The Best I Ever Saw

Recently, a friend of mine told me that I think too much. Think too much?!? Moi? Okay, perhaps I might, but is that such a bad thing? I guess it depends on what you’re thinking about. Admittedly, a lot of the stuff bouncing around in my oversized noggin is mostly useless sports trivia. I am constantly mulling over all-time lists and trying to recall the jersey numbers of players from the ‘60s and ‘70s.

My propensity for sports minutia was evidenced a couple weeks ago in a facebook “conversation” with 540 ESPN radio personality Bill Johnson. I asked him who was the best player of each of the four major sports that he saw play in person.

He came up with an interesting list: Baseball - Bo Jackson (Royals), Football - Barry Sanders, Basketball - Moses Malone, and Hockey - Chris Chelios at age 47 with the Chicago Wolves.

Here were my selections:
 

Like Bill, my hockey choice deserves an asterisk. In 1978, I saw NHL Hall of Famer Bobby Orr play, but it was in a charity softball game at historic Finney’s West. The fundraiser pitted a team from St. Catherine Hospital against the Chicago Blackhawks. Admittedly, I was a bit star-struck sitting within spitting distance of one of the greatest hockey players ever.

A couple of things about that game will be forever etched in my mind. One was that Orr’s wife was very pretty, but not Hollywood starlet gorgeous. She could have been the “good-looking girl” in any Kenosha bar. What would have set her apart is the diamond wedding ring she was wearing. It could have choked a horse. A large horse.

The other thing was the condition of Orr’s knees. Both were covered with a web of thick, ugly scars. Only 30 years old, the hockey icon had already undergone over a dozen knee surgeries. As bad as his knees looked, they must have felt even worse. When he batted, a young boy would run the bases for the hobbled superstar. Looking back, it was kind of sad.
 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the greatest basketball player I ever saw in person. In ninth grade, I was a statistician for Lance Junior High’s basketball team. At the end of the season, the team was rewarded with a trip up to Milwaukee for a Bucks game. On February 20, 1972 I sat in the nosebleed seats watching Abdul-Jabbar’s Bucks take on the Chicago Bulls.

Abdul-Jabbar did not disappoint me and the other 10,745 fans in the Milwaukee Arena. The 7’2” center poured in a game-high 44 points as the Bucks knocked off Norm Van Lier, Jerry Sloan and the other thugs from Chi-town, 103-100.

The only blemish on that special Sunday afternoon occurred on the bus ride home to Kenosha. Jim Lehman, one of the players from our team, borrowed the souvenir program that I had purchased at the game. As we got off the bus in Lance’s parking lot he returned it me – folded in half with a big crease right down the middle. Already anal-retentive, I was less than pleased with the condition of my program.
 

Friday, April 11, 1975 was a day of firsts. It was the first time I ever skipped a day of school. It was opening day for the Milwaukee Brewers and it was the first Brewer game that I ever attended in person. To make the game even more memorable was that it was also the return to Milwaukee for home-run king Hank Aaron and his first as a Brewer.

While most of my schoolmates were in class back in Kenosha, I was freezing my considerable rump off in the upper grandstand of venerable Milwaukee County Stadium. But it was well worth it as I watched the Brew Crew dispose of the Cleveland Indians, 6-2. Not only did I witness Aaron’s first game in the AL, but also his first hit and first RBI as well.

Also notable on that chilly day was that it was Frank Robinson’s second game as Cleveland’s player-manager. Three days earlier he had become Major League Baseball’s first black manager in a game where his Indians team defeated the New York Yankees.

Not a bad day of firsts that began with me skipping school. Oh, I forgot to mention one other first. On the way to the game we stopped at Marc’s Big Boy for breakfast. Afterwards, we picked up some beer at Town ‘n’ Country for the trip up I-94. April 11, 1975 was the first day I ever drank a 12-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon before 11:00 AM.

The best football player I ever saw is a tie. Deadlocked for that honor are Joe Montana and Brett Favre. When the “experts” discuss the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Montana and Favre are always in the discussion. I was fortunate to have been in attendance when both of these high-profile NFL stars had historic games.
 

On Sunday, December 6, 1987 I was seated one row from the top of legendary Lambeau Field with Will Meurer, Chuckie Haubrich and Jeff Schantek. On that day, Montana led San Francisco to a 23-12 victory over the Packers. In the game, Montana passed for 308 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 33 yards and another touchdown on the ground. 

All that wasn’t even what made the Hall of Famer’s performance noteworthy.

