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Furman Bisher

Transcontinental memories of ’so many fun’ mark the end

2:44 pm October 10, 2009, by Furman Bisher

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

Jim n TN

October 13th, 2009
9:11 am

A wealth of mis-information & untruths is stepping down. The Butts trial in Atlanta where YOU were exposed for the lies you wrote for the Sat. Evening Post. You were completely silent a few years later when Ted Davis? from Ga. Tech.)? kicked an Auburn player in the face when he was on the ground. You didn’t accuse Bobby Dodd of teaching “brutal” football. You also never mentioned Granning was seriously injured in a car wreck the previous summer and had to have his teeth wired to the jaw bone causing the hit from Darwin Holt to be more serious than would have normally been the case. One of the witnesses in the Butts trial said it best. “Taking their money ain’t good enough. Somebody ought to go to jail.” It should have been you. You have a lot of class and every bit of it is low.

fred preddy

October 13th, 2009
9:21 am

God be with you, Furman.

“Thanks” seems trite, but it’s all I can say.

GT class of ‘59.

skip

October 13th, 2009
9:52 am

Rice, Anderson, Pope, Sherrod, Smith, BISHER. You are among the greats, sir. I doubt we’ll see your like again.

Skip Haas

Barry Huff

October 13th, 2009
9:53 am

Although I knew this day would come doesn’t mean I am ready for this.My father taught me the proper way(his way)to read a newspaper,beginning in 1966 when the Braves moved to Atlanta.His love of all sports prompted us to always start with what was important news-the sports page.I was nine years old at the time.Your column was an integral part of my youth and has been for all these years.Remember “I beat Bisher”?Well I finally did to the tune of a coffee mug,bumper sticker and,finally the ultimate prize, an “I Beat Bisher” t-shirt,which I still have and have never worn! Think I might wear it today in honor of a man who could relate with words in a way no other sports columnist,in my opinion, ever has.When I think of you I think of my father and for this I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL.Enjoy your retirement Mr. Bisher.Selah!

TidePrideGA

October 13th, 2009
10:11 am

While I respect the longevity of your career, your career will forever be stained by what you did to Wally Butts and Coach Bryant. Your scurrilous lies made the Saturday Evening post fold. You cared little for the damage you did. And for that you will always be remembered by a segment of the South as a libeler and a fraud. I hold no grudges, and wish you a pleasant retirement

Jack Briggs

October 13th, 2009
10:24 am

Furman:
Your home town of Denton remains proud of all you have accomplished. Thanks for always remembering where you came from. You have used your talents well. Best wishes, Jack Briggs

John Ginn

October 13th, 2009
10:35 am

Furman, thank you so much for all the great years of outstanding sportswriting. I have been reading Furman Bisher columns since I was a young boy living in California. Your outstanding contributions to The Sporting News and other periodicals were educational, informative and balanced. We moved to the Atlanta area 11 years ago, so I have been blessed to read you on a regular basis. Your column is the first thing I read in each Sunday’s paper, and I will miss this immensely.

Stay strong and courageous, and God Bless.

Scott

October 13th, 2009
10:41 am

Furman, best of luck in all that the future has in store for you. You have been a fixture in the Atlanta sports scene for so long, it just won’t seem the same without you. God bless you!

Chip Barabas

October 13th, 2009
10:46 am

Thank you Mr. Bisher for showing me that a career doing what you were created for is more than an occupation, it is a life well spent. May you continue to enjoy each day to the fullest.

Bloggers Canned MISTER Bisher...

October 13th, 2009
11:01 am

WOW…I hope you stuck-on-yourselves IDIOTS who blasted MISTER Bisher last week WITHOUT MERCY are pleased now!! He’s NINETY-ONE YEARS OLD…Still can’t give him a pass, huh? What a bunch of A-Town A-Holes…

Sure, he might remember things a little different than you…But if you READ THROUGH THE VENEMOUS POSTS of last week (and I’m sure he did), just understand that MISTER Bisher still has enough class to basically say, “You know, I don’t need this SH!T anymore…I got me some fishing to do…” So in the end, it’s OUR LOSS.

