The Big Unit's Fan Forum = YOUR EMAILS
By
Bill Michaels
Story Created:
Sep 20, 2007
Story Updated:
May 7, 2008
HOW LONG DOES NED STICK WITH THIS LINE-UP?
Big Unit,
Love your show…you 'da man.
But the bottom line to my question is, I have no clue. They aren't hitting, the pitching is good enough, but needs support. And when the hitting is there on a given night, either the pitching or defense seems to falter.
I am not a Ned Yost basher. I can't really argue with most of the moves he's either made or not made. I really do like his style. And maybe it's just a matter of time before the bats get going as most people in the know seem to think, but how long do you stay with the current leadership if the Crew continues on there current path?
Like I said, I'm not a Ned Yost basher, but if things continue as they are, then Ned has to go. The team just doesn't seem to be responding to him…or someone; hitting coach, pitching coach, etc...at least not yet, they need a shake up…
Carl -
Sheboygan
...
IS GANGE REALLY THAT BAD?
Hey Unit,
By now, we all know Gagne has 5 blown saves this year.
Has anyone checked how many games the Brewers won this year by other team's closers blowing save opportunities?
(By the way, I am not a big Gagne fan but he really got jobbed by the home plate umpire in the 9th inning last Sunday!)
Gary
WHY IS A PITCHER PULLED?
Hi,
Great show!
While everyone is questioning why some relief pitchers get pulled 'to soon'
or 'when they are hot' - more often than not, I would say, they are pulled
for a pinch hitter - because we NEED runs. I don't think Sparky Anderson's
pitchers ever had to bat.
It's a shame, sometimes, but our relievers really can't hit.
Just a thought.
Paulette
Racine
GANGE'S REALLY NOT THAT BAD
Hey Unit,
Before his last game, Gagne had tossed 5 straight
scoreless outings. The umpires weren't giving him
anything on the edges in the
Houston
game- so he
pressed and things fell apart. If the first base ump
doesn't blow that close play at first earlier in the
inning, it's a save anyway. Gagne is a good closer-
everyone needs to stop panicking.
Dan
GAGNE, LISTEN TO REASON
Unit,
I have absolutely nothing against Eric Gagne. The guy has lead the league in saves most of the year.
Let's look at this 5 blown saves:
1. Inclement weather in
Chicago
. We still won.
2. Corey Patterson of Cincinnati with major league pop-up that just eludes Corey Hart in Mercedes-Benz picnic area. We still won.
3. Inclement weather in
Cincinnati
. First blown save loss.
4. Rickey Weeks fails to complete double play at
Miller
Park
that would have ended game, yet we ended up winning.
5. In Houston this weekend, with the same umpiring crew that terrorized us in the 4 game series in
Atlanta
last September
that literally cost us the division title.
There isn't much Gagne can do about these things, otherwise he has been lights out.
Dugout Rick
YOST IS NOT THE ANSWER
Hi, I want to comment a little on the Brewers, mainly Ned Yost. The way I see it, Ned is an ok manager, always has been. The problem is that he is a .500 manager. He is the type of manager that will improve the team from the really bad years, but he is not the type that will win it all. It doesn't really matter who plays for the Brewers, or who is hurt at the time, they will always be .500 with him. That may seem good enough because most of the teams in their division are also mediocre, but the Brewers should be better than that. They will always be the streaky team that has been their trademark since he has managed them. They will continue to be the same undisciplined hitters and pitchers that they have been for several years now. They will continue to lose leads and lose focus during the games, I really don't think Ned has a clue what to do about that. The Brewers will continue to get beaten like a drum when they face the average teams with good managers. We seem to have the structure for a really good team, but not the leadership. I often wonder if the players have confidence in Ned as their manager, I wonder if when they are in a close game they really think they will win. I sure don't. Save this until September, they'll still be about .500. Just a thought for today....
First Time Writer!!!
Keith from Grafton
YOST MUST GO
Bill,
The Brewers organization has assembled some of the best talent
Milwaukee
baseball has seen in a quarter century. The problem is the leadership can’t get it to work. At some point, I have to start questioning Doug Melvin’s rationalizations to keep Ned Yost as our Manager.
Ned has never given me a sense of confidence because he has lacked so many qualities necessary to make it to the playoffs. He has no sense of urgency. He finds too many ways to either give games away or not keep the lead. Ned has always had a problem of keeping a pitcher in too long and utilizing a questionable choice from the bullpen. He consistently rests his star players even at the cost of winning the game or being swept. It happens way too often.
I believe this is why Robin left. He couldn’t take some of the boneheaded moves Ned makes on an every other game basis. The Milwaukee Brewers organization needs to ask, what are the pros to keeping Ned? There are none. He is not a leader, he happens to get to call most of the shots.
He won’t lead us to the playoffs. I’m apprehensive to say we may even play .500 ball by the end of the season. The bottom line is that he is paid to get better results, and he isn’t performing. I went to 7 games last year, and I will only go to 2 this year. Blame that on Ned…..
Dan
Love the Show
HE'S DOWN AND CAN'T SEEM TO GET UP
Hey Unit,
I was fortunate enough to be at another Brewers home game in April (yesterday). The Mrs. at my side, cold beverage at hand, salty peanuts and I correctly picked El Chorizo to win. It was almost a perfect day. My moment was slightly soured however by 2 events, obviously the Brewers loss, and another forgettable outing by Derek; "Mission Implosion", "Derek the Disaster", "the D-Bow Identity", "help me, Ive fallen in the count, and can't get up" TURNBOW.
COME ON TED
Unit,
Loyal listener love the show.
A quick thought about Ted Thompson and his draft strategy.
It's ok to keep asking the "nice" girl to the prom, but every once in a while, wouldn't it be fun to ask the really pretty girl? You know her. The one that has a little bit of a wild streak in her.
James in Port
Unit, I have been a fan of the game for some three decades, not one to claim and understand all the nuances of the sport, just someone who enjoys cheering on his team and a day at the ballpark, one more glorious day outside of work. I found myself booing Turnbow, something I am not a fan of as I feel it sets a bad example for the younger crowd, but on this day could not help myself join in with the 40,000 who were doing so as well.
Why can't we give the man and ourselves a little time away from each other? I'm not asking to trade him, not that you could anyway. Just help Derek get some time in Nashville and regain what he used to be, his form as a quality closer. You hear a lot of people call the show and say I could pitch better than that for (insert dollars and cents here) what he's making, I'm not saying I could. I could definitely get up there and throw the ball away the way he did Sunday. If so many people feel the way I believe they do, why can't we make this a reality for a little while.
Is Brewers management so afraid our bullpen is so fragile, we can't afford to give someone a reality check and send em down for a bit? It would be more fair to Turnbow and the fans than the trial by fire method we are all experiencing now.
Thanks for listening,
Eddy from Elkhorn
BUNTING, WHY NED WON'T?