Montana had completed his final five passes the week before against the Cleveland Browns. On this extraordinary day, he would connect on his first 17 passes against Green Bay, setting a then NFL record of 22 consecutive completions. Although the Pack lost the game, I had witnessed history.
 

Another historic performance that I was privileged to experience took place on September 20, 1992. Again it was in Lambeau Field. That day, Brett Favre, a kid from Kiln, Mississippi, became a hero in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In the years to follow, he would go on to become the face of the NFL, being named NFL MVP three times in the process. 

What I witnessed that day with Vern and Janet Fisher, my brother Mike and Reenie Orth was the start of a storybook career.

It was a warm autumn day and the Packers were playing the Cincinnati Bengals. The home team fell behind early and to make matters worse, quarterback Don Majkowski was knocked out of the game in the first quarter. Down 17 to 3, the sellout crowd grew restless, sensing impending doom.



Enter number four. It wasn't pretty; he fumbled four times and was sacked five times. Favre did, however, manage to throw for two fourth-quarter touchdowns. The second, a 35-yarder to Kitrick Taylor with 13 seconds left, ended a 92-yard, 54-second drive that Favre engineered with no timeouts remaining. The legend was born and the victory was instrumental in helping the Packers build a streak of winning seasons.

Bobby Orr, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hank Aaron, Joe Montana and Brett Favre. Four Hall of Famers and a future Hall of Famer. Not bad. And I saw each of them play in person. They were the best I ever saw.

Until the next time…from the booth.

A Brilliant Career Tarnished

On March 5, 2008, Brett Lorenzo Favre retired from the Green Bay Packers and the NFL. On July 2, 2008 he came out of retirement and nine days later asked for his unconditional release. Instead, the Packers traded him to the New York Jets on August 4, 2008. On February 11, 2009 Favre informed the Jets that he was once again retiring. On April 28, 2009 the Jets released him from his contract, allowing him to sign anywhere he wanted. August 18, 2009 Favre once again came out of retirement and signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Finally, on January 17, 2011, Favre officially filed his retirement papers with the NFL.

Besides his propensity for keeping all of America guessing whether or not he is going to play, Favre had a few other blemishes during his illustrious and storied career.

Early in the 2008 season, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported that Favre gave the Detroit Lions a lengthy scouting report on Green Bay’s offensive schemes before the Packers played the Lions in the second game of the season. There were no denials from Lions coaches regarding these allegations.

In 2010, the NFL investigated Favre for allegedly sexting and leaving inappropriate voice messages for Jets sideline host Jenn Sterger during the 2008 season. He was found not to have violated the NFL’s personal conduct code, but was fined $50,000 for failing to cooperate with the investigation.

This past week there were numerous reports that Favre would listen to the Chicago Bears if they contacted him after the injury to Jay Cutler and the less than stellar performances of Caleb Hanie in his first two starts. The Bears lost both of those games with Hanie contributing six interceptions. Mercifully, the Bears did not reach out to Favre to come out of retirement.

I say mercifully because the quarterback had done enough to tarnish his brilliant NFL career. With his skills greatly diminished and his body significantly broken down, playing for the Bears would have only added to the besmirching of his reputation.

The purpose of listing all of the dates of when Favre retired and then subsequently came out of retirement was to establish a timeline of when his legacy started losing some of it’s luster among his legions of fans.

Having witnessed Favre’s first moment of glory with the Packers in person, I was one of those fans. I was there September 20, 1992, when he tossed a 35-yard TD pass to Kitrick Taylor with 32 seconds left in the game, sealing a dramatic come-from-behind victory for the Packers over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Today I no longer am able to count myself as a fan of number 4. The talk of the Bears being potentially interested in Favre made me cringe. It also got me thinking about when he began falling out of favor with me.

Looking back, it wasn’t when he left the Packers and started his much-documented period of flip-flopping between retiring and making comebacks. It wasn’t when he was doing his Judas Iscariot routine with the Lions or even when he was sending pictures of little Brett to Ms. Sterger.

No, it happened much earlier. The date that I began to question my infatuation with Favre was January 6, 2002. More specifically, it occurred with 2:42 left in the fourth quarter of the Packers 34-25 victory over the New York Giants.

That is when he changed the play called in the huddle and flopped to the ground so Michael Strahan of the Giants could record his record-breaking sack. The play looked questionable because the Packers were leading 34-25 and Favre didn’t have a blocker in front of him.

Brett Favre Laying Down For Michael Strahan

Some joked that Favre’s flop was his worst acting performance since his stiff cameo in the movie “There’s Something About Mary”. Packer players weren’t joking about the play.

