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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444 comments Add your comment
Jill Maxwell
October 12th, 2009
4:35 pm
Furman – working with you those years at the Masters was an honor. Not only are you a great writer, you’re a wonderful person and a good friend. I hope you have some wonderful plans for the coming years!
Glen Ulrici
October 12th, 2009
4:40 pm
(Frank DiPrima? oh, yes- 2nd base Atlanta Crackers.)
I remember picking up my first monthly issue of Sport Magazine & turning to an article written by Furnam Bisher. “Look ma?! Furman Bisher writes for a national magazine- he’s from right here in Atlanta!” I couldn’t get over it, in fact, I still haven’t. The article was entitled: Franklin Brooks- Across the Street to Glory. I’m glad I’m around for his retirement.
jcamp12
October 12th, 2009
4:40 pm
Mr. Bisher,
I was born in 1976 in Marietta and lived here my entire life of 33 years. I am a die hard Falcons fan.. I love the game of golf, started playing at 6 years old. So, with that said, I always thought we had a lot in common. I have been reading your articles as far back as I can remember. I will greatly miss your professionalism, honor, and respect of your columns. I wish you the best! Ride off into the sunset my friend!!
Jeff Hill
October 12th, 2009
4:41 pm
Mr. Bisher it was my pleasue to work at the AJC in the late 80’s and you were a real pleasure, always a smile and a hello at the cafeteria. Your readers may not understand your everyday demeanor, which I am sure may not have been pleasent for your bosses, but for the every day AJC empoyee, the non management type, you were always a very nice and pleasent man. This was a contrast to some of your famous co workers that were about as pleasent as a root canal!
I have been a huge fan since 1965 when as an 8 year old I read your column on the Kentucky Derby. I was awe struck when I ran into you in the AJC employee cafeteria in 1988; you smile at me and said, “well this lunch looks just right!”
You are loved, admired and rightfully so!
Your fan and former co worker – Jeff
E. B. Leatherman, III
October 12th, 2009
4:45 pm
Mr. Bisher, God Bless. EBL III
Garry Wilmot
October 12th, 2009
4:47 pm
Mr. Bisher:
Thanksgiving morning will never be the same. My best to you, Linda, and the boys. I often think of B.G.
Old Dawg
October 12th, 2009
4:49 pm
Furman: You’ve always represented class in an age of crass. This may not be the end of the world, but it certainly represents the end of the AJC covering Dixie Like The Dew. Thanks for all the great columns and diligent work. Unless folks work in the newspaper world they really can’t appreciate the time, effort and challenges. I was a print journalist for most of my career. As difficult as it all was, I recall those days as the best of my life.
All the best to you and yours. Thanks for the memories.
RomeDawg
October 12th, 2009
4:52 pm
I hope you get as much from retired life as you have added to each of your reader’s lives. You are an journalistic ICON!
Robert
October 12th, 2009
5:00 pm
Mr. Bisher,
I will long miss your columns. Poignant,to the point, with a not-so-small dash of humor. My late father (who worked for the old Southern Railway at the time) wrote you once to say that he had arragned your train ticket to move here from NC. You jokingly wrote in your next column that anyone that had a beef with you, to blame it on my Dad since he is the one that ‘got you here’. Priceless. Thanks again for making sports in Atlanta ‘fun’.
doc
October 12th, 2009
5:02 pm
A GOOD FRIEND JUST LEFT MY LIVING ROOM FOR THE LAST TIME. HE WILL BE MISSED.
doc
October 12th, 2009
5:02 pm
OH YEAH …. SELAH!
Dawg Whisperer
October 12th, 2009
5:21 pm
God bless. A well earned selah!
Ron
October 12th, 2009
5:53 pm
This Atlanta native will miss the columns from one of our city’s icons.
Enjoy your retirement, sir.
