Transcontinental memories of ’so many fun’ mark the end
Editor’s note: This is Furman Bisher’s final column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Read more:
–Past columns. His last one is below. Read his first one including his moving tribute to his late son and several others.
–Photos of his career. Even one where he’s playing football.
–Video: Bisher reflects on his very first column for the paper
It was April 15, income tax day, in 1950 that this all began. Usually, such a run as this rarely ever carries on this long. Perhaps my act has worn thin. Perhaps I have over-stayed my time. But to an old warrior such as I, it isn’t easy finding an appropriate ending place.
My mind wanders back to the Falcons’ first flirtation with glory. They led the Dallas Cowboys into the shadows of a Sunday afternoon in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, 60,222 fans in a state of exhilaration, a division championship a breath away when the defense broke down. It was over and a city was left heartbroken.
It had been such a colossal event that even Red Smith, the scholarly columnist of the New York Times, had flown in to write of it. After the game, I gave him a lift back to his hotel, and as he collected his tools of trade, and opened the car door, he put a hand on my shoulder and said: “One more day in a cold, dreary press box — God, I love it.”
That said it for a lot of us.
Many a time that memory flashes across my mind, though the number of Sundays has dwindled down, as has the number of columns. Once I wrote six columns a week. I thought I was supposed to. Then five, then four, then three, then down to one. That means I have one day in seven in which to write something that stirs the blood, or something that misses the plate. A stinker. I don’t know that there is a graceful way to take leave. It doesn’t require a lot of space, I know that. (Cheers from the layout editor.)
I do know, as well, that it tugs at the heart. Ye gods, how many of these have I written? So many that many of the keys on this old Royal typing machine are worn thin. (And this column was first given a test run on the machine on which I wrote my first column in 1950.)
How many continents has it been, how many nations, how many flights, how many airports, how many sagging beds in bawdy rooming houses, and how many languages, with or without translation? Oh, and yes, and how many fellow travelers, wonderful friends on all those continents, and on the streets in this town and in my own land?
Then the Olympics, winter and summer, arousing memory of the most excruciating trip of them all, following the Winter Games in France. Catching a train in Notre Dame de Briancon to Chambery, to Geneva, to Frankfurt, to Atlanta, thence to Richmond, then Charlottesville to preside at a dinner. So much for that. I wouldn’t mind doing it again, but my body would disagree.
The Italian heavyweight of some six decades ago, Primo Carnera, known to some as “The Ambling Alp,” returned to the United States for some personal appearances long after he held the title — whose legitimacy was strongly questioned. Nevertheless, he had been the champ. He was a source of much interviewing, of course, during which he was asked what he remembered most pleasantly of his fighting days in this country. “Oh, much good time,” he said, in his fractured English, “so many fun.”
That says it for me in any language. “So many fun.”
Perhaps we shall see each other again at Thanksgiving, or the Masters, but I take my leave today with deep regret. Selah.
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443 comments Add your comment
Fahim
October 10th, 2009
2:59 pm
Thank you, Mr. Bisher for all of the years….you are a true gentlemen and nobody shall ever replace you.
jaxjacket
October 10th, 2009
3:19 pm
Dear Mr. Bisher, A sad time for me and I suspect all sports fans in the South to read this column. I came into the world the same year you started writing, have been an avid sports fan for most of those years, and always enjoyed reading your work. You have set the standard for excellence in sports reporting and commentary, and I will certainly miss your insight. Thanks so much for all you have shared with us over the years, and my best wishes for you as you retire.
Hillbilly Deluxe
October 10th, 2009
3:24 pm
Sometimes I agreed with you and sometimes I disagreed but I always respected you. Yours is a writing style that could get me to read your column even if the subject didn’t interest me. Your baseball columns were my favorites because as with any true baseball fan, it has the perspective of history.
Been reading your columns since I was small boy (the Lotheridge-Martin Era at Tech). Don’t know if sports will ever be the same without your columns to read.
I’ve still got my “I Beat Bisher” T-shirt from all those years ago. I intend to hang on to it. Vaya con Dios, Mr. Bisher.
steve
October 10th, 2009
3:25 pm
thank you furman you and jessie and lewis made reading the ajc a bright spot of every day god bless.
leland
October 10th, 2009
3:30 pm
Mr. Bisher–thanks for many a pleasant read, and the best of everything to you and yours. Leland
uga1989
October 10th, 2009
3:32 pm
Thank you, Mr. Bisher.