Teammates said Favre called a run in the huddle. The quarterback insisted he changed the play to a naked bootleg to catch the Giants off guard. After the game Packer linemen were rather tight-lipped about the play.

Tight end Bubba Franks had the blocking assignment on Strahan on the play. “That was called as a running play,” Franks said. “I don’t know if it was a bad snap or what. I was run blocking. I didn’t know it was a pass.”

“We wanted to avoid that sack,” right tackle Mark Tauscher said. “I know Earl Dotson and the offensive line as a group wanted to keep that from happening.”

When asked about the sack, Packers center Mike Flanagan, also irritated about Strahan’s gift, said: “That’s not something I’m talking about. Go ask Brett.”

Of course Favre denied that he gave Strahan the sack. That’s what he does best - deny things. He is always in denial. He never does anything wrong. He just shrugs his shoulders with that boyish smirk on his face.

It was on January 6, 2002 when I first started to suspect that Brett Lorenzo Favre cared more about himself than his teammates. It was on January 6, 2002 when I first questioned the integrity of Brett Lorenzo Favre. For me, it was on January 6, 2002 that the brilliant career of Brett Lorenzo Favre first became tarnished.

Until next time…from the booth.

Favorites Of The Hated

On a gloomy and dank Sunday morning I opened the Kenosha News to read the ambiguous headline, “Homeless Youth Need Help: Panel”. Located on the same front page was a tease for the Sports section, “Sports Take: For Favre or Against Him” Wow! What a concept, a column getting the reaction from the unwashed masses regarding the most polarizing athlete in the history of Wisconsin sports. Too bad this discussion has been ongoing in both print and on sports talk radio since July of 2008. Needless to say I did not rush to check out this article located on C7.

Instead, with the rain continuing to fall outside my window, I decided to see what was happening in facebbook. Wouldn’t you know it? More “discussion” and “debate” on whether or not you are pulling for #4. Therefore, in an effort to stay clear of all the Favre-hysteria, I have decided to write about athletes that I enjoy even though they once played for teams that I despise.

At present, my list of teams that I loathe is made up of the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bulls. Pretty much in that order. Here are my favorites from the hated:

Chicago Bulls – Center Tom Boerwinkle. Boerwinkle played for the Bulls from 1968 to 1978 and was largely unappreciated, although he was regarded as one of the best passing centers in the game. That is why I liked him.

You knew that as soon as “Long Tom” entered the game he was going to throw that little over-the-shoulder backdoor pass to Bob Love for an easy sore.

St. Louis Cardinals – Jack Clark. Although he was an accomplished hitter, the reason I have regard for Clark is for what he has done recently. Clark, who spoke whatever was on his mind when he played, had this to say about Mark McGwire and the steroid issue:

"A lot of them should be banned from baseball, including Mark McGwire. All those guys are cheaters - A-Rod (Alex Rodriguez). Fake, phony. Rafael Palmeiro. Fake, a phony. (Roger) Clemens, (Barry) Bonds. (Sammy) Sosa. Fakes. Phonies. They don't deserve to be in the Hall of Fame.” They're all creeps. All these guys have been liars."

Minnesota Vikings – Joe Kapp. In 1968, Kapp led the Minnesota Vikings to their first ever playoff appearance, losing to the Baltimore Colts, 24-14. This is significant because it set the tone for what is now a long history of the Vikings losing the big game.

Way to go Joe. It this and his wonderful cinematic work in The Longest Yard as the Walking Boss that has made him a longtime favorite of mine.

The Chicago Bears – Doug Buffone and Ed O’Bradovich. O’Bradovich was a defensive end on the 1963 NFL champion Bears, while Buffone played outside linebacker from 1965-79. The two former Bears do a post game show on WSCR The Score 670 sports radio station.

What makes their show so appealing to this Packer fan is that they show more passion than the current Bear players do. They rant and rave so much that sometimes I begin to have concerns for their health. Then I just remind myself that they were once Bears and no longer care.

Chicago Cubs – Randy Hundley. I am announcing it to the world; Hundley was the first baseball player I was ever a fan of. Yes, I was even a Cub fan. There I said it. Then in 1970 the Milwaukee Brewers were born and shortly thereafter, the Cubs began dismantling the team I had grown so fond of. When they traded “The Rebel” to the Minnesota Twins before the 1974 season, that was it; the Cubs were officially dead to me.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my strong dislike for former St. Louis Cardinal Carl Taylor. I remember it like it was yesterday, I was watching Ray Raynor before leaving for school. Ray was showing Cub highlights. There it was, the violent collision at home plate between Taylor and Hundley on April 21, 1970. The play would put the Cub backstop out for several weeks and ended his iron-man streak. Yet another reason to hate the Cards.