Unit, it's the sixth inning of Sunday's game, and Kendall just led off with a double. Weeks is batting .182, and its a pitcher's duel. Harang is tough. We're struggling to get anything going. WHY NOT BUNT? Weeks struck out swinging, leading to Hardy popping up and Braun striking out. I cannot come up with one possible explanation for not bunting Kendall to third. This is the type of stuff that infuriates me.
Being a college student at Butler in Indy, I miss your show, but I listen to all the games on the internet. Please e-mail me back if this gets on air.
Thanks and I look forward to hearing your voice again after Finals are over,
Brandon from Sheboygan
CREDIT FOR YOST
Unit -
As you always say, "if you are going to criticize Ned Yost, give him credit when he does the right thing". Today, Ned Yost did a lot of right things, in a game that the Brewers needed badly.
1. He finally removed Gabe Gross from the #2 spot.
2. He tried Corey Hart in the #5 spot, behind Fielder, and Fielder hit a home run.
3. He got as much out of Manny Parra as he could, and removed him at the right time.
4. He made good moves in the bullpen - no runs in 6 innings.
I do criticize Yost often, but today the manager helped the team win.
- Jeff
Greenfield
NOT A NED HATER....BUT
Bill,
Just want to start by saying that I am not a "Ned Hater", but I can not see why he didn't at least have someone up in the 5th ready to go. Go ahead & let him pitch to Looper, but have someone ready! Those two runs totally turned the momentum that we had established in the 4th. In the top of the sixth, We get two men on base and the cards pull their starter. Why do we have to wait until the damage has been done. We have a bullpen full of arms...USE THEM!!! So frustrating!!! Then on the post game they sing praises of how well he pitched...What a bunch of B.S.
Kevin K. Seedorf
MILLER PARK, THE PLACE TO BE
Big Unit-
You are a promoter and listened to religiously. We love the Packers and always hear about the mystique of Lambeau. But, I'd like to know why we never hear about
Miller
Park being promoted as about the best place to play in the big leagues!
If a MLB star is worried about the rain, cold, snow, a hammy, arm troubles ... blah...blah...blah... that could be experienced at Wrigley in March or Fenway/Yankee Stadium for 10pm Playoff/World Series starts.... come to
Milwaukee !
We are very fortunate to still have major league baseball in
Milwaukee . For the baseball diehards, many have kids playing their 90 games during the summer. I love April and Sept at
Miller
Park and good days are ahead with that... especially Sept!
If you decide to air my email...... let me know in advance so I can let the Brothers In Baseball know. Website attached. www.brothersinbaseball.com
We are all white collar sclubs on the downside of mediocre careers!!!
Gerry A (from
Waukesha )
A TIME TO REFLECT
Unit
I listen to the show all the time and I had the opportunity to watch the retirement program today. I am a sentimental 59-1/2 year old who, unlike Brett, had to take an early retirement. I had no choice. It was either retire or lose my job. I worked for my company for 29-1/2 years. I have been a Packer fan all my life. When I was a kid, my Dad used to drive up to Kohler where my Aunt could pick up the games from Green Bay on TV.
While watching the retirement, I had time to reflect on a few things. It seemed as if 17 years of my life flashed before my eyes. I have lost a friend I never met. A son which everyone would be proud to call his own. I raised two children and lost two parents to cancer during his career in Green Bay. Forunately, they both lived long enough to see his win in the Super Bowl.
My sister is even a bigger fan of his than I am. Anyone who is a football fan should appreciate what we had to call our own for 17 wonderful years. John from Cedarburg
THE END OF AN ERA
Bill,
I was born in the Soviet Union but moved to Milwaukee when I was twelve in 1990. I attended a local middle school for a couple of years, but only when I started high school did my interest in football soar. I started playing ball in high school as well as watching NFL. This was in 1992, same year when Green Bay acquired Brett. I can honestly say this is an end of an era for me, but what an era it has been for me. As so many other fans, I wish Brett stayed for another year, but I understand that his time is up. Thank you Mr. Favre for everything you accomplished for the fans and the community on and off the field. As we lived and died with your performances, we died for the final time today… Thank you.
Eugene
ONCE IN A LIFETIME, IF YOU'RE LUCKY
Unit,
My mom once told me that in the 50's when Packer victories were few and far between, the phone rang on a Sunday afternoon. It was her Uncle Hank asking to speak to my dad. This had never happened before and she very surprised and puzzled by it. Uncle Hank wanted to talk to someone about that day's win and he know my dad would have watched the game. About 40 years later, my wife and I were at a funeral for one of her distant relatives. My wife's uncle, who probably didn't even know my name, walked up to me and began talking about Brett Favre and the Super Bowl bound Packers. It immediately reminded me of the story my mom told me. After thinking about it, the realization sunk in that sports tems link generation to generation by providing a common thread to people that otherwise have seemingly nothing in common. When a special team or or player comes along, they stengthen those ties. Brett Favre said today he doesn't realize how he's touched people's lives. Every Sunday in fall he brought generations of family and friends together to enjoy the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, and the pride of being a Packer fan. If they had lived to see it, I know my dad and Uncle Hank would have had many telephone conversations.
Kevin in Germantown
HERE'S TO YOU BRETT
Let's toast Brett for all the highs and lows he has taken us on for 17 years. It's not often we get to enjoy an athlete such as Brett Favre, Michael Jorden or a Wayne Gretzky but we got a chance to see Brett grow over the years into a GREAT role model that touched all our lives. As long as we live we will never forget Brett Favre and what he meant to us not only on Sunday but every day! Good luck Brett and Thanks for some unforgetable and some unbelievable memories. You are ONE OF THE BEST!
Badger
FAVRE'S RETIREMENT CAME AT THE RIGHT TIME
I didn't get to listen to Brett live yesterday, work got in the way. But as I watched the video, and read the transcipts last night, I completely understood why he retired. I made the same decision 5 years ago, at the same age, 38, to give up the only thing I'd done as an adult. In my case it was retiring from the military, in Brett's it's football. But listening to his thoughts yesterday I felt like we made the same decision for the same reason.
I won't pretend that I had the same kind of scrutiny over my career as he did over his. You can say that 300 million people depend on the military to keep them safe, but the truth is, 30 million or so don't tune in to watch what I did every week. I've screwed up and had 1500 people know it, but that's still not as bad as the whole country seeing you toss a pick. There are still a lot of parallels between the two careers though.
People tend to think that a football career is "playing a game" for 3 hours a week, like they think a military career is just deploying overseas. Casual observers of either never see what goes into making those 3 hours happen on Sunday or the year of preparation for a six month trip overseas.
As Brett talked about how he'd love to play the game, but couldn't give the 100% the rest of the week, I understood him completely. When I retired I would have loved to done a tour in the Middle East, I just didn't have it in me to deal with the months beforehand away from home, drills at all hours of the night, the endless paperwork required to take care of 30 other people and millions of dollars worth of equipment. I knew what he meant when he talked about watching film at 8:30 the night before, when he should have been with the kids. I've been there in a different uniform, and watching different types of film.