Seriously, if you read some of those posts (this means YOURS) and don’t feel the impact of a MORAL DEFEAT in the pit of your stomachs, then you aren’t HUMAN…I read these shortly after his Braves story was posted on Sat Oct 3rd, until I just couldn’t read them anymore. It’s one thing to DIPLOMATICALLY make a point in a blog post, but quite another to PERSONALLY ATTACK someone who has given his professional life to the coverage of Atlanta Sports FOR SPORTS FANS. In fact, I’m going to call out a few of you right now for your asinine and malicious comments:

http://blogs.ajc.com/furman-bisher-blog/2009/10/03/two-bad-trades-cost-braves-this-season/

njbraves: “Oh look, it’s another pointless article from Bisher.”

Sid Bream’s Legs: “Who woke Bisher from his 4-month nap?…Now back to your jello and shuffleboard.”

Jack G.: “Bisher is just like Bobby Cox. He dosent know when to quit (Retire)”

Ancient Mariner: “Furman, Furman. Why don’t you just retire? You are embarrassing yourself with this drivel.”

jim: “furman bisher is probably rolling over in his grave right now as he reads this crap.”

Honus Wagner Lives: “Has anyone seen Furman’s nurse? His diaper needs changing.”

Bisher Drinking Game: “Once again Furman lets us all know he’s been around long enough to get to waste AJC resources with impunity.”

jay: “how does this fossil still have a job?”

There are more, but the next one just has less class than the previous one. I’ve been reading MISTER Bisher since I was a Freshman at GT in the early 80’s (even before Mark Bradley first appeared in the Sports section with his ‘fro photo) and the man has ALWAYS been a Class Act! I haven’t always agreed with everything he’s written, but he’s never beat me down or made me feel less than human when I didn’t…That’s called CLASS in journalism and it’s now in even shorter supply with MISTER Bisher leaving. Some of you morons hiding behind your PCs wouldn’t know CLASS if it came up and smacked you in the face, LIKE IT SHOULD!

A great many of you owe MISTER Bisher a public apology on these same boards that you used to run him off. See if you can muster one up, huh? What a loss for Atlanta Sports Fans…

ENJOY your retirement MISTER Bisher because you have truly earned it. You don’t deserve constant abuse from anonymous morons. By the way, I still have my blue & yellow “I Beat Bisher” t-shirt too (that I proudly wore around the Tech campus).

MANY OF US DO APPRECIATE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS through the years and YOU WILL BE MISSED in the Sports section. Live Long and Prosper MISTER Bisher!

Bob Gibson

October 13th, 2009
11:56 am

Furman,
I go back as far as your Sunday afternoon TV shows with Mehre, Outlar, Minter and occasionally Dodd and others. That, along with your wonderful columns, allowed many of us to know you and call you a friend though from a distance. Many thanks for all your good work over many years and Godspeed for your future. We eagerly await further words from you.

Steve

October 13th, 2009
12:11 pm

As you take that final swing I just want to whisper, “you da man.” Thanks, Furman. I arrived in Atlanta in 1967 and left in 2009. We both had a great run. I appreciate the great stories you have shared and have laughed and cried with you on occasion. By the way, your thanksgiving pieces are precious and timeless. Selah, my friend.

Lee Sheridan

October 13th, 2009
12:26 pm

Furman, I’ll remember your kindness to a young sportscaster as he made his way along the broadcast trail. Judging by all the responses to your retirement I am not alone. Your readers could always count on a lively discourse about a variety of sports subjects. Agree, or disagree, isn’t that the purpose? Enjoy that ten acres my friend.