Okay it’s noon now. The #4 show doesn’t start until 5:30, giving me plenty of time to proofread this a couple of times before I post it. I might even have enough time to play a game or two in Pogo with my good friend from England, Bev. She doesn’t even know who Brett Favre is. Imagine that. Until next time…from the booth.

In the Year 2010

"In the Year 2525" is a hit song from 1969 by the duo of Zager and Evans which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for the six weeks commencing July 12. "In the Year 2525" opens with the words "In the year 2525, If man is still alive, If woman can survive, They may find...” Following verses pick up the story at 1010-year intervals from 2525 to 6565. Disturbing predictions are given for each selected year. Tomorrow is the beginning of the year 2010. Unlike the Zager and Evans tune, I have no disturbing predictions.

Instead, I have come up with four unbelievable things occurring in the year 2010 that not even Zager and Evans could have predicted.

In the year 1992, Green Bay Packers general manager Ron Wolf traded a first-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for quarterback Brett Favre. Favre played 16 seasons in Green Bay. During his time in Green Bay, he helped the Packers appear in two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XXXI. Favre also started every Green Bay Packers game from September 20, 1992, to January 20, 2008.

Unbelievable as it might seem, “In the Year 2010”, after retiring twice, then subsequently “unretiring” and considerable consternation, Favre now plays for the Packer’s arch-rival, the Minnesota Vikings. Could Zager and Evan have predicted such a betrayal back in 1992?

I think not.

In 1983, Regis Philbin, along with co-host Cyndy Garvey, starred on a local New York program called The Morning Show. In 1988, Kathie Lee Gifford joined Philbin as co-host and the show became Live with Regis and Kathie Lee and was syndicated nationally. When Gifford left the show in July 28, 2000, the show was simply known as Live with Regis and featured guest co-hosts.

As far-fetched as it might seem, “In the Year 2010”, Philbin is hosting a syndicated morning talk show called Live With Regis and Kelly. Could Zager and Evans have predicted in 1983 that the cantankerous Philbin would still be at it some twenty-eight years later with the insipid Kelly Ripa as his co-host?

I think not.

In March 1979, Steve Dahl was hired to do a morning radio show at WLUP in Chicago where he met overnight DJ Garry Meier. The team was soon billed as "Steve and Garry." The irreverent twosome enjoyed success together at both WLUP and WLS until 1993. During their reign of terror on the Chicago airwaves, they were best known for the historic Disco Demolition and their relentless ripping of the more established WGN.

As unthinkable as it might sound, “In the Year 2010”, Garry Meier is now the afternoon host at WGN, the same station that once featured Wally Phillips and Eddie Schwartz, the very men Meier once ridiculed unmercifully. Could Zager and Evans have predicted in 1979 this unlikely hiring by the Chicago 50,000 watt blowtorch?

I think not.

In February1964, the legendary English rock band The Who was formed. The group consisted of vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. The Who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, their first year of eligibility.

The Who

Incredibly, “In the Year 2010”, The Who will perform at halftime of Super Bowl XLIV. Surviving members, Townshend and Daltrey, along with drummer Zak Starkey and bassist Pino Palladino, will take the stage on February 7th, exactly forty-seven years to the month later. Could Zager and Evans have predicted that the band formed in Shepherd’s Bush, London England would be entertaining at the world’s largest sporting event, being broadcast worldwide in more than 230 countries and territories?

I think not.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Again, I think not. Not when it comes to Brett Favre, Regis Philbin, Garry Meier and The Who. Happy New Year my friends. I wish you much prosperity “In the Year 2010”. Until next time…from the booth.

Be Careful What You Wish For

For those delusional fans that are in denial and say they don’t care that former New York Jet quarterback, Number 4, is playing with the Minnesota Vikings, I am offering a service for you. I will do the caring for you. That’s right, although you say you really don’t give a damn that Number is playing for the hated Vikings, I do. Therefore, because I care enough, I will provide you with some random thoughts regarding Bugtussle Mississippi’s favorite son.

Ever since Number 4 had his exceptionally fragile feelings hurt by the diabolical Ted Thompson’s refusal to cater to his ever whim, he has been seething, plotting revenge.

How dare Terrible Ted not trade for Randy Moss when he told him to! The gall of the Packer GM allowing Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera leave the Packers, especially after Number 4 advised him not to. And when Thompson had the audacity not to interview Steve Mariucci for the position of head coach, well that was it! Something had to be done.