And, I know that he'll never quit wondering "what if I'd stayed", I do it at least a couple of times a week. When a news broadcast comes on about events somewhere else in the world, I wish I was there doing something. Then, I look over at the wife, or my son, and realize I'm where I belong, even if I'm not where I long to be. Brett will go through that a lot in the next year as he hears about the draft, training camp, and starts seeing games . After that it might get a little easier, but he'll still wonder, like I do, "could I still do it?"
The easy answer for both of us is yeah, we could have still done it for a while longer, but not at the level, or with the enthusiasm we had when we were 25,or 30. A pretty wise old guy (who was in the Navy for 46 years) told me he still did it because it was fun, and if it ever quit being fun and turned into a job, it was time to find something else to do. We all heard in Brett's voice yesterday that it was turning into a job, not fun. I'm glad he stepped away from when he did, and how he did.
Thanks for all of your insight and babble on the air, and when that quits being fun, find something else to do.
Bob Beller
Zion, Il.
FAVRE'S RETIREMENT PRESSER, NOT TRUE
Just a quick question, What would the Packers have done with Randy Moss if they had signed him before the Farve retirement? And your answer is that Farve probably would not have retired, so that tells me everything he said at the news conference was bogus.
What about all of us out here in the real world who put in the hours Farve puts in, but have no chance to retire in their 30's, 40's, 50's, or even 60's. You putting in the long hours day after day, are you retiring any time soon?
Thanks
Wes
Chilton
McCARTHY PRESSED FAVRE TO BE BETTER
mr michaels -
i listen to your show when commuting from work, and i've never written before. i have some thoughts about brett favre's retirement that i thought i'd share. i don't consider myself a football expert, i don't even watch too many games, although i make it a point to try to catch packer games when on in the chicago area. but in my mind i've tried to recall past newspaper articles concerning mr favre at tried to tie things together with things brett said yesterday. i thought it interesting that he mentioned that this past season he would spend time in the film room on saturday evenings before the game. what did he do in past seasons? did he not prepare as much? i recall ray rhodes once saying something to the effect that he didn't have to coach brett too much because he was a 3-time mvp. did that mean he gave him a free reign to do as he pleased? what about mike sherman - was he also lax in being demanding of brett? there have been stories published that
mike mccarthy was demanding of brett this season, and how brett became more involved with the team as far as getting together with wide receivers to go over plays. so were the extra demands from mccarthy this past season what drove favre to retire this season? i'm not blaming mccarthy - just look at the results. it seems to me that what was perceived as eroding skills by favre in the ray rhodes/mike sherman era was really a lack of preparation for games. i hear peyton manning is notorious for his pre-game preparation. look at the consistency in his career. who knows how things would have played out had the packers had more demanding coaches between holmgren and mccarthy.
drumlin
BREWERS BASEBALL, GET HERE ALREADY!!
Unit.
I couldn't be more geeked up over the upcoming Brewers season. Not because of the expectations of this maturing club, but because its been a long, cold and snowy winter!
Personally the Brewers could improve by getting rid of the dead-weight known as Ben Sheets. An overpaid reliever if I've ever seen one, he's done nothing but disappoint year after year with his lame reasons to continuously be placed on the DL. Knowing the odds are that his contract is due up for renewal this year I'm sure he'll be a 20 game winner and win the Cy Young.
Russell
Saint Francis
CUBS WIN THE WORLD SERIES?
Unit,
I recently read in the February edition of Chicago Sports Review that the Cubs were relaying new sod on Wrigley field. The guy in charge of the project is the White Sox groundskeeper. He has managed similar projects at Arizona's field, Yankee stadium, Boston Red Sox field, and White Sox field. Each time the following year, that team has won the World Series. The article also noted that Wrigley field has a crown like a football field. In fact, the manager could only see the top half of the center fielder from the dugout. The new field will also have drainage pipes underneath.
Thought you might be interested in this winter baseball news.
John
PACKERS NEEDS
Unit,
I was wondering what do u think the top 3 things that the Packers need to do to inprove for next year
i think these are not in any order
1. need saftey to help Atari Bigbe
2. need better Guards ( Mike Whale is avialbale)
3.People To help out the Speacial Teams
PACKERS VS. PATRIOTS?
Hey Big Unit!
Just got done watching the Super Bowl and thought I would get the conversation started that is probably going to be talked about for weeks here in Packer country. Could the Packers have beaten the Patriots? Well, Bill, I am of those that would have to say NO! In watching the Giants, what impressed me the most was their defense and particularly the play of their line. With the exception of the last touchdown that the Patriots got, the Giants D Line was giving Brady fits and they were pounding on him except for the last drive. The Packers D Line could not have given that kind of pressure. Not all night. Other than Kampman and the nose tackles, Green Bay’s line is in my opinion not very good. They just wouldn’t be able to give that kind of pressure to the Patriots. Also, Welker would have ate up the secondary and line backers. Nobody on the Packers could possibly have covered him or Moss.
Now if people are wondering if I am Packer, you better believe I am a Packer through and through. I have been through it all Bill going back to the days of Lynn Dickey and David Whitehurst years.
Bill, I also have a request. STOP READING EMAIL from stupid people who say you don’t know what you talking about and want you to move back to Ohio. I and a lot of other fans welcome your opinion and want to listen to you on the air for years to come. SO STOP, PLEASE!!!!!!
Thomas
Menomonee Falls, WI
IN MY OPINION, THE BUCKS ARE A SORRY SIGHT
Big Unit,
I grew up listening to Eddie Doucette on the radio, watching the "great" teams of Don Nelson with Sidney Moncrief, Bob Lanier, Junior Bridgman, Marques Johnson, Brian Winters, etc. Fun teams to watch. Hustle all the time, playing defense…that's right DEFENSE!!
I've heard your comments and others on "what would you do if you were Herb Kohl?" type questions. Well, maybe the Bucks should take a page out of the Brewers and Packers success story:
1. BC upgrade - time to upgrade the area downtown…add year round restaurants that are attached to the BC, or replace it all together. Once again, sorry Milwaukee, but if you want a big league team, you need a big league place to play. It's the league and era the team is playing in. The BC doesn't produce enough revenue. Yes, it will still be cold no matter what, but the incentive is a nice building, great facilities, etc.
2. Mr. Kohl - with the BC upgraded or replaced, a new owner would be easier to find. Someone that loves the sport of basketball and can make it work in Milwaukee….just like the Brewers did.
3. New GM - Larry Harris has had plenty of time to turn this around and put his thumb print on the franchise. It's time for him to go before they arrest him for abuse of a franchise. Need someone that can sell the franchise, the city, and the new team direction. And it's not that he doesn't know talent or know how to collect it, but it's easy to see that what he has collected isn't working out. Is it him or the coaching? Well, for some time now, the only thing that has changed is the coaching (and the roster)….and the results are the same.