Kay

October 13th, 2009
1:34 pm

After reading all these comments, it amazes me that so many Men have such tender, respectful hearts.
What a tribute to another Man!
As a female, Mr. Bisher, I too have always enjoyed your articles, especially the ones about Ga Tech!

Uga'91

October 13th, 2009
1:57 pm

Hey “Bloggers canned Bisher” I have been a constant critic of this man and this day should have come much sooner. You imply that he is being libeled by bloggers that ask for his retirement but you seem to ignore all the post relating to the Butts Bryant incident…why is that? One requirement of being a journalist is accuracy in reporting and frankly he failed miserably. I took a course at UGA and found out about the story and ever since I’ve wondered how this man was gainfully employed as a “journalist”. Some simple research on your part would discover that his actions bankrupted the Saturday Evening Post, ruined Wally Butts, and according to Bear Bryant shortened his wife’s life. A liar is not a southern gentleman, a liar is a scoundrel. To this day no apology, no explanation, but more importantly no defense from this man you hold in such high regard. Reading this blog I’ve found more scandalous actions from him, including his son attending Tech on a football scholarship compliments of Bobby Dodd, even though he didn’t play football; attacking a camera man in the press box of a Braves game (I understand the guy was much smaller than him, and was expecting to get punched); and just flat out lying about his involvement in bringing the Braves to Atlanta. Again, research these incidents and if you still think he’s honorable, fine, but I think your opinion might change. Good riddance bad rubbish.

pkw253

October 13th, 2009
3:10 pm

Didn’t get to as many continents or events as you, but am grateful for the “much fun” that came to me in my time writing sports … and I am grateful for the chance to read your tales, and to make your acquaintance many years ago. Enjoy life on YOUR schedule. Vaya con Dios.

Tim in Florida

October 13th, 2009
3:19 pm

Mr. Bisher — I have been on your periphery for more than 40 years. We’ve met a few times, but you have shaken too many millions of hands to remember. My dad, a Yankee transplant to Augusta, immediately fell in love with the South and your column. He was an aficionado of language, and he turned me on to you before I was 10. The first time I saw you in person I was probably 12 years old and running scorecards into the old Quonset hut (aka media center) at The Masters. It was as if I had seen The King or The Bear! Once I had spending money I would buy the Atlanta paper just to read whatever it was you wrote — the topic needn’t matter. Even when I reached the point of tossing out the rest of the paper because I could not tolerate its liberal slant, I still bought it to read you. You, sir, are synonymous with Southern sports writing, and following the Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Flames/Thrashers; the Dawgs, the Jackets and Erk’s Eagles; and every professional golf tournament ever played in the state, just wouldn’t have been the same for this erstwhile Georgia boy. Unfortunately, your medium is failing, but I am glad that you are getting out before it dies. I’ll miss you both!

Wally Butts

October 13th, 2009
4:01 pm

Still waiting for an apology on your smear campaign

Wally Butts

October 13th, 2009
4:02 pm

Furman = smear merchant

Mike C

October 13th, 2009
4:48 pm

I’ve read your columns for as long as I can remember which is over 40 years. I have always thought your writing was “Southern”. The articles always came across caring, respectful but pointed when needed. Sports writers could learn from your articles if they would take the time to read back over the years. The first full week of April is coming soon!

btgt69

October 13th, 2009
5:06 pm

“simply, the greatest”. Gosh, I will miss your Thanksgiving articles. How about doing just one per year ? I will pay you.

btgt69

October 13th, 2009
5:16 pm

For you dog fans,,, uga has a long standing tradition of athletic department corruption and scandals,, why don’t you mention Jan Kemp and Jim Harrick, your beloved Dooley kept the department on probation in football, basketball or baseball an average of every 3-4 years during his time as AD or coach. Don’t blame Adams,, if VD had any courage, he would have forced the issues with the prez,,, look at Frank broyles in AR,, he stood up for the right thing and won the battle.