Frank
October 12th, 2009
5:54 pm
Mr. Bisher…
I’m certainly no “Jack” or “Arnie” but my memory of your efforts complete a special place in my world too…you see, I was 10 years old, struggling a little with reading and comprehension in school, when my Dad handed me the sports page one Sunday morning in 1961 and said, “I know you may not like to read much, but read this article by Furman Bisher for me, see if makes sense and tell me what ya think.” Dad (now 85), an Atlanta native having grown up in the Kirkwood area, just a few blocks from East Lake had read you often and become a “fan” himself. He also knew of my interest in sports and I’m sure thought “what if I can get this kid…?” From that day ’til this I have “religiously” read you columns and marvelled at your gift. Your wit, humor, candor and ” way with the written word” has encouraged, enlightened and entertained for now over 48 years!! Thanks so much. I followed you during your sports college “pick-em” days of Ed Thelinius and others and of course the “Beat Bisher” days from within the pages of the AJ and AJC…what a treasure of memories you have graciously provided. Funny thing too for which I am most grateful, in a strange kinda way, your column created a unique bond between me and my Dad these many years…we have often found ourselves sharing a laugh or “pausing to consider” the your topic of the moment all to our great enjoyment and wonderul memories. By the way…took Dad to the TC @ East Lake a couple of weeks ago…he couldn’t “motor” like he use too (he was too sore from working in his yard the day before), but the time we shared there…awesome…
Dog-gone it…to my way of thinking, the end has come WAY TO SOON …It is as though I have known you personally, but I understand and Lord only knows how much I’ll miss ya. Enjoy your time…doing what you like…I bid you a most gratetful and fond farewell. “Selah.”
Late-Day Journal- October 12, 2009 : Sports Media Journal
October 12th, 2009
6:14 pm
[...] Bisher’s final column from [...]
John Reid
October 12th, 2009
6:21 pm
Dear Mr. Bisher,
I am 51. I grew up in south Georgia with the main source of news was the morning delivery of the Constitution. Back then, you would get no further information until 6:00 news. For all of your work and all of your columns, thanks. You have been a part of my life.
Best regards,
John Reid
Herb Bell
October 12th, 2009
7:06 pm
From one who grew up in Atlanta… loving Bobby Dodd, the Yellow Jackets and the Braves… knowing I was privileged to read the best with Jesse Outlar and Furman, it’s hard to say goodbye to the many wonderful memories that Furman brought our way. Though I left Atlanta in the early 60s and have resided in Nashville, TN for years now, I have always been drawn back to ajc.com online so I could keep up with my boyhood favorite teams… and read Furman’s columns. I wish you the best, Furman. And I do hope we’ll at least get many more Thanksgiving columns… they were master pieces.
DeepSnap
October 12th, 2009
7:13 pm
Mr. Bisher,
Thanks for devoting your life to covering sports, something trivial to some, but the lifeblood and joy for a lot us common folk.
Whether it was sending Allen Hauck & Richard Hyatt out to cover us Jackets, or showing up personally to oversee the appearance of Ann Margaret at a GT football practice, you upheld the finest traditions of the journalistic craft.
Your style held up, whether it was covering the legendary levels of a Coach Dodd or Jack Nicklaus or Secretariat, a high school football coach such as Bill Chappell, or just a walk-on deepsnapper from Dalton who checked in from time to time as a Navy Captain at Northern Watch.
Best wishes, Godspeed, and fair winds and following seas…. We’re gonna miss ya.
Bravesfansince57
October 12th, 2009
7:14 pm
Mr. Bisher,
Farewell to the greatest sports columnist of all time. I first read you in the “Sporting News” as a boy in my hometown of Rockford, Illinois. I couldn’t hardly wait to receive each issue and SEE the picture you painted in newsprint. Thank you for all the memories.
Best wishes always,
Gary Heckman Sr.
