Mark Lewis, Todd Ervin and the rest of the great folks at NASCAR. We got a pace car ride before the Nationwide race, which my hot rod wife loved. Quote: "If I could have kicked the driver out and driven myself, I would have done it". :) We had total access to the garage area, and were treated to a great show by all the drivers and crews BEFORE the race even started.<br />
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The thing which impressed me most was the access ALL the fans had to such thrills in one way or another. Superbowl fans don't exactly get to hang out on the field during pre game ceremonies, you know? NASCAR is a totally fan friendly atmosphere, even if you (like me) don't know at times exactly what you were looking at out there.<br />
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But, we learned quickly, and gained an appreciation for the sport you can only get by going and hanging out with 140-thousand of your closest friends.<br />
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Ticket prices were reasonable. Everyone had their favorite driver for which to root. The whole week is geared to let the fans have a great time. And, the drivers' attitude toward their fans was refreshingly open and encouraged by the teams.<br />
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We loved it! And, the other thing I appreciated was the diversity effort the sport has undertaken in an attempt to introduce other cultures in America to the sport. The affore mentioned folks are doing an outstanding job. I wish them luck, and pledge my help through Fred Hickman Communications and our associates in the future.<br />
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I never thought I'd ever enjoy watching guys turn left for 500 miles. I was mistaken! I'm already planning for next year.<br />
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One hint: Budget a little extra for the hotels...they know you're coming. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-27220948637499205532011-02-02T19:18:00.003-05:002011-02-02T19:21:25.034-05:00"Fred Said It!" Media Training & Coaching - Now Available!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIYzOxfza2ILY8WD6SXEYnNc8VUjazDRk6_WocKuPCXx6-3Z1Fi-7Pu8wEMudo0URNIkdYlIR4A2AHSsTcX9ksURyn_sNA0H-BosoT3f8dBXiGLlIbSrP3atqPz0Yh5kBPYzfkfR881Nw/s1600/FHC_eBrochure.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIYzOxfza2ILY8WD6SXEYnNc8VUjazDRk6_WocKuPCXx6-3Z1Fi-7Pu8wEMudo0URNIkdYlIR4A2AHSsTcX9ksURyn_sNA0H-BosoT3f8dBXiGLlIbSrP3atqPz0Yh5kBPYzfkfR881Nw/s320/FHC_eBrochure.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569251395205800146" /></a><br /><br />Knowing WHAT to say, How to say it and WHEN to say it are no different than learning how to hit a major league curve ball - it takes time, practice, patience and proper instruction from those who have been through the process and can break it down into clear and simple steps.<br /><br />For more Media Training & Coaching information, contact us at: mediatraining@fredhickman.net or 626.390.3935Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-70291217782477052212011-01-30T19:28:00.005-05:002011-03-20T19:47:51.540-04:00Past, Present and Future of African American BaseballI had the great honor and pleasure to moderate a very special panel of baseball stars speaking to a very special audience in Birmingham, Alabama. I was with the Atlanta Braves Caravan with outfielder Jason Heyward, Pitcher Kris Medlin, first base coach Terry Pendleton, and former Brave Terry Harper. Pretty high brow company right there. But, it got much better upon arrival.<br />
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First, there was a stop at the 16th Street Baptist Church for a tour. You know the place - this was the church that was bombed in 1963, killing four young girls attending Sunday school....September 15th...one of the most heinous hate crimes of the civil rights struggle. Moving. Touching. Inspiring. More...<br />
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Then, across the street to the Civil Rights Institute where the Braves players addressed some local middle schoolers. But, the panel had some very special speakers in attendance.<br />
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Roger Brown, Ernest Fann, Leroy Miller, Tony Lloyd, Henry Elmore, and Sam Bryson. Ring any bells? Try the Philadelpia Stars. The Birmingham Black Barons. The Indianapolis Clowns. The Memphis Red Sox.<br />
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These elegant gentlemen were all enormous stars in baseball's Negro Leagues. And each came forward to offer the youngsters words of encouragement about overcoming societal hurdles, the importance of family and education, and the beauty of the game of baseball at it's essence.<br />
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But, the thing I loved above and beyond the kids was the reaction of the current and past players... a real show of reverence, which has been earned by these pioneers and very much deserved.<br />
