Bill Walton

[Hank]

 

[cu3x]

If you have Hulu subscription service, they have a 4-part 30/30 on Bill's life: "The Luckiest Guy in the World".
Really enjoyable. Produced last year.

 

[Buffnik]

I loved the John Wooden story that Bill told a number of times. Wooden had a rule against facial hair. Bill showed up with a beard. Wooden pulled him into his office and Bill said it's his right and it's important to him. Wooden replied that he respects him for standing up for his beliefs and that the team will miss him. Bill shaved that afternoon.

 

[hokiehead]

I loved the John Wooden story that Bill told a number of times. Wooden had a rule against facial hair. Bill showed up with a beard. Wooden pulled him into his office and Bill said it's his right and it's important to him. Wooden replied that he respects him for standing up for his beliefs and that the team will miss him. Bill shaved that afternoon.

in 2024, it's hard for me to appreciate the social influences that would've led Wooden to implement what seems like a ridiculous team policy

 

[NWD Buff]

in 2024, it's hard for me to appreciate the social influences that would've led Wooden to implement what seems like a ridiculous team policy

The Yankees still have this policy.

 

[Corey Trevorson]

In Pac-12's embrace,
Walton's spirit soars with grace,
Legends never fade.

 

[hokiehead]

The Yankees still have this policy.

TIL

what's the rationale?

 

[NWD Buff]

TIL

what's the rationale?

From Google:

The New York Yankees have a strict appearance policy that prohibits players from having facial hair other than mustaches, except for religious reasons. The policy also states that players' hair cannot touch their collars. The rule was established in 1976 by then-owner George Steinbrenner and manager Billy Martin, and some say it's a tradition that makes the Yankees stand out from other teams. However, the policy has divided opinion among fans, with some arguing that it restricts players' individuality and makes the Yankees less attractive to free agents.

TL: DR Steinbrenner: Damn hippies

 

[NWD Buff]

TIL

what's the rationale?

Johnny Damon

 

[BuffsNYC]

The Yankees still have this policy.

More proof that it's idiotic.

 

[Hank]

I liked this story.

 

[hokiehead]

Last night at the Dead & Company show at the Sphere

 

[NWD Buff]

I can't remember ever seeing such an outpouring of positive stories about a public figure after their passing. What an amazing legacy.

 

[hokiehead]

 

[hokiehead]

 

[J.R. Ewing]

Back when ESPN commercials were the funniest thing on tv

 

[hokiehead]

Back when ESPN commercials were the funniest thing on tv

They were. But I never understood the marketing strategy of so much self promoting.

 

[J.R. Ewing]

They were. But I never understood the marketing strategy of so much self promoting.

No kidding. It was like every 3rd commercial on Sportcenter was for Sportcenter. Maybe they just ran more of them on slow sports days.

 

[NWD Buff]

They were. But I never understood the marketing strategy of so much self promoting.

No kidding. It was like every 3rd commercial on Sportcenter was for Sportcenter. Maybe they just ran more of them on slow sports days.

That self promotion worked. Those ads were often hilarious, and they got talked about. At the time, SportsCenter was as important (or even more important) as the events themselves. That was the only place to see the highlight packages, and the hosts all had unique on air personalities that became a part of the whole thing.

I remember when we used to throw a videotape on SportsCenter after games that we were at, so that we could see what those guys would say about our games. Of course, social media and streaming pretty much changed everything.