Steven G
October 12th, 2009
7:20 pm
Everyone should read Grizzard’s account of how in awe he was of meeting Mr Bisher in his book “If I Ever Get Back To Georgia I’m Gonna Nail My Feet To The Ground”. I’m sure if Lewis were here now he’d say Furman Bisher, he’s A GREAT AMERICAN. I still remember exactly what Mr Bisher’s response to me was when I emailed him, asking what he thought Grizzard’s response would be to the Martha Burke fiasco. His answer was one word..”unprintable”. Thank you for all you did and all you influenced through out your career.
Tampa Gator
October 12th, 2009
7:21 pm
It is sad to see you go after so many wonderful years of dedicated service to the Atlanta community and to those many co-workers you helped along the way. It was also sad to read, on blog posts such as this, young “know-it-alls” ripping into you like they had the right to do so. You against them was like a giant aganist ants. You served Atlanta readers well over the years. Go enjoy the fruits of your wonderful labors. My best wishes to you, your wife, and your entire family.
RAMBLE ON!!!
October 12th, 2009
7:26 pm
Thanks Mr. Bisher.
Hit’em straight!!!
go tech
October 12th, 2009
7:44 pm
I feel like this is the end of a golden era of Atlanta sports reporting. You have provided an inspiring look into our athletic scene. Thank you for all you have done; it was truly special!
Ken Holsombeck
October 12th, 2009
8:23 pm
Thanks for the memories. I have read your columns since the 50’s. You are the best.
JetBuzz
October 12th, 2009
8:26 pm
Thanks Furman Bisher. You and the Royal left most behind in the dust. A Master Craftsman whose insight and artwork will be greatly missed…and never replaced.
banjeaux
October 12th, 2009
8:40 pm
Native Atlantan wrote: “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.”
Indeed, Mr. Bisher wrote many columns about the unfortunate Holt – Channing incident, which had Coach Bryant as his ultimate target. Mr. Bisher took it so far that a court decided his writings were fiction and made the publisher of The Saturday Evening Post pay big bucks. http://blog.al.com/bn/2008/03/story_ruins_magazine_not_bryan.html
You’ve heard there are “two sides to every story.” Some may choose to read Coach Bryant’s side of the “Holt – Channing” incident. Others may choose to stay in the dark.
Mr. Bisher has had 40+ years to cool off and to admit that he might have been wrong. Suppose he’ll go to his grave sticking with his opinion, which in the opinion of many makes him a smaller person.
banjeaux
October 12th, 2009
8:42 pm
Link to Coach Bryant’s take on the Holt – Channing incident:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1078925/3/index.htm
coachgb
October 12th, 2009
8:52 pm
Damn! I just returned from a short vacation only to find yet another reason I hate growing older. All the memories, all the tears shed over your Thanksgiving columns, all the real insights and not just the “insighting” done by today’s columnists…Thanks Mr. Bisher for being such an important part of nearly 50 years of my life. I can now put the AJC and its pityful group of present day “writers” to rest.
Old Georgian
October 12th, 2009
8:57 pm
This Thanksgiving, I’ll be thankful that I had you to read for almost 60 years. Selah.
Tom Stewart
October 12th, 2009
9:13 pm
Furmin Bisher and Jim Murray! The top of ‘Sport’s Writers’ thank you! Thank you Mr. Bisher, you are priceless!!
Joe Colvin
October 12th, 2009
9:18 pm
Furman,
I will miss your insight and writing style. As a former player for Coach Dodd in the late 60’s, I remember your ability to get close to the coaches and write stories that reflected great insight.
I am sure that the current crop of writers would be highly envious of your invitations to sit in the tower with Coach Dodd during practice.
You gave AJC readers great insight into the programs you covered.