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Atlanta will host the <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/civil_rights_game/y2011/"><b>5th Civil Rights Game</b></a> in May, and God willing, many of these historic greats will be in attendance. Please turn out as the Braves host the Phillies and tip your cap to these baseball pioneers. I'm honored to have been in their company, and will soon be posting photographs on this site.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-58371066070548748432011-01-23T11:41:00.002-05:002011-01-23T11:57:33.228-05:00Best Day of the Football SeasonI love Championship Sunday in the NFL because it's the last of the REAL NFL action. The Superbowl is more of an event, and I love it. But, for good, old fashioned, smash mouth play, today is the ultimate. Hence, my picks.<br /><br />I like the Bears over the Packers for the NFC crown. Aaron Rogers is growing into a star quarterback, but I think the Bears defense will be too quick for him, and can cover those big Green Bay receivers. If Kyle Orton can play within himself, the Monsters of the Midway can book their flight to Dallas.<br /><br />In the AFC, give me the Steelers over the Jets despite the fine post season play of Mark Sanchez who's proven unflappable in playoff road games. I like the way Pittsburgh came back from two touchdowns in the hole to out slug Baltimore last week. I think Mike Tomlin's crew will continue to ride the wave. Rex Ryan has backed up all his big talk so far, but I think after winning at New England, The Jets may feel they've already played their title game.<br /><br />So, the Bears and the Steelers in the Superbowl with the nod going to Chicago. And, I'm always right about these things...unless I'm wrong.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-54193541775258154402011-01-09T11:51:00.003-05:002011-03-20T19:50:57.865-04:00Tucker Carlson: Insensitivity, And BeyondI don't know Tucker Carlson personally, but we did share some satellite banter back in the old CNN days. I remember the bow tie, the dry humor, and the right wing point of view he espoused. Other than that, he seemed likable enough while being thoughtful and intelligent.<br />
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Well, all that went out of the proverbial window with his recent comments about Eagles quarterback Michael Vick. President Obama had called Eagles ownership to commend them on giving Vick another chance in the NFL. I happen to agree with the president because ALL of us fall short of God's expectations, and ALL of us deserve a second chance after dealing with the consequences of poor judgment.<br />
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In case you've forgotten - and the conservative media wouldn't dare let you - Vick was convicted for his role in dog fighting. He served 18-months in prison and lost tens of millions of dollars in the process along with any good reputation he might have had.<br />
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Please get this straight: I don't know Michael Vick, and I know nothing of dog fighting except what I learned covering the story to some degree. He deserved every bit of punishment the court dished out. I do know what he did to those animals was reprehensible and wrong beyond explanation. But, for Mr. Carlson to come on FOX News and say the man should have been executed is beyond irresponsible. And, for him to preface the comment by proclaiming his alleged status as a Christian is an insult to all of us Christians everywhere. You can think such things, as wrong headed as they may be, but you cannot say such things over the airwaves. It is hateful, insensitive, and geared to appeal to the small minded among us who either can't or won't think for ourselves. It's like a one man lynch mob wearing a suit and screaming 'GET HIM!' to anyone ignorant enough to listen.<br />
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That's the bad part...but, here's the worst. There can only be one reason Mr. Carlson is still holding down a position, although he was guest hosting for Sean Hannity that day (don't get me started on HIS act). That's because some decision maker at Fox News either agrees with Mr. Carlson OR they see a profit in sensationalism of this story which is, frankly, very old news. Either way, it is wrong, UN-fair and UN-balanced.<br />
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Have your political views - this is America, and we are all entitled to our own. But, let's be mindful that we are not the judge and jury just because we have access to a microphone.<br />
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The only thing which should be executed here is Mr. Carlson's access to a microphone, lest he sees the errors of his ways.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-27042358365873837472011-01-02T16:55:00.003-05:002011-03-20T19:51:53.654-04:00Thanks, Philly...Shame on You, Gov.Last week, the weather on the east coast was frightful. The Eagles vs. Vikings game was postponed from Sunday to Tuesday out of concern for the commuting fan. Great idea...right idea. It's the first time in my recent memory that a team did something to place the interest of the fan above that of the bottom line and concession sales. Good job.<br />