Because of Thompson’s refusal to coddle his star quarterback, it was now obvious. The Packers did not appreciate him and worse yet, didn’t love him. Ma Bonita and idiot brother Scott told him so. It had to be true.

All Number 4 had to do was to come up with a plan to deal appropriate retribution to the evil General Manager of the Green and Gold.

But how?

That’s when the first of an endless number of retirements took place. Then months later, Number 4 finally had his mind made up by the Bugtussle Mafia that he wanted to play again. Unfortunately, the Packers had a business to run and had made plans without him.

After some unnecessary drama, Number 4’s sinister plan started to unfold. He demanded a trade. And he wanted to be traded to the Packer’s archrival, the Vikings. That way he would teach the Packers what happens to those that do not show him enough appreciation, especially villainous bastards like Ted Thompson.

But Thompson, being the evil genius that he is, threw a wrench in his plan and traded him to the New York Jets. Number 4, being the gutsy professional that he is, played out the season with the Jets but not before alienating teammates and a new fan base.

Time to get on with the plan. Time for another retirement. Good-bye New York.

Now what? If we are to believe the crap being fed us by ESPN and Bus “Colonel Parker” Cook, Number 4 decided to give it one more shot and play again.

But wait, with whom? The MINNESOTA VIKINGS, that’s who! The same Minnesota Vikings, who three weeks earlier had said their efforts to sign Number 4 to play this season had come to an end.

Evidently he got “the itch” on Monday. Then he conferred with the brains of the Bugtussle Mafia, daughter Breleigh and was told he should go win one more Super Bowl. Eighteen short hours later, Viking head coach/chauffeur Brad “Mr. Noodle” Childress was whisking Number 4 from the airport to the practice field in Minnesota.

On Friday he started in the Vikings’ second preseason game. Obviously, it will clearly take a little more time for he and the Vikings to get used to each other; he finished 1-4 for 4 yards with several false starts.

But all the parts of the plan are in place, so don’t be too alarmed Breleigh, the Super Bowl doesn’t take place until February 7, 2010.

Unless the inconceivable happens and the Vikings don’t win Super Bowl XLIV. Maybe things don’t go as smoothly as the Bugtussle Mafia had hoped.

Perhaps Ziggy and Mr. Noodle won’t be so tolerant of Number 4’s propensity for throwing into double-coverage or his need for separate locker room accommodations. Estranging himself from his teammates would definitely be bad.

Hopefully Number 4 and the Vikings will mesh quickly and not have any early season struggles. Heaven forbid the good people of Minnesota boo their newly anointed savior. We all know how petulant he can become when he feels unwanted. It isn’t pretty.

Lastly, unthinkable as it might be, Number 4 could get knocked down and not bounce back up with a grin. Maybe he isn’t able to answer the bell for game 273 or game 277. And don’t forget, that ESPN’s Ed Werder reported that the quarterback, who turns 40 on October 10th, has a small rotator cuff tear in his throwing shoulder. Never a good thing.

It is evident that I do indeed care that Number 4 has joined the Minnesota Vikings, even if you don’t. He may finally be able to dispense sweet revenge on Ted Thompson, the Green Bay Packers and the despicable fans that just couldn’t bring themselves to love him enough.

Maybe. Or maybe not.

Number 4; be careful what you wish for. Until next time…from the booth.

Memories of Number Four…Past and Future

Prior to the 1992 season, General Manager Ron Wolf acquired Brett Favre from the Atlanta Falcons. I was stunned the first time that I saw him throw the ball downfield during a drill in training camp. What an arm! It was evident that he was something special, a unique type of talent. Later that same year, on September 20th, I was fortunate enough to be sitting in historic Lambeau Field.

It was a warm autumn day and the Packers were playing the Cincinnati Bengals. The home team fell behind early and to make matters worse, quarterback Don Majkowski was knocked out of the game in the first quarter. Down 17 to 3, the sellout crowd grew restless, sensing impending doom.

Enter number four. It wasn't pretty; he fumbled four times and was sacked five times. He did, however, manage to throw for two fourth-quarter touchdowns. The second, a 35-yarder to Kitrick Taylor with 13 seconds left, ended a 92-yard, 54-second drive that Favre engineered with no timeouts remaining. Instantly a legend was born. The victory would help the Packers start building their streak of winning seasons. That game that day sealed the deal for me. I had become a fan of the kid from Kiln, Mississippi.

17 long years have gone by since that game against the Bengals.