You will be greatly missed. I hope that the young crop of reporters were smart enough to use you as a mentor.
dawgma
October 12th, 2009
10:15 pm
THANK YOU MR. FURMAN BISHER. I MOVED TO ATLANTA IN 1970 FROM AUGUSTA THE SON OF A FOOTBALL COACH – BUT NOT A NEWSPAPER READER. THEN I FOUND THE FURMAN BISHER COLUMN ONE SUNDAY. YOU RAISED ME PROPERLY ON THE LOVE, PASSION, INTEGRITY, DISGUST, TRADITION, AND GENERALLY SPEAKING THE LOWS AND HIGHS THAT ONLY SPORTS CAN PROVIDE. THRU IT ALL YOU HAVE BEEN A GENTLEMAN AND A ROLE MODEL FOR EVERYTHING GOOD THAT SPORTS CAN BE. THANK YOU.
YOU ARE THE GREATEST SPORTS COLUMNIST EVER – BAR NONE! ENJOY A LONG RETIREMENT.
Fan
October 12th, 2009
10:16 pm
So long Mr. Bisher. I certainly hope you enjoy ‘free’ time and have some more ‘fun’. We will all miss your insightful columns very much. I have another reason that I will miss seeing your picture in the AJC. You have a strong resemblence to my dad who passed away years ago. I told my mom that when I read the AJC and saw your picture it was like seeing my dad there. I will really miss your words of wisdom and the feeling I got when reading your articles. Take Care. I wish you the best!
dawgma
October 12th, 2009
10:17 pm
LARRY MUNSON RETIRES IN 2008.
FURMAN BISHER RETIRES IN 2009.
THE GEORGIA SPORTS WORLD WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.
resmith
October 12th, 2009
10:24 pm
Your attacks on Coach Bryant during the 1960’s were a disservice to your profession and caused great pain to a great coach. I hope you remember those days in your retirement. Many of my generation will never forget. He did more good than you ever could or have done. I am glad that you are retiring.
Bo
October 12th, 2009
10:29 pm
Have no regret Mr. Bisher. You have left it all on the field. Great job. You can pen and spin a great story. Thanks for all of the years and all of the columns. Selah.
Legend of Len Barker
October 12th, 2009
10:32 pm
I’m late in commenting.
Just over a week ago, on October 2, I had the most fantastic luck to meet Mr. Bisher. He gave a speech at the Grady College of Journalism at UGA. It was a pizza lunch and I nearly lost it when Mr. Bisher sat down next to me.
My mouth stayed closed but my mind was racing in short snippets of barely coherent thought. BISHER! … OH, MY! … BISHER! I’M SITTING NEXT TO FURMAN BISHER!
I had merely hoped to come within 15 feet of the man and here I am seated next to him and his two pieces of pizza.
I worked up the nerve to speak. It’s not easy when you’re sitting next to a legend. A man who interviewed Joe Jackson. A man who took over Grantland Rice’s spot. You know, I’m now two degrees of separation from just about every big name person in sports. And sitting next to the man who shaped the sports atmosphere of the state.
He was also speaking to a person he did an interview with before the lunch. The conversation had turned to Jackson’s era. By some trick I’m not aware of, I manage to not just speak, but insert something that makes sense. Hal Chase.
My hometown jumps into the conversation somehow. I’m not sure where it jumped in, but now I’m really meeting Furman Bisher. My tongue hits the floor as he knows where my hometown is located. No one I’ve met at UGA knows where my hometown is. But Bisher does.
Someone else notices my Grizzard shirt. In front of Bisher. He doesn’t comment, but my mind has high-fived itself. How can one person be so lucky as to not only see a legend but sit down next to him and have a brief chat?
Best wishes on retirement, Mr. Bisher.
You’ve given me much enjoyment. Here’s hoping you find much relaxation, happiness, and few plane rides. I know you weren’t too enamored with those.
TTindall
October 12th, 2009
10:45 pm
Furman , Thanks for all your great stories and for sharing your insightful wisdom on many a sporting subject. I was lucky enough to see you at many a horse race, dine with you on more than five occasions and enjoy many an evening with you and Linda at some wonderful parties. Your words will be sorely missed, you are one of the all time greats. I hope to see you again, under the tree in Augusta.