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What I don't get is why Governor Rendell decided to invoke the 'woosie' term referring to the rescheduling of the game. Emergencies had been declared. Lives were at stake on the roads. It's not a 'tough guy' thing. It's a matter of taking care of the public. <br />
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Tell the folks stranded in airports...for days...to suck it up. How about those stranded on roads for hours waiting for them to clear?<br />
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I guess what I'm saying is this...football is a game, but life is life. Careful, Gov. Life and safety of the people is more important. The Eagles and the NFL made the right call.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-20500228953850738062010-12-19T19:11:00.002-05:002010-12-19T19:22:06.577-05:00Merry Christmas!My wife and I have much to be thankful for this Christmas season. First, for the gift of Jesus. Second, for the gift of having each other as husband and wife. Third, for our children. And, fourth, for our family and friends, good health, the promise of prosperity for our company in conjunction with Dorsett Sports Marketing.<br /><br />We hope to be a blessing to someone all year, and wish the same for you. 'Fred Said It' is going to be a lot of fun. Thanks for stopping by, and come back often as I will weigh in on everything from soup to nuts.<br /><br />P.S., Sneak preview...there could be a bus in our immediate future. Coach Madden, move over! :)<br /><br />Merry Christmas, all.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-54363569978593661722010-12-03T19:57:00.004-05:002011-03-20T19:53:34.002-04:00" I Am Serious, and Don't Call Me Shirley."I was never a big soap opera guy, but my mother was a huge 'Peyton Place' fan back in the day. I, on the other hand, preferred westerns such as 'The Virginian.' But, I do recall one actor with fondness who appeared in both, and went on to become iconic for, ironically enough, turning his serious persona into one of an hysterical straight man in pictures such as 'Airplane' and 'Naked Gun.'<br />
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I remember Leslie Nielsen well for all his great dramatic and super funny work. But, I will remember the late, great Leslie, whom we just lost at the age of 84, for something more personal...<br />
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A few years back, while living in West Hartford, Connecticut, raising two kids as a single parent and before meeting my wonderful wife, I was standing on the front porch of my condo contemplating how much life stunk. Well, the Greater Hartford Open golf event was happening that week. One of my neighbors happened to be working the event, and guess who was a guest at his home? Leslie Nielsen!<br />
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I saw him walking in the turnabout and did a double take. I've been around celebrities mall my life, but this was out of the clear blue.<br />
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I grabbed my son, who was in middle school at the time, and told him there was someone outside he might want to meet. He grudgingly tore himself away from the playstation, came outside, and...beamingly...exclaimed " Frank Drebin!...wow!"<br />
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Then, Leslie said, in his classic style, "That's officer Drebin, son." Beautiful. Made our whole day!<br />
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So, Leslie...here's to you, old friend. Thanks for the memories. Rest in in peace, and I won't call you Shirley. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-90139638820011127872010-11-21T22:35:00.003-05:002011-03-20T19:55:06.236-04:00A Classical GasMy family and I have just returned from the Florida Classic football at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Bethune Cookman University, my wife's undergrad alma mater, lost to Florida A & M... my late father-in-laws Alma mater, as well as many other members of the family on my wife's side.<br />
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To the players and the schools, this is the Superbowl, as I quickly learned in my first Classic experience. The bands as well, I might add. But there were no losers Saturday. These are two historical Black Universities...and, not the only two. And, the kinship was palpable. No jeering. No fighting among fans. No animosity or nastiness. Just a good-natured rivalry which was enjoyed by a huge crowd of fans who look forward to the event each year.<br />
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And, make no mistake, it IS an event. It was a great example of what good, clean sportsmanship is about on and off the field. Coaches shaking hands with each and every one of their players during warm ups. Alums aging from their 20's, I dare say, to and past the century mark getting acquainted and reacquainted.<br />
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The halftime show was tremendous. The F.A.M.U. Band was out standing, but the marching 100 is more like the marching 350 these days. (They had us outnumbered)<br />