Being a Brett Favre fan has been a roller coaster ride, with plenty of ups and downs. Like any good roller coaster ride, it has been plenty exciting. Watching Favre develop, not only as a player, but also as a man, has added to the enjoyment of being a fan of his. Being a loyal fan, I stood behind him.

Since March 3, 2008 Favre has “retired” a couple of times, cried a multitude of times, and became a New York Jet. He retired again, only to then entertain the idea of joining the Vikings. Last month, Viking Coach Brad Childress said the quarterback would stay retired.

Exhausted yet? Wait, there’s more. As I write this, I am watching FSPN (Favre Sports Programming Network) deliver breaking news. Yes, it’s true. There is more. It’s not over yet.

Brett Favre is on his way to Minnesota to meet with the Vikings. Childress confirmed in an e-mail to The Associated Press Tuesday morning that the veteran quarterback was traveling from Mississippi to meet with the team.

Asked if the plan was to sign Favre on Tuesday, Childress replied: "In a perfect world."

Surely there are many Favre fans that are overjoyed with the news that their favorite hillbilly signal caller is “unretiring” - again. I for one am not among this group and I am not alone in feeling that way.

A few minutes, Favre’s former teammate Mark Chmura, speaking on 540 ESPN radio, was asked what his reaction was to the news of number four signing with the Vikings. He response was, “I just vomited a little bit in my mouth.” He later said, “I wish he would just stay retired, enough is enough.”

Well, I echo Chmura’s sentiments and I vomited more than just a little. Not because Favre is becoming a hated Minnesota Viking. We all know why he wants to play for Minnesota. It’s his way of getting back at Green Bay Packer General Manager Ted Thompson.

It is Favre’s way of giving the finger to Thompson.

Fine. What Favre doesn’t seem to realize is that he is also giving all of us Packer fans the finger as well. Or maybe he does realize it and couldn’t care less. That’s the petulant and pampered diva that he has become. It used to make me sad, now it just makes me angry to think I once defended this spoiled brat.

Yes, I have plenty of fond memories of Brett Lorenzo Favre, dating back to that warm autumn day in September in 1992. Unfortunately, the only memory I want of him now is seeing him lying in a crumbled heap, cringing in pain underneath B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett on November 1st. Oh ya, and he has to be helped off the field.

Cruel? Maybe so, but although Green Bay Packer fans are loyal, we aren’t all stupid. Brett, here’s the finger back at you. Until next time…from the booth.

Catching Up With “Cool Papa”

I just had a 45-minute phone call with a friend of mine that I hadn’t spoken with in quite a while. “Cool Papa” played softball for me back in the day. You would never guess by talking with him what he does for a living. He is as down-to-earth as they come. Plus, he is a little bit crazy. Okay, he is a whole lot crazy.

I usually call “Cool Papa” every couple of months. This time it was closer to six months. We always try to catch up on things. You know, stuff like how the Brewers are going to do or who the Packers are going to draft. Nothing earth shattering, just general sports stuff.

Sooner or later we will get to talking about the “good old days” at Finney’s West. Back in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, Finney’s West was the softball hot spot in Kenosha. Many of the events that we reminisce about would center around Finney’s West. Some of them even had something to do with softball.

A typical chat with “Cool Papa” usually ended with me asking how his wife and three sons were doing. He would bring me up to date and then ask me if I was going to come out and watch him play at the Moose Lodge.

Today when I called “Cool Papa” the call started out in the routine fashion. We talked about the Badger/Michigan State game. Brett Favre’s latest retirement came up and we eventually got around to the upcoming baseball season.

After that the familiar stories about the crazy hijinks at Finney’s West began. We talked about the time his youngest boy tried to climb the centerfield fence after a morning league game.

I then brought up one of my favorite tales - the infamous incident involving Jim Krifka and Mike Foss. Before could I get done saying Foss, “Cool Papa” said, “Don’t start Mike!” You see that was (no pun intended) the punch line to this particular anecdote.

After we both chuckled. I reminded my friend that Jim Krifka was no longer with us. He then made me aware that Mike Foss had also passed away not so long ago. Before long we had come up with a rather sobering list of people from the good old days that were “no longer with us.”

Attempting to divert the conversation to a more positive direction, I asked “Cool Papa” how the boys were. He informed me that he and his wife, “Fred” were now blessed with a total of four grandchildren. Remember I mentioned his youngest son climbing the centerfield fence? He is currently serving our country over in Afghanistan.