4. Coach K. - sorry, but with a new GM usually means he (or she) will want their own person in the coaches hot seat.
Pitchers and catchers report when?…can't wait….Go Brewers!
Carl in Sheboygan
JUST CAN'T CARE ABOUT THE BUCKS
BIIIIIIIIIIIG Unit -
As i was listening to your intro about no one interested in the Bucks, I have
to agree at some times. Who wants to watch Voskul, Story, Ivey,Gadziryuck
and these other no namers play? Granted they are the hustle guys, the
rebounders and what not, but come on. Field a team every game with some
names and maybe people will begin to watch.
Even the starters are hard to watch as carelessly as they play. How many
games this year have the Bucks had 15+ turnovers in a game? I bet its quite
alot. They dont hustle, they dont play defense, they cant shoot freakin free
throws for the sake of pete. Man o man do I feel for Ted Davis. You can just
hear the disappoint and frustration in his voice.
Just my 2 cents.
Dan in Tosa, working hard, 2nd shift
BRETT, AT THE END OF HIS ROPE?
Bill,
You probably aren't going to get many emails with this question/comment. As I watched the last part of the Packer's/Giants game, I, also, thought Brett did look as if the cold was really bothering him, plus the fact that he is older at his 38 years. Then when I heard you and a lot of other pundits,sports guys and commentators say about the same thing, my thought was this. I wondered what his hemoglobin or hematocrit was. Those 2 words are medical terms for what people think of is their body low on iron. So that made me wonder about how often do the Packers do routine blood tests, etc on the players. Yes, I know they do the tests for legal and illegal drugs. I'm thinking about other general blood work.
Yes, I am a RN, twice Brett's age. Plus I enjoy your comments on TMJ radio, am a faithful listener pretty all day when I 'm home. Plus I follow the games on the radio along with doing other work.
Have a great cruise.
Jean
CHALLENGE? YOU TALKIN' CHALLENGE?
Dear Bill,Regarding Bellicek's challenge of 12 men on the field in the Superbowl, since when is it legal to challenge a non-call in an NFL game! Will we now see Coaches challenging whether someone moved on the offensive line, was holding or other things that happen and the Referees don't call them! Is this a first time for this sort of thing or haven't I been paying enough attention? Thanks for clearing this up!
Jeff
COULD THE PACKERS HAVE...NAHHHH
Now that the Giants have pulled the upset over the Patriots, it's tempting for Packer fans to play the "what if" game. I don't think the Packers d-line would have been able to pressure Brady nearly as effectively as the Giants did. And that's really the only way to stop the Patriots offense. Also, the Packers probably would have assumed that Harris or Woodson could handle Randy Moss in single coverage - that would have been a disaster. So even with a strong performance by Favre & Co., it's very questionable that the Packers' defense could have kept them in the game.
So as Packer fans, rather than beat ourselves up with "what if", let's give the Giants credit for going through "murderer's row" - winning at Dallas, at Green Bay, and against New England. They earned it.
- Jeff
Greenfield
PACKERS UPDATES & MILITARY UPDATE, THANKS!
Jon, Phil, and/or Bill,
If you get a chance during an upcoming broadcast or military update, please offer a big "Thank You!" to the Green Bay Packers for what they've done for military members and families from Wisconsin this year.
In addition to recognizing Purple Heart recipients and other wounded veterans early in the season, this year they began 'Operation Fan Mail' - a program in which the Packers recognized a military family at each home game. The service member and family got recognized on-field prior to the game, received four tickets, a $100 gift certificate to Festival Foods and a care package from the Packers and Festival Foods.
Beyond that, in cooperation with John Maino of WIXX-FM in Green Bay (a Packers Radio Network station), they have provided seats in their corporate (luxury) box, and the boxes of some willing donors, to many service members and wounded veterans from Wisconsin during several games this season, as well as last season.
I, along with two other members of the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry (from Green Bay, Marinette, and the Fox Valley), was privileged to sit in the Packer's/GM Ted Thompson's private box at the divisional playoff game against Seattle last week. Along with us were other soldiers, a US Air Force airman, and two wounded Army soldiers and their family members from Wisconsin. This did not cost any of us one penny. This illustrates, to me, the complete class of the Green Bay Packers organization and supporters.
It's just one more thing that the fans should know about our 'hometown' team! So ends my 'Thank You'.
PACKERS FANS FROM EVERYWHERE, PACKERS POEM
Dear Mr. Michaels,
I reside in Frenchburg, Kentucky, with my my husband. I am originally from Chicago, and remember taking the bus up to Green Bay, to watch the games. This was a thrill for me to be surrounded with such beautiful fans. My family are Bear fans, so it was difficult for me, yet I am such a proud Packer fan, and am so incredibly excited for them. I remember listening to Wayne Larrivee when he used to broadcast the Bear games in Chicago, and was so excited when he went to Green Bay.
Anyway, I was listening to the song, Standing in the Shadow of Love, by the Four Tops, and so I put a poem together for the Packers. My friends encouraged me to send this to a radio station up there, and so I am writing you...for what it is worth, I wanted someone up there to receive it.
I have attached the poem as a word document.
Thank you.
Liz Douglas
God Bless Our Packers!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO PACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Standing in the shadows of Lombardi’s Legacy
Pack’s gettin’ ready for a victory to come
Can't you see these fans standing ‘round the sacred ground of Lambeau?
They’re getting ready for an epic victory to come
Giants…..you’ll run but there’s no where to go
‘Cause heartaches will follow you, don’t you know?
Without your fans, the love you need
It's the beginning of the end for the New York G’s
'Cause the Pack have taken away all your reasons for winning
When you’re pushed aside, all the hope will be for nothing
Now wait a minute!
Didn't they teach you right, now Giants, didn't they?
Didn't they warn you ‘bout the frozen Tundra, now didn’t they?
So don't you leave without remembering the haunting shadows of victory
’Cause
Green Bay ’s gettin' ready for your heartaches to come
Don’t you see them standing in all their Glory on Lambeau Field?
Giving their best to get ready for your heartaches to come
All alone you’ll desperately be
With misery, your only company
It may come today, in fact it’ll come tomorrow
But it’s for sure you ain’t got nothin’ but sorrow
Now don't your conscience ever bother you?
How can you make your NY fans cry after all, they’ve supported you?
Hold on a minute!
The Pack have weapons the caliber of, Favre, Driver, Harris, don’t they?
When they’ve needed them, their fans are there always, now aren’t they?
(Standing in the realm of Victory, getting ready for Eli’s heartache to come)
You’ve tried not to cry out loud
’Cause, Manning, nothin’s gonna help you now
What did you do to cause all this grief?
It’s the way you’ve played that will make you want to leave
Now wait a
Green Bay minute!
The Pack play their hearts and souls for all, now don’t they?
When the fans need them, they are there, now aren’t they?
Packers are standing tall in their blessed Field in
Green Bay
’Cause they’re ready for the Gigantic Celebration to come!!
Hope ya’ll be standing, feeling the Glory of the Green and Gold!!