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Good food, good friends-old and new-good fellowship and good times. I'm the better man and fan for attending. I didn't attend an H.B.C.U., but as a man of color who is proud of his lineage, I wish I had...and, I'm glad my wonderful wife did.<br />
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However, please understand...games like the classic are for everyone of every color who enjoy sports for what they should be. Not just to watch guys playing for draft position on the board are rankings in the B.C.S. <br />
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Do yourself a favor and attend an H.B.C.U. event soon. Just don't try to get our seats. They are already spoken for. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-67616544514938957782010-11-19T20:49:00.002-05:002010-11-19T20:56:10.807-05:00Bethune vs. FAMUJust a short note. We have arrived in the greater Orlando are for tomorrow's game between Bethune Cookman and FAMU. I am tickled on a number of different levels, then first being my wife is a BC alumnus and the most beautiful AKA God ever created. Second, my late great father-in-law was a rattler. Will watch and report!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-68679806333721515742010-11-11T11:08:00.005-05:002011-03-20T19:56:04.314-04:00Thanks To All The VetsAs we launch our website, and a whole new chapter in my career, I just wanted to take a moment to thank all our brave service personnel who make it possible for me to enjoy such freedom.<br />
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The thing that strikes me the most is that each and every one I've known or met signs up of their own free will to serve their country, be wounded for it, and too often, to die for it.<br />
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Two things happened to me this summer to drive the point home. We visited Arlington National Cemetery. If you haven't done so, put it on your list. The other was to watch a large group of Air Force Reserve recruits sworn in before a big league baseball game crowd. They were all just kids...mere high schoolers...acne and all. God bless them, for we know not how many will be taking that one way trip to Arlington some day themselves.<br />
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I long ago ceased using the word 'hero' in reference to athletes... since 9/11 in fact. Above are just a few more of the reasons.<br />
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Again, thank you vets.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-40999648607614278832010-02-28T12:31:00.003-05:002010-02-28T13:18:34.917-05:00Hope 'Springs' Eternal. Bravesville is fired up!!!There is nothing like it for the incurable baseball fan, and I'm one of them. It's the time of year when every big league club is tied for first place and has legitimate hopes of getting top and winning the World Series. It's the time when wide eyed youngsters get to locker next to grizzled veterans and hear the elder statesmen spin their yarns about glorious seasons past. Bobby Dews hitting fungos and working on a new book. Guys trying to get pants that fit right and find out where the batting cages are, and what time to be there to hit. Legends and would-be legends walking on the same turf. It's called spring training, and there is nothing better in sports.<br /><br />I just returned from a couple of days with the Atlanta Braves and, despite stinky weather by Orlando standards, it was great. Moving into 2010, the Braves have much to be optimistic about as far as their chances and celebrating the legendary Bobby Cox in his final season as a big league skipper.<br /><br />I'll be talking about Bobby all season long, and in glowing terms, as this future Hall of Famer is one of my favorite people inside the game and outside it as well. If he can spirit his club to at least 90 wins, it will be the 15th time he's done so in his great career. The only other man to do it? Joe McCarthy. 'Nuf said.<br /><br />The pitching staff looks strong again. Javier Vasquez is gone, but Tim Hudson is back. Bill Wagner is one of the new guys...an old closer with a brand new (Tommy John Surgery) arm, and he looks fine.<br /><br />Welcome Troy Glaus to first base. His first regular season game at that position will be only the 5th in his career, but don't sweat it. Former rookie of the year Eric Hinske is another new guy who'll gets a lot of outfield work as will Melke Cabrera, late of the Yankees...great clubhouse guy.<br /><br />Chipper Jones looks great and ready to erase the glitch which was 2009 (264 batting average, down 100 points from his championship total of the year before). Brian McCann set to make the All Star roster, something he's done in each of his first five big league seasons. Martin Prado is THE man at 2nd base, and he is so fired up about the season, it's hard to put into words.