Alabama Jack
October 10th, 2009
3:36 pm
Thank you for every thing and God bless.
JSS
October 10th, 2009
3:47 pm
With all of the respect that can be put into words, I wish you the best… Remember the old Southern saying: “I’ve never met a stranger.” You saw the transition from sport to an event… Don’t be a stranger, there is always an extra place at the table… May fate be kind to you…
Bat Masterson
October 10th, 2009
3:48 pm
I have enjoyed reading your columns, God’s speed.
tipping hat to hall of famer
October 10th, 2009
3:50 pm
Thanks for the memories!
Atlanta Native
October 10th, 2009
3:53 pm
You will be missed and our view will be less without you.
Dean
October 10th, 2009
3:55 pm
When I was 12 years-old, 43 years ago, I started delivering the Atlanta Journal. Empire Blvd., Oak Dr. and Ward Dr. were my borders. Every day for the next 2 years (I moved up to Zesto! Lakewood Heights location.) I read the paper from front to back over the course of my route. Mr. Bishers stories and columns were always the highlight. For what it’s worth, “For what it’s worth…” was my favorite. God bless and good luck, Mr. Bisher.
gymjacket
October 10th, 2009
3:59 pm
Well done sir.
william cranman
October 10th, 2009
4:02 pm
Thank you Mr. Bisher for your eloquent columns over the years. Hopefully we will see your columns again down the road, especially at the Masters beacuae a Masters with out you Mr. Bisher would just not seem right. Thanks again and enjoy your retirement. You deserve it.
James Lee Adam s
October 10th, 2009
4:03 pm
Thanks–Bitter sweet day–What memories–what a void
130on2
October 10th, 2009
4:23 pm
Just a pause Furman, just a pause.
Selah
130on2
October 10th, 2009
4:31 pm
I started delivering newspapers 52 years ago. Almost every day before I started my route I would sit there on a bundle of papers and read your article. You have always been the best. Good luck and thanks for all of the great columns.
Robert
October 10th, 2009
4:32 pm
Dear Furman, Thank you for a job well done. Your writing has been a part of my life for many years. I’m glad you got to go out on top. With best regards, Robert Reeves
bigdawg88
October 10th, 2009
4:34 pm
I have to admit that I didn’t always agree with you, being from a different generation and what not, But I’m sad to see you go! You are a true gentleman.
Selah
gtgoguy
October 10th, 2009
4:41 pm
Your columns harken back to a time when it was a daily treat to get the Atlanta Journal in the afternoon and read your column. I’ve never known the paper without your daily or weekly words and I will miss them. From this Georgia boy at heart now relocated to the upstate of SC….thanks for each and every word. God bless.
Ronnie
October 10th, 2009
4:43 pm
It’s been a pleasure to read you for so many years. Good luck!
MattyB
October 10th, 2009
4:44 pm
Best to you and yours, sir. It’s been most enjoyable!
Todd
October 10th, 2009
4:52 pm
Thanks for all of your hard work and wonderful insight. Hope to see you Thanksgiving weekend, in Atlanta or Athens, for many years to come. Best to you in your future endeavors. GO JACKETS!!!
CB Johnson
October 10th, 2009
4:55 pm
Thank you sir. Sure hope we hear from you on Thanksgiving!
College Park Native
October 10th, 2009
5:23 pm
Mr. Bisher, memories keep us close in touch, with yesterdays we loved so much. Thank you for giving us so many of both all these years. Wishing you good health and happy times ahead, and
least a FEW more Thanksgiving Day columns.
mark josey
October 10th, 2009
5:40 pm
Dear Sir, what a sad day for all AJC readers. I have read your columns for 35 yrs. and oh how much I have enjoyed them. Selah and take care.
Jon Parker
October 10th, 2009
6:03 pm
I am in Atlanta for the 55th class reunion for Grady High School class of 1954, and I read about your retirement in the paper. I want to congratulate you on retiring from an amazing and productive career. I have enjoyed your columns and your book with/about Henry Aaron. I also have a story, and it is probably a story, about you and me.