Phil
October 12th, 2009
11:03 pm
Mr. Bisher,
Thank you for the life that you have given to countless sports fans across the South and across our country. You are in a class by yourself, and you will be missed dearly.
Not Disappointed!!
October 12th, 2009
11:09 pm
Mr. Bisher, you will be missed. Thank you for sharing so much with us. Reading your Thanksgiving column in the pass was so grand in the morning for my wife, myself and a cup of Old Grey! You will be missed.
God Bless!
PR man
October 12th, 2009
11:30 pm
Learned long ago that the only thing better than being a writer is reading a writers’ work. Thank you for staring at that keyboard and sharing your thoughts. I’m thrice blessed, I have a spread in rural Fayette County, went to the Masters this past year and I’m a Bisher man.
Another native Atlanta of 50+ years
October 13th, 2009
12:20 am
Mr. Bisher, After all the columns and opinions you have written, the accolades and tributes to you tell it all. In a world riddled with disrespect, negativity and finger-pointing (with total intolerance), your writings and feelings have commanded a respect that even the most egotistical folks will bow in deference to….I am proud to have “known” you through the many years and value your opinion highly above most. You are one of the last of the “Greatest Generation” and we who follow are inept to fill your shoes. Thank you and God bless…
Elmo
October 13th, 2009
12:21 am
Perhaps now you can admit the lies that you told about Wally Butts and Bear Bryant.
MitchC
October 13th, 2009
3:39 am
Furman, I know that I’ve strongly disagreed with you during my time as a blogger on this forum. However, I have my B.A. in history, and always have a great respect for the timeline that led us from the past to the present. Fifty nine years at the AJC is an eternity, and you must have been doing something right, to have been around that long. Good Luck in your retirement.
Doug B
October 13th, 2009
4:52 am
Mr. Bisher, I was 13 when I moved to north Georgia in 1962 and began reading the Atlanta paper that was daily delivered to our house . Your columns, especially the Thanksgiving column, became part of my daily and yearly ritual. Thank you for the wisdom, insights, and grace you provided all of us. Blessings to you.
Tom from PTC
October 13th, 2009
5:39 am
Furman – I remember waiting with great anticipation for the delivery of the Sunday AJC so that I could jump to the sports section, study the front page pictures with the little arrows and names, and read your account of Saturday’s action.
Your writing is a part of who I am, like a warm familiar blanket on a cold winter evening, a drink of cold ice tea on hot summer day, you have left an indelible mark on my life. I will miss you.
TROTTINGHOME
October 13th, 2009
7:39 am
about time! Now you and Moore can go fishing.
Rascal
October 13th, 2009
7:45 am
Mr. Bisher, I came from a small Ga town and my only real connection to Atlanta sports was through you, your column and the rest of the sports page. Thanks for giving me and the rest of your fans great insight and chance to feel a part of our teams. Good luck and enjoy the retirement
PS – Would you mind dragging Tucker and Bookman with you so the AJC has a chance of staying in business? It would be your last great move for your old paper.
George
October 13th, 2009
8:55 am
“When the one great scorer comes to mark against your name he will write not that you won or lost but how you played the game”. Grantland Rice. Thank you Mr. Bisher for all your wonderful columns and insight over these many years. God Bless.
Cecil Buffington
October 13th, 2009
8:59 am
Mr. Bisher ~ In 1956, I was fortunate to see the Georgia Tech ~ Tennessee game between the No. 1 Jackets and the No. 2 Vols at Grant Field. The Majors, Cruze and Bronson Vols defeated the Volkert, Mitchell, and Jimmy Thompson led Jackets 6 – 0. I have read your description and thoughts on that game many times over the years. I still have that Sunday Journal-Constitution sport section. It was the best football game I have ever seen. I get the feeling it was one of your favorite moments in Tech history even though the Jackets lost. Times have changed, but your wisdom laden, informative and conversational writing style has remained constant. You are the best of the best at what you do. God bless you and best wishes always from your biggest Jefferson, Georgia fan.