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.
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.
P.S., Sneak preview...there could be a bus in our immediate future. Coach Madden, move over! :)
Merry Christmas, all.
With 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.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
" 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.'
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...
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!
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.
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!"
Then, Leslie said, in his classic style, "That's officer Drebin, son." Beautiful. Made our whole day!
So, Leslie...here's to you, old friend. Thanks for the memories. Rest in in peace, and I won't call you Shirley. :)
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...
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!
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.
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!"
Then, Leslie said, in his classic style, "That's officer Drebin, son." Beautiful. Made our whole day!
So, Leslie...here's to you, old friend. Thanks for the memories. Rest in in peace, and I won't call you Shirley. :)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
A Classical Gas
My 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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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. :)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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. :)
Friday, November 19, 2010
Bethune vs. FAMU
Just 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!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thanks To All The Vets
As 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.
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.
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.
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.
Again, thank you vets.
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.
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.
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.
Again, thank you vets.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Hope '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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, hope springs eternal in Bravesville. I'll keep you posted.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, hope springs eternal in Bravesville. I'll keep you posted.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
New Award for Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell
A 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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The award carries with it absolutely nothing of monetary value, but a firm handshake will be offered when next we meet.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The award carries with it absolutely nothing of monetary value, but a firm handshake will be offered when next we meet.
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