I began carrying (delivering) the Constitution in 1952, and the Rock Springs Apartments were on my route. We picked up the papers in the Highland Virginia area at about 4:30am and took off on our routes after a pep talk by the district manager. I seem to remember that your apartment was on the upper floor. I would walk into the entry area and toss yours up over the railing. One time, I hit the milk bottles in front of your door; and one came crashing down. I cleaned it up and left.
We paper boys also had to collect for the paper which was $.45 per week or $2.05 per month. Occasionally, you and others would ask that I come back at another time to collect. The “story” that I enjoy telling is that I am certain that you beat me out of at least a dollar. However, perhaps with the spilled milk, we are even. If not, I will count it square in future story telling, because of the enjoyment I have had from your columns.
Best wishes in your retired life.
Jon Parker
Houston, Tx
J. Tucker
October 10th, 2009
6:21 pm
Mr. Bisher, I have enjoyed your coverage of the world, of people, of happenings and yes of sports, and all it holds. Your coverage and writings of those many events, many people and many icons of the sport, always came across unbiased and even. So when you may have been biased, I left your column feeling not slanted, but rather of a peaceful understanding of your viewpoint. Those who you transcended against their beliefs would have been hard pressed to hold grudge for your style of composure and writing. Your literary style could be well used by others of your profession who have been unable to jettison their reportings as clean, clear and unbiased. I will personally miss your purveyance of your literary gift and talent. I wish only the best for you and your family in the future.
ozzfest
October 10th, 2009
6:23 pm
I once BEAT BISHER when I was a teen….all those years ago.
To think Outlar, Grizzard and Bisher no longer covering dixie like the dew, a sad day as I turn and face eternity.
Willie Davis
October 10th, 2009
6:27 pm
Mr. Bisher you are the best!
Thanks and God Bless!
Athens Dog
October 10th, 2009
6:42 pm
Mr Bisher, I once met you in Augusta, at the little golf tournament they have there. You truly covered the sports world in Dixie ‘like the dew’. As the paper has changed through the years, you were the constant through the turmoil and turnover. Thanks for the great career. Know that you will be the standard for sportswriters in this part of the country for years to come.
westcobbstinger
October 10th, 2009
6:57 pm
Mr. Bisher, Thanks for all of the great words. I have your column from 1995 when the Braves won us a title. It is in a frame along with my tickets to game 6. God Bless.
Monticello Dawg
October 10th, 2009
7:15 pm
I have been reading your columns since the mid-50s, and enjoyed them. Also recall a Sunday local TV show where the AJC reporters would rehash the games they had covered the Saturday before. I believe you, Jim Minter, Harry Mehre, and others made up the panel. Quite interesting.
Capt Bob
October 10th, 2009
7:46 pm
Mr. Bisher, Thank you for all the wonderful pictures you’ve painted. I’ve never read a finer columnist. I will miss your Thanksgiving “thanks”, most of all! God bless you and keep you!
No hater
October 10th, 2009
7:54 pm
Furman, I’m 70 years old and go way back with you. I remember back in the 50’s when you and Harry Maire and 2 others” cant remember who” were on wsbtv sundays. We never missed that show.My 2 older brothers, one attended UGA the other went to Tech loved you guys feedback on saturdays games. That was the Bobby Dodd days at Tech. Wally Butts was at UGA. I wish you could explain to me why fans are so impatent with their ball teams these days. I’m sure you remember when Bobby Dodd had his dry spells at Tech. As did Coach Butts at UGA. As fans we just accepted those lean seasons. But now days, no matter how well a team did the past season, if they can’t consistantly be in the top 10 in the country. The fans want to run them out of town. Why has this attitude become so prevalent these days? Thanks for all the great columns over the past years. Good Luck. N. L. Boykin
mike mccutcheon
October 10th, 2009
8:19 pm
Mr. Bisher, I have always taken pride in being the topic of one of your colums when I was born the son of Red McCutcheon in 1948. Your Sunday sports panel with Minter, Outler, and others always was one of the viewing highlights of my weekend as a child. Drafted in 1968,my folks sent the paper to me overseas. Your column was my comfort food. Throughout the years that has never changed. God bless you sir, and when I count my blessings this November 25th you shall be high on the list.
Drexel Gal
October 10th, 2009
8:34 pm
First, Paul Harvey passes away. Then, Mr. Bisher calls it a career. Although I wish Mr. Bisher a long and happy retirement, 2009 will be remembered as the year my two favorite commentators went silent.