My latest phone call with “Cool Papa” had all the ingredients it usually does, although this time there was a difference. We gabbed about the good old days like we always do. However this time there seemed to be a little more emphasis on the old parts then on the good ones.

I plan on calling my friend again in a few months, not waiting six like this time. By the way, before hanging up, he asked me if I was going to come watch him play at the Moose Lodge this year. “Cool Papa” turns 57 this year. I told you he was a whole lot crazy. Until next time…from the booth.

Is Brett a Rat?

Hopefully you read yesterday’s blog titled “Is Brett a Rat? – A Prelude”. It was a column that was originally written on July 8th for the Daily Kenoshan. It was titled “Why Brett, Why?” and dealt with my feelings concerning Brett Favre’s considerable waffling regarding his retirement. Obviously the discussion of whether Favre would play for another NFL team ended when the Packers dealt him to the New York Jets.

Since Favre went to toss the pigskin in the Meadowlands, the opinions that I gave in that column have pretty much remained the same. I was a fan when he was a Packer and enjoyed watching him play in Green Bay. I am not a fan of Favre as a Jet, although I do not root against the Jets.

After what Jay Glazer’s reported Sunday, that is subject to change. Said Glazer, on Fox's pregame show Sunday: "Brett Favre called the Detroit Lions, starting off with Matt Millen and then the coaching staff, and gave them a 90-minute dissertation on every single thing that the Green Bay Packers do on offense."

You have to be kidding me. What’s next?

In Monday’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Greg A. Bedard wrote a column about the Green Bay player’s reaction to this allegation. Bedard wrote, "He contacted them?" cornerback Charles Woodson said with raised eyebrows. "I don't respect that. If they called him and he gives them information, that's one thing. But to seek a team out, because, you know, I guess you're trying to sabotage this team, you know I don't respect that. I know he's been the greatest player around here for a long time but there's no honor in that."

Bedard reported that General Manager Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy both had no comment. Offensive tackle Chad Clifton said he didn’t believe it, but defensive end Cullen Jenkins offered this, "If that was the case, if he did talk to the coaches, I could see if he told his coaches if they were going to play us. That's all right. But if you go out of your way to talk to another team, nah, I don't think that's right."

Granted this is still an allegation, but Glazer is standing behind his story “1000 per cent.” He is a reporter that “hits” far more than he “misses.” WTMJ news at noon consisted of a lot of fan’s opinions. A lot of disappointment to say the least. Still needing more, I decided to see what the talking heads on the radio had to say.

As expected, there were a lot of quotes from Glazer being discussed and he was interviewed via telephone on several different shows. Interesting, but it wasn’t giving me what I wanted. It wasn’t giving me what I needed to hear about Brett Favre.

Then I got it. Former Packer players started to weigh in on the issue. On ESPN 540 Steve “The Homer” True interviewed former tight end Mark Chmura. He said it wouldn’t shock him. He went on to say that if it was true, it would have to effect the Packer’s decision to retire Favre’s number 4. I realize Favre and Chmura have a friendship that has waned in recent years, but the way he spoke had an impact on me.

Down the dial, WSSP 1250 featured no less than 3 former Packers – host Gary Ellerson, Gilbert Brown and LeRoy Butler. While Brown took a wait and see attitude, the same couldn’t be said about Ellerson. He said this was the tip of the iceberg, that we would be hearing even more about Mr. Favre in the near future.

Between Chmura, Brown and Ellerson, I had heard enough to help me get a hold on what I was feeling about this situation. After LeRoy Butler spoke, I had a complete stranglehold on my feelings.

Butler is one of the classiest people around. Pat Hegewald has featured Butler and his contributions to society in several columns. When he speaks, it goes beyond athletics. When he spoke on WSSP I got the impression he was disillusioned with Favre.

During the radio show, a caller told Butler that his wife had just given birth to their second child. The caller told Butler that it would mean a lot to his wife if he would call her. Butler’s response? “What’s the number?”

The host commented that this is why Butler had such a great reputation with the fans. He then asked Butler if the current turn of events would tarnish Favre’s stature with the fans. Butler’s response said it all.

“If you were to ask me if he cares what people think of him, the answer would be NO! Why? Because he is Brett Favre.”

In the upcoming days we will surely hear more than we need to about Favre being a rat or a backstabber. I will listen and watch, but I have heard all that I need from Chmura, Ellerson, Brown and especially Butler. Heroes are supposed to be big. In my eyes, even at 6’2” and 220 pounds, Brett Lorenzo Favre is pretty small. Until next time…From The Booth.