As the Pack win their way to a Superbowl !!!!!
Inspired by the Song
Standing In the Shadow of Love/The Four Tops
ESPN'S WERDER TWISTS CONTROVERSY
Hey Bill,
I was listening to you last night on my way from Green Bay to Milwaukee for
a concert, and happened to catch the story about Ed Werder stirring the
pot. Did you see Sportscenter this morning? What the hell is he trying to
do? The idiot lineman from the Giants apparently said quote, "I'm glad
(Kampman) brought it to my attention that he didn't appreciate it. I'm
sure I'll say hello this weekend"...or something like that. Kampman didn't
bring it to his attention! Werder did. Kampmann didn't even want to talk
about it!
I'm sure you know all the above. It was your story afterall. I guess I
just had to vent. Do me a favor though. Either tell Werder to shut his
trap and actually find a story that's worth getting excited about, or tell
Aaron Kampman to drop a forearm to the back of HIS head to say thanks for
making me look like a whining baby on TV.
Sick of the shit. Let's get it on! GO PACK!
Bitter from Green Bay
DON'T PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE
Hi Bill,
I remember clearly when the Packers were favored over the
Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII. I also remember that Denver went on to
win that game. If the Packers do play the Patriots in Super Bowl
XLII, let's hope the Packers rise to the occasion and beat the
clearly favored team. Go Pack!
Randy
PACKERS FANS, LAYERS!
Dear Unit,
Having spent years in brutal weather, from the sub-arctic to
Patagonia , please tell the Lambeau bound that Thinsulate is OK, but nothing beats real wool.For starters, wear a large loose jacket with a real wool sweater or two underneath.
Ladies: Throw fashion out the window! Go, baggy and multi layered.
And please be loud!
EUPHORIC PACKERS WEEK
Unit, what else can i say? this week, between your insights, your excellent interviews, the callers and emailers you've touched upon everything. sunday i'll say a prayer for both teams and then scream...players take the field. let's play football.
joe-oshkosh,wi.
CLASS, MEET CLASSLESS
UNIT---Isn't it obvious that now we've gone from having the record held by Jerry Rice--a man with CLASS--to Randy Moss--a total ASS. (You'll probably have to delete that!) I am glad that the Giants gave it such a good shot, but they certainly seemed disorganized at the end of the game.
I think New England has had several referee's calls go their way this year, thus helping to preserve their perfect season. There is no question that they are still a fine team. I just hope that someone takes them out in the AFC playoffs, just to shut Belicheck's mouth and keep the Brady-Moss combo from breaking out any more!
I wonder if Green Bay, when their offense is at their best with the five receiver set, wouldn't give New England troubles, as have several teams this year when they spread it out. Conversely, I would think that our DBs at least have a good shot at shutting down some of the Patriots offense.
I also feel that the key loss to injury this year was Johnny Jolly. The run defense hasn't been the same since losing him! He and Ryan Pickett formed quite a formidable duo in the middle and kept blockers off Barnett and Hawk.
A Packer Fan--Steve in Franklin :-)
IT'S OFFICAL, BOGUT'S A BUST
Hey Unit,
I know, I know, hindsight is 20/20 but the Bucks would be sooo much better had they picked Chris Paul instead of Andrew Bogut. The guy is good for 25 pts. per game as well as 4-5 steals and a ton of dishes. Bogut is serviceable and worthy as a big body who can block shots and rebound but not what you would expect from the coveted No.1 pick in the entire NBA draft. I'm talking about what wins games, that is SCORING. The Bucks are sourly in need of a big man who can score. Dwight Howard, LeBron James, K.G., Jermaine O'Neal come to mind. Teams are not worried about our big men taking over a game. I do think Yi will become a player who can score and take over a game. Bogut has NEVER been able to score consistantly. Now, put Chris Paul in the same lineup with Yi, Michael Redd and you really have something. I'm like everyone else in that I thought Bogut was the best pick that year, BUT.... It is also possible that Bogut could become a dominant scorer if the head coach would turn him totally loose. We are losing bad and often so why not let the dogs out? Let's see what he can do without any constraints before we give him big money as a free agent one day. Feed Bogut the ball down low. Feed Yi the ball down low, it would open up the perimeter shooters eventually. I respect your opinion Unit and I would like to here back from you if you can spare the time. I understand your very busy so if I don't here from you that's okay too.
Craig (Sheboygan)~
THE BUCKS = LOTTERY
I read your blog on the Bucks and you are spot on. My opinion however goes a bit farther. Last night our so called all star was 1 for 8 from the field, and he has had several games like that. The starting point guard took over 20 shots once again. That is not the recipe for success. In hindsight getting rid of TJ Ford was a mistake. Redd can express his frustration all he wants, but quite frankly they are a below average basketball team with a below average coach. Coach K may bring energy and intensity but that alone does not make a good basketball coach. We lost the real Coach K when Herb Kohl ran George Karl out of town. Since then, Terry Porter, Terry Stotts and Larry K. That’s a far cry from the likes of Rivers, Saunders, Popovich, Karl, Nelson, Jackson, Brown, etc.
Quite frankly their only hope is to make a blockbuster trade, and then sign ourselves a real proven NBA coach if there are any out there. Otherwise, the Bucks will be in the draft lottery for years to come. Many in the East are now getting better. The Bucks are going backwards.
Go Pack Go! Once football is over it will be hard to watch the Bucks. Best to enjoy Marquette and Wisconsin.
Enjoy your show, keep up the good work.
Dave L.
IT'S NO THE END OF THE WORLD PACKERS FANS
It’s never fun to lose to the Bears and hopefully Packer fans put yesterday’s loss into perspective!? If we ended up with the same record as Dallas at the end of the season, we don’t get home field all the way through the playoffs. It certainly would’ve been nice to have a shot at it again this week especially since Washington has a little more to play for this weekend but we’re still 12-3 w/ a first round bye. NO ONE predicted that at the beginning of the season!
It was very surprising to see us struggle so much during yesterday’s game since we are a “cold weather team”. But, those conditions were just down right nasty and there’s no way anyone can be ready to play in a game like that. If the Packers make it to the NFC Championship game, it might be a blessing to play in a “warmer” climate? Who knows? I really thought we had turned the corner after Grant’s 66 yd TD run gave us the lead and then our stop of Chicago on their very next series. We’ve got the ball with 2 minutes left in the half; Favre’s thrown 4 very ugly passes until that point. For whatever reason, we come out and throw 3 incomplete passes and turn the ball right back over to Chicago? Basically, that was the beginning of the end of the game. Ryan’s botched punt and a couple of nice play calls by Chicago leads them to a TD and 13-7 lead going into halftime. I didn’t see any post game interviews from McCarthy or his staff and haven’t heard if that series was addressed since? But, it was fairly obvious we couldn’t sustain a drive to save our lives. Grant’s got 100 yards rushing to that point and passing the ball wasn’t necessary. That failed drive, because of the very odd play calling, cost us the game in my opinion.