Best wishes, and thank you for the more than forty years I have been reading your words.
Ray
October 10th, 2009
8:46 pm
Thanks, it won’t be the same
Chris Bridges
October 10th, 2009
10:44 pm
The best, pure and simple.
Keeper
October 10th, 2009
11:04 pm
Furman, I look forward to continuing to read your good work here, uncompromised by editors or corporate interests. Fellow fans, just turn the page to an uncensored venue, and enjoy!
http://furmanbisher.wordpress.com/
Jerry Glazer
October 10th, 2009
11:06 pm
Mr.Bisher,
I have been an avid reader and admirer for over 40+ years. I realize times change and I’m glad you stuck around during these recent years when the order of priorities has changed, from journalism being at the top of the list to the new electric frontier when greed has shown it’s ugly face–publishers doing everything possible to kill newspapers and force readers online where every click leads to the unknown– a virtual commission, banner ad, click through this & that and not much quality content. But fortunately none of this applied as this dinosaur loved reading 2 sports sections daily, was excited to receive the Sporting News which at that time was the best of the best, and was proud as a native Atlantan that you were there along with the best sports columnists of our time and all time! Times may change but memories won’t–thanks for doing so much for so many of us that grew up with you, best wishes always..
Gene
October 10th, 2009
11:13 pm
I remember the Sunday sports program very well, and the Atlanta paper with those black dashes showing pass trajectory. You were a part of Atlanta’s transition from the Crackers and Tech football to the Braves and Falcons. It has been a great run. Good luck to you, sir. I will miss your fine writing.
Chuck Uga
October 10th, 2009
11:19 pm
THIS IS AS SAD A MUNSON’S RETIREMENT. BEST WISHES TO YOU MR. BISHER. YOU AND MR. OUTLAR ARE ALL I CAN THINK OF WHEN THE AJC SPORTS DEPARTMENT IS BROUGHT INTO A DISCUSSION.
NOW I THINK I MAY RETIRE AS A UGA FOOTBALL FAN.
BuzzGT
October 11th, 2009
1:46 am
I read most articles for the information that they contain. I enjoyed reading Furman Bisher’s for the emotions that they invoked.
Tom
October 11th, 2009
2:13 am
Mr. Bisher,
I’m so sad to see you go, but happy to have grown up with you. I discovered the joy of reading as a 7 year old when I began following Hank Aaron’s pursuit of the home run record in the Atlanta newspapers back in 1974. I had no idea that I was learning a skill that would enrich the rest of my life. I’ve looked forward to your columns ever since. Thanks for the memories.
Selah…
For what it is worth
October 11th, 2009
2:18 am
Mr. Bisher – I wanted to let you know how sad I am to hear of this final article in the AJC. I have been a follower of your column for the last 40 years and have, for the most part, really enjoyed your incitefullness and your articles. You, sir, are a rare breed and will be truly missed. I wish you the best that life has to offer. You WILL be missed.
For what it is worth
October 11th, 2009
2:24 am
Yes – I have to post one more time. I still own a tee shirt that I one from “I beat Bisher” from the 1970’s. I really prized that tee shirt at the time – and now I consider it more valuable than ever. For you guys back then were real men of character (sorry, that is not to say that the current sports commentators are not, just that times have changed). You are the greatest, Mr. Bisher. It’s too bad that the time of writers like you is passing – the really sad part is that most people don’t realize what they will miss.
David Duncan
October 11th, 2009
2:31 am
Mr Bisher:
I will never forget my years at Ga Tech(1953-1959) and enjoying your sports column. After I graduated from Tech and moved to South Carolina, I tried to find the Atlanta Journal in the library so that I could read your column. You have blessed me with many memories about sports people and sporting events. Thank you so much. I hope to see you in heaven.
Randy Pollock
October 11th, 2009
3:56 am
I will remember your Thanksgiving columns the best, settling into the sofa under a lamp while my mother and grandmothers cooked the turkey and the poor Detroit Lions received yet another kickoff from yet another nasty opponent. Thanks for helping teach me what pleasures writers–and writing–can bring.
Ross
October 11th, 2009
5:28 am
I remember that Falcons game like it was yesterday. Bartkowski and Andrews and Jackson and Johnson and Jenkins. But the mental image I get is of Fulton Kuykendall and Al Richardson running amok, and then collapsing in confusion under the disciplined approach of Danny White and Drew Pearson.