<br /><br />And, the biggest story of them all may be Jason Heyward, the immense rookie who seems to have the right field job to lose. Watching him in batting practice was impressive. LISTENING to him hit was even more amazing. The ball sounds different coming off his stick. Cox said it was like listening to Hank Aaron or Micky Mantle hit the ball. The kid from Henry County Georgia has all the physical tools and the mental makeup to be a real beast in this game. Time will tell.<br /><br />There are some clubs which, while starting with a clean slate, know somewhere deep down that they have no chance to make the Fall Classic. The Braves are NOT one of them. I like their chances to do some damage and make it back into the post season. But, more important, THEY like their chances.<br /><br />Yes, hope springs eternal in Bravesville. I'll keep you posted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-36523669378316894722010-01-17T11:26:00.004-05:002010-01-17T12:29:11.781-05:00New Award for Colts Head Coach Jim CaldwellA tip of the cap goes to the head coach of the NFL Indianapolis Colts, Jim Caldwell. What an extraordinary job he has done in his 'rookie' year as the replacement for his mentor Tony Dungee, although I don't think Dungee could ever truly be replaced.<br /><br />Jim has led the Colts to the AFC championship game, and I hope beyond. He has stepped into a pair of impossibly big shoes to fill, and done so admirably and with outstanding results. He does so after serving as the quarterbacks coach for three years, earning a big THANK YOU from Peyton Manning. He was also the assistant head coach for Dungee last season. His 2009 edition is now 15-2 after defeating Baltimore 20-3 Saturday...the team's first win, by the way, after being 0-3 in playoff games following the bye week afforded to the teams good enough to not have to participate in the wild card round. The Colts will next face the winner of today's Chargers/Jets game for the right to appear in Superbowl XLIV down Miami way.<br /><br />Caldwell, though, only received 7 NFL Coach of the Year votes finishing behind the Bengals' Marvin Lewis, the Saints' Sean Payton, and the Chargers' Norv Turner...all of whom did superb jobs as well. But, if I had a vote, it would have gone to Caldwell. So, I decided to invent my own...and Caldwell is a unanimous winner! Please read on as to the 'what' and the 'whys'.<br /><br />Think of it this way. Many times in most pro leagues, coaches and managers are actually penalized by the electorate for their team being TOO talented. Phil Jackson of the Lakers pops into my head. He's won a grand total of ONE Coach of the Year awards while with the Remark-a-Bulls of 1995-96 which went 72-10. All he did was handle the likes of Jordan, Pippen, Shaq and Kobe in his career. Jerry Sloan, one of the NBA's best coaches, has NEVER won...also bordering on criminal. Jim may be in the same fraternity.<br /><br />Oh, he'll get his due all right, and would trade ANY individual accolade for a championship ring any day of the week. His players believe in him. His boss, Bill Polian...a football brain of the highest order...believes in him. Tony Dungee believes in him. And, all those great football minds cannot be wrong.<br /><br />But there is a clincher. Caldwell gets credit for one more very important thing. He's an IOWA GUY! Caldwell was U of I class of '76. This is critical since I am Coe College class of '78. We know many of the same people, and we're all rooting for him to do well...to REPRESENT as the youngsters like to say. I'm not saying there weren't ANY people of color in eastern Iowa back in the day, but we DID have to import Afro Sheen, picks and Jet Magazines from Illinois. Suffice it to say we were a VERY exclusive club.<br /><br />So, add all these factors together, and there is a great case to be made for Caldwell being the very first...(insert drum roll here)... 'Fred said it Rookie Head Coach of the Year who went to Iowa and did the Bump' award. Enjoy it, Jim. I think this is an achievement that I'm certain will never again be duplicated.<br /><br />The award carries with it absolutely nothing of monetary value, but a firm handshake will be offered when next we meet.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-32923571122371403512010-01-13T23:10:00.004-05:002010-01-13T23:55:03.405-05:00Prayers for HaitiI've had a difficult time finding the words for this particular piece, but I shall try.<br /><br />We Hickmans have issues as does every American family. Dealing with our children, paying the bills, doing what many Americans do everyday. It's all good, though. Great wife who is my best friend. Healthy children who don't get into trouble, by God's good grace.<br /><br />I watched the news, of course, all day chronicling the tragedy of the Haitian earthquake where so many of our brothers and sisters have perished by the tens of thousands. So many missing. So many hurting. So many wondering what to do next. People who are afraid to sleep indoors for fear the structures might give way due to aftershocks or existing damage. People setting tires ablaze to illuminate the town of Mangine, some 35 miles from the flattened capital of Port Au Prince. Men searching for THEIR wives and children, praying for the best, dreading the worst.