Can you tell me if it was addressed and what their reasoning was to call the plays they called at that point?
Thanks Big Unit!
Ken in Menomonee Falls
PACKERS, EXCUSE MAKERS
Help me out with this.
It seems to me there was a Monday night game against the Bears, and I think
was Halloween, in Chicago, and the weather was just Horrendous. It was
raining, winds 30-40 MPH+, temps in the upper 30's. It was also Dick Butkus
night and the Bears retired his number. All that being said, the Packers won
and there was talk of how the weather affected the game. So if the Pack
wants to Whine about the weather...take some cheese with that whine !
Konrad
Plymouth, WI
STOP BLAMING EVERYONE
Hey Mr. Big Unit,
Is there anyway to lay the blame for this loss on Lee Remmel?
Who didn't show up today?
Lee Remmel.
Who missed his first game in more than 150 against the Bears?
Lee Remmel.
Nuff said.
We miss Lee already - Here's wishing him a long, happy and well deserved retirement!
Mike
Marinette, WI
McCARTHY NEEDS TO PRACTICE IN THE WEATHER
Maybe now Coach McCarthy will take his Namby Pamby Packers outside to practice. I couldn't believe the story earlier this week about how they thought they could learn the assignments better inside. Maybe game to game they need to learn what the plan is but they should know the plays at this point in the season. I do not know if the Bears practice outside but the weather seem to have little effect on them today. How can a cold weather team have an advantage in the weather if they don't play in it. Even the Bears defensive players seem to be able to catch the ball better than the Packer receivers. It seems the Pack mailed it in under tough conditions.
Brian in New Berlin
NOT THRILLED WITH FOX
Oh my. Can someone please shut Joe Buck up! Hello! I would rather loose home field advantage for one game than loose a key player trying to make something happen in these AWFUL conditions! We have everything to loose and the Bears have to play for their spots for next year. Thank goodness for TMJ! Wow - yes - winning is really important to us, but do we really want to risk our players - these conditions make injuries so much easier to occur!
Jennifer in Oak Creek
UNFORTUNATELY, YOU'RE RIGHT
Bill: Your argument for starting Aaron makes too much sense, but won't happen, the streak can't end this way and cause fans to go ballistic. The way Rodgers handled the situation in Dallas he should start giving Favre an extra seven days of rest, healing, and better prepared for the postseason, but common sense be damned when it comes to sports. Doubtful any NFL player will ever be able to stand up, or equal, Brett's ability to avoid injuries, gut, and just plain luck, and come anywhere near the record already set. That said maybe the Packers should start Brett, let him play one possession, therefore tainting the record, and really get diehard fans pissed!
THE FANS AREN'T PAYING TO SEE ROGERS
Bill: The fans going to Green Bay this Sunday are not just paying to see the Packers beat up on an inferior Oakland Raiders Team. They are going to see the Greatest Quarterback in the history of the game. There will probably be several people in the stands that this game will be the only NFL / Packers game they will see in their lives, so you have to play Brett FAVRE, at least one quarter, then substitute for him! You are still the Best, See ya' Your Buddy, Woody
UNIT, I AGREE
Agree with Blog, give Farve a break to help him physically and a mental break for a week, plus think of the furture, give Roger's playing time right after he gained the trust of the team, what if Farve got hurt going into the playoffs, wouldn't it be nice to have Rodger's with a full game experience coming in, plus I'd like to see Rodger's play again, time to stop putting the streak ahead of what's best for the team.
Best Regards,
Mitchell
Eagan, MN
IS BRETT THE ULTIMATE TEAM PLAYER?
You said it yourself, Brett Favre is the ultimate team player. If Brett feels good
enough to play Sunday, why would he not play? He wants to win and he wants
his team to win. If Brett felt bad enougth to not play , he would tell McCarthy
that he shouldnt play. Why would McCarthy hold him out ? Why would this
injury keep him out be any different from any of the other bumps and bruises
that did not keep him out ? I believe that McCarthy takes Bretts word when he
sayd he should be ready to go. This is no different than any other time or injury.
Let the ironman play just like any other Sunday.
Dan, In wauwatosa, 2nd shift, working hard
WHY RISK HIM?
Unit,
this is an emotional issue and emotions sometimes get the better of our judgement. A question for the fans: would you rather have Aaron Rodgers start against Oakland or in the playoffs?. Also, the bigger question is: Why, when Mike McCarthy sat Woodson and KGB in arguably the most important regular season game, is he going to risk his most important player in a game that doesn't mean as much? He doesn't want to deal with the monster the streak has become. it was the same with Cal Ripken, Jr. The streak took on a life of itself. In a season that could culminate in something much bigger, the streak should take a back seat.
Kevin in Germantown
YOU'RE NOT FROM HERE
I'll be honest with you. It has always annoyed me that the radio and TV stations around here almost ALWAYS hire people from other cities.
So in a way I agree with the guy you are calling a moron that hung up.
When you are born somewhere else, such as Cincinnati, you just don't live and die with the teams fortunes like the people who grow up here. It's not in your blood.
I would like to see somebody who was born here get a sports talk show. Falconio is from Iowa.
That being said you do a decent job with your show.
I'm just telling it like it is. I would not be surprised if deep in your heart you are a Bengals or Browns fan. Or a Cavs fan.
Peter
Milwaukee
McCARTHY BENCHED FAVRE
Dude, Favre was not that hurt Thursday, He was awful.
Once he starts a game like that it doesn't get better.
MM didn't put him back in because he was struggling.
The packers just don't want to say that.
I love Favre, but he got a scare and was taken out and
MM saw AR was doing well even though Favre could have
gone back in. MM can't say that though, he's saving
face for Favre.
Been watching the guy every game since 91. IN THIS
GAME MM knew AR gave gave him a better chance to win,
Brett was a basketcase Thursday.
GO PACK!
Craig, Minneapolis
BRETT AND BREWERS
I am a big Brett Favre fan, but I totally agree with you...if he isn't 100%, let him rest the injury and give Rogers some game time. Brett don't give 2 (you know what's) for records and the "iron man" record is not worth it him turning to a pile of rust dust...if he gets hurt worse...when we need him healthy.
Lets get back to the days of Starr and Bratkowski and Unitas and Morall...
We need a one two punch...Let Aaron develop.
Hey, did you get a chance to check out the Brewer Sale the other day, great game used stuff. I had my sights on one thing all season and scored a Ned Yost alternate jersey. With the commemorative 1982 patch, his being a player on that team and his being the Manager is an awesome connection with my other gamer stuff from 82...
Go Brewers! Go Packers !!
Paul
Milwaukee
McCARTHY'S DOUBLE STANDARD?
Big Unit,
I can only hope that there isnt a double standard with Brett if he is still
not 100%. If McCarthy can sit key defensive players in the biggest game
of the year he can sit Brett at home against the lowly Raiders. He
should also go back to what got them to 10 wins and not let Brett
start heaving the ball all over the place. Brett looked like the Brett
of the past two years. GO PACK GO!!!