Do you remember when Tony Cloninger had all those RBI in a game against the Giants? I still remember working on the front porch during that game. For some reason we didn’t go fishing that day. I was about 7 or 8.
Or how about when Bob Lee and Eddie Ray conquered the Vikings on Monday night? Was that the same season as the victory by 5 field goals alone over the hated Rams? I think they were both Monday night games.
Well there’s a lot to remember, and some to forget. Thanks for your efforts. I’ve been reading you a very long time.
-ross
Old Gator
October 11th, 2009
6:15 am
Didn’t always agree with you but then I’m not always right either. You saids it best ” So many fun”. Thanks
"Chef" Tim Dix
October 11th, 2009
7:37 am
The age of the newspaper man has officially ended. May the wind fill your sail and always be at your back.
ATL Blue Devil
October 11th, 2009
8:07 am
Mr. Bisher,
Thank you for your tremendous service to this paper and the city of Atlanta. You will be truly and sincerely missed.
Not bad for a Tarheel . . .
garcia
October 11th, 2009
8:12 am
Selah, Mr Bisher, selah.
Lew Hege
October 11th, 2009
8:21 am
Furman: You are the best. The boy from Denton did okay! But why are you quitting? You’re too young!
(Lew Hege, Southeast Sports)
Tom Jennings
October 11th, 2009
8:37 am
Dear Mr. Bisher,
My dad taught me the values of his day (and yours). Included was the value of you and Jessie Outler opining all things sports. Reading the Constitution in the morning, the Journal in the evening, brought the headlines of the day all the way to Winder, GA, located so far from Atlanta.
Of course, today is different in so many respects, and I won’t digress into those differences. But your columns were a consistent reminder of the way sports holds my interest – with words that blossomed in my mind into a portrait of whatever subject you pontificated.
Thank you for getting into the inner reaches of my mind, and helping, with my dad, putting sports in its proper place.
Selah, yourself.
Michael Scharff
October 11th, 2009
8:56 am
Mr. Bisher, your words have been a sourcce of joy to me for many years. As a life-long Augusta resident, I particularly appreciate your love for the Masters. I wish you all the best in your retirement.
dave
October 11th, 2009
9:11 am
Damn . . . just, damn. I’ll miss you, bet your bottom dollar, I’ll miss you . . .
Tom Conn
October 11th, 2009
9:14 am
Always enjoyed your Masters stories, and how Ivan Allen Jr., the “dandy little mayor”, made my hometown “big league”. But your Thanksgiving columns were always enjoyable, I agreed with so much of what you listed. You’ll be missed!
Navigator
October 11th, 2009
9:26 am
Furman, I was a kid when you had your local sports reporter show on Sunday, and really looked forward to hear real experts talk about SEC football (back then all our teams were SEC). You gave us so many Masters reports before there was ESPN, and your coverage of major events was excellent. I’ll miss reading your columns, but thanks for the memories.
Dawgdad
October 11th, 2009
9:27 am
Furman, thanks for the professionalism over the years, no petty grudges, no biased reporting, just honest opinion. We will miss you terribly.
TODD SENTELL
October 11th, 2009
9:45 am
Furman … you’ve been called the Red Smith of the South. I’d like to say you’ve always been, to me, the Mark Twain of American sportswriting. Go raise some hell. You deserve it.
Todd Sentell
Author of Toonamint of Champions
Uncle Tom
October 11th, 2009
9:45 am
Furman,
My dog is still upset about what you said about him on a fairly recent Thanksgiving column (something like, “I’m thankful that my best friend isn’t a dog.”), but other than that, we will all you very much. We’re thankful we had you for so long.
Ed Lorenz
October 11th, 2009
9:52 am
Mr. B — My father, a stringer for you when he was at Tech, introduced me to your columns and guided me through some early trial and error journalism. As my abilities improved and passions grew, I often used you as a model in style and substance. I will dearly miss your Thanksgiving offering – as well as your general reflections, insight and overview of the games and the true merit of how they play in life. Good fortune to you in your next career – enjoy, and know you were/are appreciated. You painted some wonderful pictures. As the Roman poet Ovid wrote, “The purpose of good writing is not so much to be understood, as to make it impossible to be misunderstood.”