<br /><br />But, it was when I went to our filtered water dispenser in our nice, warm kitchen, in our nice, safe house, that it hit me. It could all be blown apart in a heartbeat. We are, all of us, one disaster and a few seconds away from having to rethink all we know and all we cherish. What would the folks in Haiti, who already lived in abject poverty (most subsiding on less than $1.00 per day) due for a fresh drink of water and a warm bed in which to sleep tonight?<br /><br />Even Haitian President Rene Preval, who's quarters and offices were leveled in the 7.0 monster quake, was forced into the fray. The temblor did not ask for credentials nor cared about one's station in life. The news will not get better in the coming days or weeks as the rubble is cleared and the countless victims are unearthed.<br /><br />I pray for Haiti. I desire to help my neighbors. I thank God for my family. I hope tonight that you will do the same.<br /><br />My Episcopal church home in Atlanta supports some 204 children in Haiti. Father Rob knows not of their fate, but he did offer this prayer today:<br /><br />"May the souls of the departed rest in peace; may the souls of the grieving be comforted; may the souls of the living not be overcome by this tragedy; and, may our souls not be overcome by indifference. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.".<br /><br />All I can add to that is amen...and, what can I do to help?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-20931508815640589902010-01-12T13:45:00.002-05:002010-01-12T13:55:00.204-05:00Mark McGwire: Let the 'Real' Healing BeginDid you see Mark Mcgwire on the MLB Network Monday? I did, and came away from his explanation of his steroids use as a player with mixed emotions. McGwire claims he only used the substances to help him heal from injury and to 'get back on the field'.<br /><br />In case you’re just arriving back from a five year excursion to Mars, Mcgwire is the guy who crushed 70 home runs during the 1998 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, going bang for bang down the stretch with Sammy Sosa. McGwire shattered Roger Maris’ single season homer record of 61 set it 1961. When former McGwire teammate Jose Canseco authored in his book that McGwire and others shared the passion for steroids in order to get bigger, heal faster, and hit and pitch baseballs better, a firestorm of controversy was ignited. McGwire was among those called before Congress five years ago, but did not admit to using the now banned and illegal substances, and baseball now has a stringent testing policy in place.<br /><br />But, I’m not here to throw rocks at McGwire. I’m more reflective of myself as an avid baseball fan and a guy who’s followed and covered the game for decades. I’m telling you that I was watching every second of that 1998 season with the enthusiasm of a schoolboy, eyes wide and gate mouthed. Every bomb they hit was all the more amazing. I didn’t know McGwire was juicing, and I didn’t care. All I knew was that he and Sosa, and Giambi, and Bonds were crowd pleasing in a big way. After all, as former pitching great Greg Maddux deadpanned in a commercial ad, ‘Chicks dig the long ball’.<br /><br />Yes, it was fun to watch and compelling. And, if you are any kind of a big league fan who says he wasn’t rooting right along with me, you’re the type of person who would lie about sticking his own kid in a hot air balloon so he could get a reality television deal. That would be either dishonest or delusional…and perhaps both.<br /><br />I’m glad McGwire came publically clean. He had to. He is now the batting coach for the Cardinals and knew what kind of music he’d be facing the second spring training opens. So does manager Tony LaRussa and the rest of the Cardinals organization. They don’t want that kind of media circus following them around, but it’s going to happen anyway. The media will crazy glue itself to McGwire, and he’ll be forced to, again and again, explain his actions and publically apologize to those he duped.<br /><br />Well, let me say this to Mark right now. Maybe I should apologize to YOU. As a fan, maybe I should have guessed something unnatural was going on with you. Maybe I should have turned my eyes away from the screen in 1998. Maybe I, along with the other millions of baseball fans were enabling you to push beyond accepted boundaries. Maybe I should have refused to cover your story as a sportscaster. Perhaps we should not blame Frankenstein’s monster, but rather the fiendish collective mind which created him.<br /><br />Let’s be honest, McGwire and the rest of the creations out there gave baseball fans just what they wanted during those years. A sideshow act in a carnival which lacked zing. Who wants to see a two ring circus, after all?<br /><br />So, I wish the guy luck. He’s finally held his nose and is swallowing his medicine. I, for one, forgive him but I know I am not alone. Fact is the peanut gallery is going to be on McGwire like white on rice from now on. Or at least until they can get their hands on Barry Bonds.