Is Brett a Rat? - A Prelude

Before I comment on Brett Favre's latest alleged miscue, I would like to lay some groundwork. On July 8th I wrote the following column for the Daily Kenoshan. It will give you an idea on my feelings regarding the former Packer great. I will follow up tomorrow with my opinion on the recent turn of events.

Why Brett, Why?

The Green Bay Packers have long been my favorite football team. My first recollections were of the great Lombardi championship teams of the 1960s. They were, in my opinion, the greatest dynasty in the history of the National Football League.

After the glory years came, for lack of a better term, the lean years, beginning with the Dan Devine era and ending with the Lindy Infante regime. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that a couple of coaches named Starr and Gregg were sandwiched in between. Indeed, the teams of the '70s and '80s tested the intestinal fortitude of us loyal fans of the Green and Gold. It's fortunate that Packer fans are a hardy lot and remain faithful and I am no different.

Our continued faithfulness was repaid in the '90s. The "title" was finally put back in Titletown, thanks to the efforts of Ron Wolf and Mike Holmgren. We were rewarded with another Super Bowl victory on January 26, 1997 at the Superdome in Louisiana. The team's good fortune would continue to this day, with varying degrees of success - often going deep into the playoffs.

The one constant ingredient for the Packers during their current streak of prosperity is Brett Favre. General Manager Ron Wolf acquired Favre from the Atlanta Falcons before the 1992 season. I was stunned the first time that I saw him throw the ball downfield during a drill in training camp. What an arm! It was evident that he was something special. Later that same year I was fortunate enough to be sitting in historic Lambeau Field on September 20th.

It was a warm autumn day and the Packers were playing the Cincinnati Bengals. The home team fell behind early and to make matters worse, quarterback Don Majkowski was knocked out of the game in the first quarter. Down 17 to 3, the sellout crew (duh!) grew restless, sensing impending doom.

Enter number four. It wasn't pretty, he fumbled four times and was sacked five times. He did, however, manage to throw for two fourth-quarter touchdowns. The second, a 35-yarder to Kitrick Taylor with 13 seconds left, ended a 92-yard, 54-second drive that Favre engineered with no timeouts remaining. Instantly a legend was born. The victory would help the Packers start building their streak of winning seasons. That game that day sealed the deal for me. I had become a fan of the kid from Kiln, Mississippi.

Being a Brett Favre fan for the past 17 years has been a roller coaster ride, with plenty of ups and downs. Like any good roller coaster ride, it has been plenty exciting. Watching Favre develop, not only as a player, but also as a man, has added to the enjoyment of being a fan of his. Sure, I have had to defend some of his on field and off field decisions over the years. Numerous times a Bear or Viking fan have given me considerable grief when Favre "waffled" on whether or not he would play in 2006 and 2007. Like any good fan, I stood behind my player. He was our quarterback, he was our leader. Hell, he was the Green Bay Packers!

On Tuesday March 4, 2008, a teary eyed Brett Favre finally called it quits. His emotional retirement address was carried live on ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, ESPN News and NBC. For the next few months, it was even available "On-Demand" on Time Warner. I know, I watched it several times and endured all the jeers and mocking coming from Favre-haters. Once again I stood by Favre. Retired or not, I was still a fan of his.

It saddens me to say that all of this changed a couple of weeks ago when Favre began to hint that he had the "itch" to play again. WHAT?!? I thought he was mentally tired and couldn't endure the grind any longer. He told me this. I heard him! Through the tears and the sobbing, I heard him! He was retired. He was done. I heard him! With his decision, the Packers had to move in a new direction. The recent draft is evidence of this. But, now this! To make matters worse, Favre uses his brother Scott as his mouthpiece. If I hear one more phone conversation between Scott Favre and WTMJ's Lance Allan, it will be my turn to cry.

Upon hearing of Favre's interest in playing football again, Packer head coach Mike McCarthy responded, "You're putting us in a terrible spot." Sport Illustrated's Peter King has reported that Favre had text messaged Packer General Manager Ted Thompson over the holiday weekend. Wht was Thompson's response to Favre? "I'm on vacation, we'll talk later." To top it all off, we have his mother saying that she feels the Packers haven't really appreciated her son the past couple of years. Bonita, please shut up! That was the proverbial last straw for me.

It comes with a heavy heart, when I say that it is over. I can no longer defend number four. I just can't do it anymore, not when I hear discussion of Favre playing for another NFL team. What if he ends up playing for the Vikings, or heaven forbid - da Bears! Anyone have a Kleenex? Why did you have to tarnish your great legacy? Why Brett, why? Until next time...From The Booth.