Category Archives: Uncategorized
Goodbye, and Hello
I moved from Tuscaloosa to Orlando, FL back in 2005 during the lowest point of the Shula era. As a way to cope with being away from my home, I started AlabamaGameday. The blog has had some highs, including being mentioned on the Paul Finebaum show and having Shane from Centerpoint as a regular contributor. It’s also had lows, mainly being lost in a sea of sports blogs.
I’ve often taken vacations from blogging, and that’s no way to keep readers entertained. People want consistency. They want to know you’re going to be there every day, to give them something to read with their coffee or their lunch or their midnight snack. So I’ve had to decide once and for all; am I committed to this or not?
The answer is yes. And so I’ve partnered with the folks at the FanSided Network to become Bama Hammer. I cordially invite you to join us at our new home over there.
Why should you? Because like you, I’m a rabid fan of Alabama football. I love talking about the team, the game and how the Crimson Tide have been a part of what I am, for all of my life. We’re going to bring you news, analysis and commentary. We’re also gonna talk smack with you about Auburn, Tennessee and the rest of the SEC.
We want it to be a conversation, not a monologue. I know you probably comment on several Tide sites already. I’m not trying to compete or beat anyone. What I want is the same thing I want when I tailgate in Tuscaloosa: to celebrate the Tide with fellow fans.
Come join us. We’re looking forward to having you say hello.
Meet your opponents – Florida Gators
I particularly like this one because it’s at an Alabama home game. Drunk opposing fan or not, you cannot deny the greatness of Skynyrd.
Gator travel diary – Day 3
Tickets arrived yesterday evening, and plans are being made for parking, eating, etc.
We’re officially starting to worry about a letdown after the victory against Arkansas. That’s always a possibility after a victory like last week’s. But this team, and especially this defense, looks ready. We won’t make our pick just yet, but we’re feeling quietly confident.
Gator travel diary – Day 2
Documenting the week’s worth of effort involved in a two-hour drive up the road.
The change to an 8pm (EST) kickoff necessitated the adjusting of work schedules by the teen members of the TonyOrlando clan. I took it upon myself to call their boss and explain the situation, begging off in their stead.
The boss was cool about it, but I couldn’t help myself. When he mentioned being a big Gator fan, I immediately jumped in with “I’m from Tuscaloosa; so I guess we have a problem.” Fanaticism cannot silence itself.
Gator travel diary – Day 1
We’re heading up to Gainsville this Saturday for the game, and will be posting thoughts throughout the week on the trip.
Day one is a doozy. The change to a prime-time kickoff meant canceling a non-refundable hotel stay (thanks for nothing, hotels-dot-com) and scrambling to find new accommodations. We’re still a far ways from Gainsville proper, but it’ll work okay.
Been to the Swamp before? We’d love any tips or hints you’ve got for being a good Tide fan at the game and among the enemy before and after. Leave us a comment with your best stuff.
‘Nuff Said
Props to the Razorback for keeping the pose...
Their defense has improved each and every year since they’ve been there, and I think this is the best defensive team that they’ve probably had. They’ve got like seven starters back, and they’re one of the top 20 teams in the country in scoring defense, so they’ve made a lot of improvements.
from his Sept. 19th press conference, on the improving Arkansas defense