I understand. Thank you. #
willdave
October 11th, 2009
9:52 am
Mr. Bisher, thank you so much for sharing your remarkable insight with us over these past several decades. We treasure you and will always remember you fondly. Please enjoy your retirement to the fullest.
Native Atlantan
October 11th, 2009
10:30 am
Furman, please excuse me for using your first name but as I’m sure you’ve been told before I feel as if we are on a first name basis with your words being in my living room for my entire life. I was born in Piedmont Hospital in 1956 and my mother had me reading before I attended first grade. The ultimate villain of my early youth wasn’t a fictional one from the Hardy Boys or Zane Grey, he was one Darwin Holt, a subject of many of your columns and justifiably so. In a way you challenged me to read at a higher level just so I could understand the height of his dastardly deed against Chick Granning. I must have asked my father for help with dozens of the more complex words in your columns because I was so fascinated that the bad guy didn’t always lose as he did in fiction. Regardless of his success later in life I never could get past Bear Bryant’s win-at-all-cost attitude, which is fine for the pros but is so much more pervasive in the college game today because of his “success”. There are not enough Bobby Dodds or Joe Paternos preparing boys to win at life and not just win on the field.
At one time I took both papers to read Outlar and Grizzard in the Constitution and Bisher and Hudspeth in the Journal. I’ve attended many a Derby and Masters in absentia with you as my guide. I will go ahead and start my Thanksgiving list now. I’m thankful to have had your prose to read my entire life to this point. Selah.
Dan
October 11th, 2009
10:41 am
Thank you, Mr. Bisher. Well done.
SecondGenJacket
October 11th, 2009
10:49 am
A true class act.
MightyQuinn
October 11th, 2009
11:09 am
On a cold saturday morning in northeast Iowa a few years back, my wife and I saw the sign for the Field of Dreams movie site. We pulled off to visit, and on the gift shop wall was a copy of the interview with Shoeless Joe Jackson conducted by our own Furman Bisher. Your reach far exceded the Atlanta environs, Mr. Bisher. Godspeed and happy retirement.
Mark
October 11th, 2009
11:22 am
Jesse and Furman…those were the days…Have a nice retirement Furman.
SCTechfan
October 11th, 2009
11:27 am
Please tell me it’s not so. I’ve been a fan of yours since I could read the Sports Column in the AJC. I had the pleasure of meeting you one day as you played in a celebrity golf tourment at the Harbor Club at Lake Oconee. We chatted for a few minutes but not long enough. You were an influence on so many sports writers, especially Lewis Grizzard and Jesse Outlar. I can still remember you and the old coach and Outlar on your weekly TV program on Sundays recapping the previous day’s college football rivalries. Your columns are what made me enjoy the poetry of your writings and your openions on life as well as sports. I felt the experience of the first day at college in one of your columns two years ago, I could feel the exhilaration you protrayed. Very few writers today have that ability and it’s a shame. You have it, Grantland Rice, Lewis Grizzard, Jesse Outlar had it. Furman, you’re in a class of your own.
Selah
tixholdersince66
October 11th, 2009
11:36 am
Mr. Bisher, The saying goes “A picture is worth a thousand words”. I so enjoyed in your columns your “Words that are worth a thousand pictures”. I don’t know how you painted those stories, but I am glad you did. An era ends, Selah and best personal regards in retirement.
Sarah
October 11th, 2009
11:47 am
You always managed to convey that the story was more than just the final score which is why I would always read your columns even in Virginia! You will be missed more than you know. Now is the time to enjoy your beautiful family, but we all know we have not heard the last word from you….thankfully!
MidGaBuzz
October 11th, 2009
11:53 am
Mr. Bisher, I want to thank you for all your insight and intelligence to the sporting community. You shall be missed!! Take care and God Bless you.
1276jacket
October 11th, 2009
11:57 am
Say it ain’t so. This can’t be your last one.
Ocala Jack
October 11th, 2009
11:59 am
Thanks for the memories, Mr. Bisher.
62jacket
October 11th, 2009
11:59 am
Dear Mr. Bisher, I was first introduced to your wonderful writing in 1975, when my family moved to Atlanta. I had grown up in Dallas, reading Blackie Sherrod, whom I have heard you speak of many times. I was 12 years old at the time, and over the years, your words have taken me to places and events I could never have experienced first-hand. Also, up until that night in the fall of 1995, it seemed that most of the time your articles were mostly helping to ease the excruciating pain of being an Atlanta sports fan. I have to admit that once your articles came online, I cancelled my subscription to the AJC. For years you had been the only reason I took the paper, anyway.