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-55968978219743316882010-01-07T14:06:00.002-05:002010-01-07T15:05:28.179-05:00Arenas: 'Agent Zero' Dollars...OR Sense!So, let me get this straight. Gilbert Arenas has been suspended indefinitely and without pay by NBA Commissioner David Stern. The 28-year old star of the Washington Wizards, who is in the 2nd year of a six year $111 million dollar contract is losing $147 grand for each game he misses. He is being investigated by authorities for the possession of not one, but FOUR firearms in the Wizards locker room in what appears to be an OK Corral type standoff.<br /><br /><br /><br />Seeing this all unfold, it's almost too bizarre to believe. There is no way ANYONE could be this dumb! But, Arenas...or Agent Zero, as is his nickname, has proven me wrong.<br /><br /><br /><br />Let me count the ways. You have firearms in Washington D.C. Illegal. You have them in the workplace. Unethical and dangerous. You saw former Giants wide receiver Plexico Burress go to prison just months ago for shooting himself in the leg in a New York night club in a city where the gun laws are just as strong. Not paying attention. What if your weapon or that in the hands of teammate Jarvis Crittendon (There are reports Crittenton's weapon may have been loaded with a round chambered) had discharged, accidentally or otherwise? Reckless. Then, after all of this, during the course of a subsequent game, you point at teammates on your bench in a shooting motion as a 'joke'. Not funny to the Commissioner.<br /><br /><br /><br />The last gesture caused Commissioner Stern to declare Arenas 'not currently fit to take the court' in an NBA game. The league is still investigating the matter as are the authorities. My guess is Arenas punishment(s) will be much more 'stern' before this thing is over, no pun intended because nothing about this is funny. Arenas would do well to grasp that fact.<br /><br /><br /><br />The irony of this is as follows. Arenas is the face of the Wizards franchise, which changed it's name from the Bullets in 1997. Owner Abe Pollin decided to make the change because of the high crime and murder rates in the D.C area. The Wizards organization is backing the NBA's decision to suspend Arenas.<br /><br /><br /><br />Gilbert Arenas is a great talent on the floor, but he STILL doesn't get it. There is not a set of laws and rules for Agent Zero, and another set for the rest of us.<br /><br /><br /><br />$111 million dollar player. Five penny head.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-32176741181214493952010-01-06T20:34:00.002-05:002010-01-06T21:04:42.084-05:00The Hawk Nests in Cooperstown...FINALLY!This is a great day for a great baseball player and a great person. Andre Dawson was the one and only electee to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame this year, and it's about time. Dawson gets in on his 9th try, but trying hard has never been an issue with Dawson, one of the better right fielders of his era.<br /><br />The Baseball Writers of America named Dawson on 420 of the 529 ballots they cast, almost 78% of the votes, 3% above the minimum. And, as an avid baseball fan, I couldn't be happier for the Miami native who is now a coach with the Florida Marlins, the team for which he finished his 21 year playing career before becoming an executive with the club. Sadly, the end of his playing days came in 1996, meaning he missed playing a single game in a world series by a single year. I spoke with him last season when the Marlins visited Atlanta, and two things struck me. He is still a kind soul, and he still has, what I estimate to be, a 30 inch waistline. I am deeply envious of the latter.<br /><br />The coolest part if this whole thing is to know the man's history. He played on a pair of wrecked knees in a wrecked ballpark his first 11 years. He was a Montreal Expos outfielder and played on an Olympic Stadium field that was more parking lot than baseball diamond. When Les Expos decided he was no longer worthy of their time of money, he opted to become a Chicago Cub, joining the team by signing a blank contract...telling the Cubs to fill in the amount.<br /><br />Dawson's numbers were outstanding. 438 home runs and 1,591 RBIs for four teams. And, his right arm was an absolute howitzer.<br /><br />But, I love the man's story. The fact that he attended an HBCU, FAMU in Tallahassee. He was never in the headlines except for doing the right things in the right way. I'm told he visited the grave sites of his mother, grandmother and aunt before awaiting the call from the Hall with his wife and daughter. Dawson didn't win a World Series ring as a player, but he has always been world class in my eyes. He deserves every bit of praise he gets July 25th in Cooperstown. I hope to be there to watch.<br /><br />Not bad, Hawk. Not too bad at all.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-21294705936465832892009-09-15T18:09:00.003-04:002009-09-15T20:59:05.296-04:00Serena. Who's 'Really' over the line?Okay, I get it. Serena Williams is playing an important tennis match...the semi-finals at the United States Open against rival and good friend Kim Clijsters. She's smoking hot over a foot fault call which eventually gives Ms. Clijsters the match. Ms. Williams let the line judge have it with both barrels, and with no expletives deleted in the process. Game, set and match to Clijsters. Loss, infamy and a 7-figure fine to Williams. The initial punishment was fair in my mind. The premise smacked of something completely unfair.