Gino
Windsor CT
UNIT, I USUALLY AGREE BUT YOU'RE WRONG
Holy cow, the horse MUST be dead by now, let's please stop kicking it.
Reasons to let Favre start:
1. He gives us the best chance to win.
2. This game IS big because Tampa Bay is only 2 games behind us. We need that first week off in the playoffs; we need to secure at least the 2nd seed.
3. I know it's not a good reason (and I can see the top of your head blow off from here!) but The Streak. If he's able to go, if he can throw without pain, then start him. If he has pain, then sit him down.
One more thing, how about smackin' the O-line around this week in practice so they learn to protect him!! The big hit he took was his responsibility but he was hit way too many other times.
Of course you don't hate the Packers, yikes. You have a very solid argument. The streak does matter to him though, just as it did to Cal Ripken, Jr.
Keep up the good work, Bill, but let's get that dead horse buried OK???
SEE YA!!
Pete
St. Francis
FAVRE SHOULD PLAY
Favre SHOULD play every game unless he's NOT cleared by staff
doctors. That's the ONLY reason to keep him out of ANY game,
regardless of its assumed mid-season importance. Your argument in
favor of sidelining him for the next game is good in many ways (and I
heard several others suggest it 9 hours before I heard you on Sports
Central tonight), but it's assuming so many things, not the least of
which is that Favre will end up more severely injured if he plays.
That's like assuming you'll be involved in a deadly crash if you
travel via car. You MIGHT be, but is that sufficient reason to never
travel via automobile???? Of course not! So, I insist you'd be
equally hard pressed to prove why Brett should NOT play this game,
which, to me, is the real quandary.
But you want reasons why Favre should play against the Raiders. Here
are eleven:
1. Favre is THE heart and soul of the Packers.
2. Favre is a gladiator and his fans want to see him play. I do!
3. Favre in the lineup helps maintain crucial split-second timing
with his receivers. Very true!
4. Favre WANTS to play.
5. The media want Favre to play.
6. Favre has played hurt countless times and usually plays even
BETTER when hurt!
7. The Streak DOES matter (unless his performance causes the Packers
to falter).
8. Playing every game IS important, even if winning every game is not.
9. It's what Favre does. When he CAN'T play is when he won't. (And
then he'll retire!)
10. Favre's teammates want him to play (no disrespect to Aaron Rogers).
11. Dammit, a hurt Brett Favre is more fun to watch than a healthy
Tom Brady (sorry, Tom!).
And Bill, if you don't get to this email until Tuesday, happy
birthday (December 4)!
I listen often and seldom disagree with you, but this time I had to
chime in. Take care, man!
See yuh!
Mark
YOU'RE NUTS
You're not going to be convinced that playing Brett Favre is right because you don't want to be convinced. I've heard your arguments, and they have a lot of merit, but if Brett can go, he needs to start.
I know Mike McCarthy is the coach, the leader, the mastermind, the big toe. . . he is all of that. But Brett is the is the heart and the soul - he is the heart-beat of this team.
You made me laugh - "Brett is gonna get hurt." Brett could get hit by a bus on the way to the stadium, can fall out of bed on his arm, can cut himself with a paring knife. I thought you were a Bart Starr fan - an old school Packer fan. Team leaders play hurt - heart-beats stay in the game. I say let him play - let him play until he can't. Ultimately, that is how Brett would want to do it - to go out giving it all he has. I think Brett thrives on this kind of thing, and we all want a thriving Brett Favre.
I heard what McCarthy said. He's not a hypocrite or inconsistent. Here is what I say - Woodson and KGB are not Brett - are not as important as Brett. They are apples and oranges. Yes, they have a leadership role - they are important to the defense - there is no doubt; but having them out of the game does not affect the flow of the game, the mo-jo of the whole team like it does when Brett is out. It is not Woodson's team; it's not KGB's team. This is Brett's team.
Aaron Rodgers played a good game. He's good enough to be a back up and probably good enough to start. Sure, Brett was losing when he went out - when he got hurt. He was losing several games this year before they won them in the end. You forgot one important thing - Aaron Rodgers played well, but he did not win this game against the Cowboys. The team did not win this game with him in it.
Maybe a win against Oakland in not the most important thing this Sunday, but getting this team back in the flow, back in step, is. Consistency is important. The Packers need get back in the flow of things as soon as possible. I think breaking Brett's game record right now is like breaking the spell - stopping the heart-beat.
So I say let him play. If he gets hurt, he gets hurt. Maybe he will, but maybe he won't. Maybe he won't. I'd rather have him in and hurting a little than have him out. I want to see them in the Super Bowl like everyone else. Something tells me that we have a better chance of getting there with him in the game than with him out of it. It's his team to go to the Super Bowl or to not go. If he gets hurt and we lose him, maybe the team has a little bit more to play for. I don't think you give Brett, or McCarthy, enough credit. In the end, I think they will both decide what is best for the team.
What the hey - go for broke. . . . .
Marie in the OC
PAY FOR PLAY....WHO CARES!
BIIIIIIIIIIIIG Unit -
Incentive-Gate ??????? Who cares what the reprocussions will be, if thats what
has them playing at this high level, I say double the prize money for the
defense. Will our record now be tarnished ??? NOT !!!
Dan in Tosa, working hard, 2nd shift
PAYEM' OR FEEDEM'?
It would be ok to take the defensive line out to eat if they held the running back to under 100 yards?? It's probably cheaper to pay them $500 each and have them buy their own dinner!
Jim in Beloit
GO COCO GO.....OD RIDDENCE
Unit,
I getting sick of moron callers again. I guarantee you since Coco is now set for life, he would blow more saves than he would get.
You saw it in him when a save wasn't on the line in his contract year. He history was bad in Texas. Melvin knows what he is doing.
Dugout Rick
NO WAY, CORDERO GONE!
I was utterly amazed to hear and read that Mark Atanasio(sp?), Doug Melvin and whatever other powers that be in the Brewers
organization could not come up with another 4+ million to resign Francisco Cordero. Yes, certainly 4 million dollars is a lot of
money, but when we're talking 10's of millions...is 4 really all that much??? And Doug Melvin's answer is...the one, the only...
DERRICK TURNBOW!!! What is/was he thinking??? I thought that we got Cordero last year because we learned that Turnbow didn't have
what it took in '06. Apparently, Melvin feels that Turnbow proved everyone wrong in '07.
Well, anyway...be prepared for another "also ran" year in '08 with this mentality!