I’ve been dreading this for a long time, but I wish you the best of luck in anything you do, and I don’t know what else to add except, “I’m thankful for Furman Bisher”.
zgoldatl
October 11th, 2009
12:05 pm
I am 23, and have lived and breathed Atlanta, Georgia my entire life. Im from inside the perimeter and proud of it. There is nothing in the world that makes me happy like Atlanta sports. I would like to thank you Mr. Bisher for so many memories. I grew up reading your columns and I still do to this sad day. I have goose bumps as I write this, but I want to simply say Thanks, and God Bless You Sir.
Jimmy H.
October 11th, 2009
12:06 pm
I grew up in Georgia reading your columns and after moving to Texas had to either get the AJC at one of the local libraries or online via the Internet. Even then I made it a point to read your columns because I knew I would find interesting points or information in them. When I clicked on the link for your column and realized that it was your last one I thought to myself that another of the good ones was leaving the Atlanta sports world. In my mind your leaving the AJC is along the same lines as some of the other what I call Atlanta sports institutions leaving (Pete Van Wieren retiring from the Braves, Skip Caray passing away, Larry Munson retiring). Enjoy your retirement and keep giving us your unique take on Atlanta sports when you can.
jim hardeman
October 11th, 2009
12:07 pm
Enter your comments here
jim hardeman
October 11th, 2009
12:10 pm
Furman,
First names are appropriate when writing to an old friend.
Many of my most wonderful memories of my dad started with his words “Did you read Furman today?”
Thanks for being that conduit that allows us to talk during those years that I knew everything.
Bill Miller
October 11th, 2009
12:14 pm
Furman – You have been a class act these many years (and I go back to 1967 in enjoying your columns), with some very perceptive columns. We will miss you greatly. Enjoy the memories.
Tim Blinkhorn
October 11th, 2009
12:34 pm
Mr. Bisher, it has been my pleasure to enjoy your insight for most of my life. I, like you, recall the collapse of Rick Bias in the secondary and it is a fitting metaphor for your last column. It is a collapse for the paper and it’s readers. Jesse Outlar, Lewis Grizzard and you MADE the sports section for the Journal-Constitution. I have read your columns from far and wide thanks to day old american papers in Italy and now in real time on the internet. I think it’s time I probably move on and leave my roots behind also.
Some Sense
October 11th, 2009
12:49 pm
Yet another element of Atlant’s innocence passes before us. Oh, for the days again of Furman Bisher, Jesse Outlar, Bobby Dodd, and Frank DiPrima.
Good God…look at our city now…infested with crime…GT students being robbed at gunpoint.
Thanks, Furman, for standing for what Atlanta once was.
atlanta loses another institution « ATLmalcontent
October 11th, 2009
1:00 pm
[...] by atlmalcontent The great Furman Bisher wrote his final column today, marking the end of a 59-year run at the Atlanta Journal and AJC. A gifted wordsmith and Southern [...]
Curt
October 11th, 2009
1:00 pm
Mr. Bisher, you are a true legend, and there will NEVER be another journalist that can fill your shoes.
moboman
October 11th, 2009
1:01 pm
Mr. Bisher,
I hope those classless jerks in last weeks blog had no hand in hastening this decision. They are a prime example of what is wrong with the electronic newspaper edition, if not more.
In the sixties, as a 9 or 10 year old I took a train trip by myself to visit a cousin in Montgomery. (can you imagine that now!) My mom bought me a Sport Magazine, with an article about Hank Aaron being the most likely to pass the Babe, to read during the ride. Not only do I still have that issue, but from that moment I became a sports reader. Each day after school I ran to the bottom of the drive to get the paper. I would check the Braves box score to see what Hank did, and read what you had to say. I have been hooked ever since. Your rare ability to deliver not just information, but sentiment, is what makes you special. I am certain that at least some of what we loved about Grizzard, was thanks to the example you set. With both of your comlumns now missing from the AJC, reading it will seem much less important, and far less meaningful. Dont stop writing. Best wishes to a giant and a true GENTLEMAN. Selah!