<br /><br />By the book, Williams was appropriately penalized. She had already been assessed a conduct warning earlier in the match, and a second demanded the penalty she received. Williams went off on the judge in a big way, pointing a finger her way and using language unbecoming of the young lady she is known to be in tennis circles.<br /><br />Williams has apologized to Clijsters, the eventual champion, and admitted poor judgement during the tirade. What I want to know is why the aforementioned blowup is such a major incident of global proportions.<br /><br />I have a problem with ANY major sporting event being decided by an officials call as this one clearly was. Was the judge offended by the language and gestures? Yes. But, guess what? That's why you have the job. You should be able to take that kind of grief the way those lit up by John McEnroe took it. And, by the way, the way the officials took it when Roger Federer got a bit hot under the collar in this very Open.<br /><br />I never saw Williams threaten to 'kill' the official as the assailed claimed the player did during the dispute. And, I have a very hard time thinking that Williams, in front of an international television audience and before thousands of eye witnesses, would have committed such a heinous act. Serena has nothing...not one thing...in her public record to indicate she is a batterer. She is a competitor, no more and no less.<br /><br />Let's calm down, people. Heat of battle...that's it. She is not an 'Angry Black Woman' starring in the next Tyler Perry film. And, let's all of us thin skinned fans among us understand she is an athlete of the highest order, and a businesswoman who understands the fiscal repercussions which will accompany her actions, and rightly so.<br /><br />Was Serena out of line and out of order? Yes. Was she contrite following her outburst and did her opponent forgive her? Yes. Was the official overactive in injecting herself into the final outcome of a major sporting event? Yes. Did the official show a stereotypical fear of a woman of color in that situation and read more into it than what was really there? In my humble opinion, the answer is again...yes.<br /><br />Please remember that while we in this country now have a man of color as president, there are still many barriers to break down along the way. I have always believed sports is the flash point. It is the one common thread among all of us. Satchell, Hank, Jackie, Russ, Night Train...all were pioneers. All had drive and all had feelings, but they were not allowed the freedom of expression. Each showed extraordinary restraint in instances Serena will never know about because of them. But, she has the freedom now to let loose...right or wrong, proper or improper...and, the duty to pay the freight for her actions and reactions...without being judged for her character overall. But, Ms. Official, understand that not all Black women are out to 'kill' you because they disagree with a call. If that is your thought or predisposition, might I suggest another line of work where the pressure and tension of world class competition does not come in to play.<br /><br />Perhaps, feline massage?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525501218912980309.post-60399929903434939022009-03-02T17:58:00.001-05:002009-03-02T18:01:03.740-05:00Loss of a Great IconI am saddened by the passing of one of the great icons in the radio industry. Paul Harvey has died at the age of 90, but leaves behind a legacy America appreciates, and a style it could use more of today. I’ll sum up my feelings with a memory, growing up as a boy in Springfield, Illinois.<br /><br />‘Paul Harvey News’ was, by far, the most interesting thing on the radio in this small town. His way of storytelling was never condescending or filled with any kind of vitriol. It was as if a neighbor was telling a story which had a point that you would eventually get…and chuckle a bit to yourself at the irony.<br /><br />And, of course, there was ‘The Rest of the Story’. You’d get one half early and the rest a little later. It was absolutely cannot miss radio.<br /><br />The most compelling thing about the man’s style was the read his own commercial copy, and tailored it to local markets. Ours was Bunn Coffee Makers and Bish Funeral Home. It was like the guy knew the owners on a first name basis, had just had a cup of coffee and then attended a service at the home for someone you knew. I doubt if he’d ever been to either one of the joints, but he made the listener feel as though he did. I’m sure folks in Iowa or Wyoming or Arizona feel the same way.<br /><br />My thanks to Mr. Harvey for his contributions, his humor and the ability to make me feel a little smarter and a little more ahead of the game each time I listened. God bless his soul and his family.<br /><br />FredSaidItUnknownnoreply@blogger.com