Gary
THE PACKERS ARE WORLDWIDE
Buena Sera Bill - just returned from a Mediteranean cruise (arranged
by some of your friends at Carlson-Wagonlit). Sunday evening dining
was special as we cruised north from Sicily to Naples. Packer fans
gathered at five tables (about forty of us who had never met before
the cruise) in the dining room. The Packer Nation has gone
international. One in our group had her son in Madison texting her
after every score change in the Packer- KC game. (don't even ask how
much the roaming charges are going to be. The satellite systems on
board work at sea but not in port) Each time a score change was
announced to the group with the resultant cheering, the rest of the
700 people in the dining room (mostly British) could not figure out
what was going on. All slept happily on Sunday night. FYI, we saw
Bucks hi-lites whenever they played because Yi is getting major
attention on ESPN International (there are only so many soccer
hi-lites one can stand). The next day on the Isle of Capri, my wife
Judi wore her pink Packer cap. The G attracts more people than I ever
thought possible. Everyone wanted to know where in Wisconsin we were
from and wanted to talk about the Pack. We were even approached by
several US military on leave wanting to know if the Packers were for
real. Everyone is looking forward to the Dallas game. Talk about a
polarizing rivalry! No one will say, "I don't care who wins."
Paul in Hartland
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS?
Here's question...The Rockies set a major league record for fielding % in a year. How is it that no one on their team won a Gold Glove??
Mike - Kenosha
MAX McGEE WAS SPECIAL TO US ALL
The Packer Nation is truely sadened by the passing of Max McGee. A GreatPlayer,Great Color Commentator,Great Person...
There were many,many memorable moments with Jim Irwin & Max that we all will cherish forever.. but I have a "funny" favorite.
Here are the comments as close as I can recall..I hope it's close to what the radio broadcast was..
It's pregame:
Jim Irwin is talkin about the injuries/inactives and someone on the other team that was questionable with a finger injury all week.
Jim Irwin: "X"-player was going to try to play with the finger injury...but prior to the game:
Jim Irwin: "X"-player's finger was partially cut off while being taped up by the trainers that he was out...
Max McGee: Well..I bet "X-Player" is happy it wasn't a groin injury then.......
It was such a spontaneous comment that I burst out laughing so hard I almost had an accident..I laughed so freaking hard..!!!
I don't recall how Jim Irwin proceeded and I know it's surely not exact.. but it was a classic moment..
Could somone please try to find that clip and play it on your show?
I think it was prior to a Tampa Game???
As I said Max will be missed greatly but the memories will always live on..
Go Pack Go!
The Bomber from T-Town..
REMEMBERING MAX McGEE
Hi Bill,
I had the sound turned down last night when Keith Oberman started talking about Max. Saw the photograph of Max in uniform, and 1932-2007. I actually gasped, and then tried to keep a stiff upper lip.
I am old enough to have seen Max play, and meet him as a player when I was eight. During the early '70's, my mom worked for Max, at a Left End Steak House, as a hostess. She always said the he was the best person she had ever worked for. He was kind, generous, and of course, very funny.
Years later, at the final game at County Stadium, in 1994, I went up to the broadcast booth to leave he and Jim prints of my Pinups, and a note saying hello, and how much I enjoyed their broadcasts. It included that I had met him years before, and that my mother had once worked at a Left End.
During the second half of the broadcast, I am in the stadium listening to them on a Walkman (of course), when Max says, "I got a package of real nice Girly prints here, from a fellow that listens to us on...... His mom, Jeanne, used to work for me in Madison, Wisconsin."
Amazing!
With every good wish,
Kent
WHO WILL REPRESENT THE PACK IN THE FUTURE?
Hopefully, Jim Irwin will be around for awhile. Others that need to
step to the breech in my mind are LeRoy Butler, Larry the Rock and
Brian Noble. All are well spoken and when you hear of or see them
you can't help but think green and gold.
I have another question/comment. With the advent of so much news
information available, I think the officiating at all professional
levels has taken a step backwards. I firmly believe that the stripes
go into a Packer game expecting a couple things. . . Chad Clifton
will jump and Al Harris will get a "hands" or "illegal contact"
penalty, so they anticipate it and bingo, the poor guy comes close
and flags are flying. Same is true in baseball and maybe in the NBA
although officiating there has always stunk. I would go so far as to
say that the officials helped Carroll to fail as a cornerback for the
Pack!
WHAT'S WITH THE PACKERS "O" LINE?
I was about to email you regarding the Packer's run game (on lack thereof) when I happened to see your post Offensive Line Offensive. You are on to something, Big Unit, something which I have been watching since week one.
The Packers can't run because most of the time...most of the time...they don't block. There have been some instances where they actually did block, and believe it or not, the results were pretty good. This from a line with Tauscher and Clifton? I don't get it. Those two are maulers. Are we to believe that the rest of this line is just plain bad; or is it something else?
I wish I could tell you how many timesI saw Redskin and Bear defenders in the backfiled before the back was even handed the ball these last two weeks, but I just didn't consider it a stat worth counting until it happened again and again. Now, I wish I had counted. The times the back has been hit behind the line of scrimmage, against seven man fronts, means something. We just don't know what that something is. Is it missed assignments? Is it bad coaching? Is it bad play calling?
Obviously, we don't have the league's best backs, but usually, that means fewer yards beyond the line of scrimmage. These guys aren't even getting that far. It sure would be interesting to hear the Line Coach's explanation on your show tonight or tomorrow, or anytime in these next two weeks.
Take care,
Tom in Two Rivers
WHAT EXACTLY DOES "GUNSLINGER" MEAN?
Here's what the network suits mean when labelling Brett Favre a
"gun-slinger": it's a euphemism for making ill-advised passes into
double coverage and getting away with it.
Favre has the records and the rings--no network suit dare trash him for
being a bad quarterback. But the suits can't explain how he can get away
with 40-yard prayers into double coverage so they call it gun-slinging
and it doesn't sound like disrespect. Don't be fooled.
John
THE BREWERS HAD A HAND IN THE INDIANS SUCCESS
Hey Bill. If the Indians win the ALCS, do you think they should have to allow the Brewers to display their championship banner at Miller Park for at least a three game series for appreciation in allowing them to play here back in April when they were snowned out in Cleveland?
Mike, Racine Wi.
ROBINSON WON'T HELP THE PACK
I do think koren robinson well help the packers this year. He was just starting to show what he could do last year before he had to sit out. This might be the help they need on their offense. Bret favre should play more then this year I hope, but when I see him coming in to work, and they way he walks sometimes I wonder if he can or should. He walks just like me and I 50. But he is there early and stays late. He must still have the drive to keep going. If he keeps playing like he is I hope he sticks around for a while.
Charles
TIME FOR NEW LEADERSHIP
Please FIRE Ned the Dead, Yost..
what a pathetic 2nd- half, not only away, but home.....and was ejected 3 of last 4 too? This says he's lost it under pressure ...unfortunately he comes back next year, and when they play uninspired ball by next June he gets fired, it should've been done next week. The pathetic road record this year, and EVERY year he's managed , says it all...plus, home record 2nd- half this year was not that great. He has a TERRIBLE 2nd- half record his 4 years managing, when the heat gets turned up. He's over-rated, and the Brewers, I'm sorry, are just an average team...4 years is enough time. Let's Move on folks....
Unsigned
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