Walter
October 11th, 2009
1:46 pm
One of the best columns anybody ever wrote was Mr. Bisher’s “I Saw Him Take His First Breath in Life and I Saw Him Take His Last.” Essentially a eulogy for his beloved son, Roger. I enjoyed Furman’s articles on sports, but this one, on being a father, touched the soul. Thank you, Mr. Bisher.
74 Dawg
October 11th, 2009
1:52 pm
An era has passed. Many of us, including myself, grew up reading your columns. Now I have grandkids playing football. Ouch. You will be missed. Hope you do write an occasional observation on Thanksgiving or the Masters. Thanks…
Larry
October 11th, 2009
2:02 pm
Mr. Bisher,
Born a stone’s throw from Grant Park on Ormond Street, as a little boy I recall just few blocks down the street the building of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. I also recall so many of your articles and you have truly been a blessing for me. And even though my life and career has since taken me to many countries and continents also, I have taken with me all these years and shared your Thanksgiving gratefulness with so so many, many people around the world.
I thank you, and I will miss you, but I will never forget you, sir. Age gracefully and know that one day when your family and friends are sitting on the first pew that they will so so with incredible pride an honor.
Larry
NorCal
October 11th, 2009
2:27 pm
Vaya con Dios amiga!
NorCal
October 11th, 2009
2:33 pm
I mean amigo!
Tom Ryan
October 11th, 2009
2:55 pm
Well, this is a sad day for me, as it is for many others. I have enjoyed our occasional correspondence over the years and although I don’t believe I read your first column in 1950 since that was a year before I started to elementary school, I know that I began reading your columns not long afterward. I have enjoyed your forthright, tell-it-like-it-is style and shall greatly miss your columns. You are a true legend who has had a long, exemplary writing career and I wish you the best in your retirement. As others have stated, I hope that you will still pop up occasionally. Now if we could just nudge the people in Athens to elect you to the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame.
MWT
October 11th, 2009
2:57 pm
The Atlanta I grew up with is now gone. Godspeed Mr. Bisher.
Gayle Barron
October 11th, 2009
3:08 pm
We will miss your wonderful articles Furman. I can honestly say that you always wrote the kindest words about many athletes and I was one of them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
God bless you,Gayle
David
October 11th, 2009
3:39 pm
Mr. Bisher -
With your retirement goes the last lion of an era in Atlanta Constitution history. While the paper may still have good columnists, no one can spin a yarn on Atlanta and the South like you and your dearly departed collegues Celestine Sibley and Lewis Grizzard. I hope you get to enjoy a much longer retirement than Ms. Sibley, whose was cut short, and glad you’ve lived to see yours, which Lewis did not.
Further, you are truly an inspiration with you longevity as you could have easily retired ten, twenty years ago. As with both of your deceased collegues, you will be sorely missed. Hopefully, you can come around for a visit for each of the big events.
Marc McPherson
October 11th, 2009
3:45 pm
Selah Mr. Furman Bisher. Many words you have written. Many of those I have read. You wrote in a style so grand that we will never again see, without pretension or scathing personal opinion. You wrote without pomp or personal vitriol. You took care of me as I flipped open each day’s newspaper. Your work has slowed over the last years and I was so afraid one day I would open the sports page and you wouldn’t be there at all. Thank you for the gift of your 59 years. Thank you for your last words in print. Thank you for sharing your full life.Through you I found, vicariously, a friend and a window into happenings you clearly helped me to imagine. Selah Dear Journalist.
Bo in North Carolina
October 11th, 2009
4:04 pm
Furman, best of luck and God speed in your retirement. Come back and visit with us on Thanksgiving.
Selah
Turning The Page
October 11th, 2009
4:21 pm
Furman you have many fans and almost a whole page worth’s of bye’s.
Never have I looked so forward to one of your columns, but this is the one I’ve wished for for so long and the Happy Day is upon us!I for one am not one of your fans. I hope the AJC will hire someone that can appeal to a wider sports audience, one that is in touch with the 21st Century, not the 20th. Hopefully one that can also appeal to most of the state’s citizens circa 2009, not 1950.
Best of luck to you. I wish you well in whatever you decide to do.
Richard Hyatt
October 11th, 2009
4:22 pm
You are the hero and unspoken mentor a generation of newspaper writers. I know. I’m one of them.