BillB

October 13th, 2009
5:23 pm

A class act that will not soon be followed. We’ve lost many ‘giants’ of the print world as they go gracefully into that night.
Furman … enjoy the next act

jonnycash

October 13th, 2009
6:06 pm

I remember the “I Beat Bisher shirts and I, Mr. Bisher, beat you twice. I wore those shirts until they fell apart. I remember well your column about Bear Bryant and you suggesting to him it might be time to hang it up. I read Lewis Grizzard telling us how he had to deal with you when he first started and you caught him when he wrote a story and had never gone to the event. I will miss you and shed a tear when I realize I haven’t read anything of yours in awhile. Memories will always be there. Thank You!!

Chuck Adams

October 13th, 2009
6:09 pm

Mr. Bisher,

Thanks for all of your years of fantastic columns!

I moved to Atlanta in 1964 and lived on Pinestream right around the corner from your house. I went to school with several of your sons, and was the same age as Roger. We were friends, and I’ve been over to your house many times, spending a lot of time in Roger’s basement workshop.

I’ve read your column about Roger “I saw him take his first breath in life and I saw him take his last” many times since it was published. It is your best column. It was directly from the heart and was and is simply wonderful. I will always treasure knowing Roger, and that you and I exchanged emails about him a couple of years ago.

Best wishes always,

Chuck Adams
Fort Worth, Texas

Sam Frazier

October 13th, 2009
6:42 pm

Mr. Bisher, not only are you the best sports writer ever but equally a good person. I was first introduced to you through I Beat Bisher. I beat you several times and still have one of the old shirts with your red face on it. At Tech football games on Saturday, I believe kick off was at 2:00 back then, you would stop at our stand under the old north stands for a hot dog and a drink. I can still see you dressed like you were going to church with your wool blazer on. I never missed reading your columns no matter what the topic. I especially looked forward to your Thanksgiving column. Thanks for all the memories and have a well deserved retirement. You will be missed.

MountainDawg

October 13th, 2009
7:32 pm

Thanks for all the years Mr.Bisher…God bless!

bravesfan54

October 13th, 2009
8:04 pm

Furman – That I didn’t know you is of no matter, I always liked what you had to say, and what little I disagreed with, I respected. You will be missed, friend.

BAMADAWG

October 13th, 2009
8:07 pm

TURNING THE PAGE: You just don’t get it. Mr. Bisher, Please visit on Thanksgiving.ENJOY!!

Salute to Furman Bisher « CV

October 13th, 2009
8:46 pm

[...] but that’s before I realized long-time Atlanta Journal Constitution columnist Furman Bisher penned his last piece over the [...]

Elmo

October 13th, 2009
8:54 pm

Wally Butts and Bear Bryant.

Steve

October 13th, 2009
9:21 pm

The giants of my childhood and middle age are all reminding me that all is mortal: Furman Bisher, Larry Munson, Skip Caray. its all too much to take. Selah Mr Bisher

getabuzzon

October 13th, 2009
9:25 pm

Mr. Bisher:

Thank you for so many things. You helped teach me values now considered quaint by a now largely soulless society.

Some 45 years ago you even helped me learn to read, and more importantly to use a dictionary.

In an age of sports ruined by ESPN, which promotes athletes’ selfish oafish egoism in their eternal quest for air-time, you did what we all should do; ignore the jerks and promote the heros.

Your prose and insight will be greatly missed.

Missed much more by us will be the heart and values you kindly reminded us as being the base course of courage and decency in sports and in life. Selah.

Terence Smith

October 13th, 2009
9:31 pm

Furman:
A lovely, graceful exit, with a gracious nod to my old man, Red Smith, who always regarded you as one of his best pals. I hope you’ll contribute a column now and then.
All the best,
Terry Smith

A P Mathes

October 13th, 2009
9:53 pm

Congratulations, Grandpa! I cant believe it’s your last post. Maybe your last post, but never your last word!
Much love.

Bill

October 13th, 2009
10:09 pm

Thanks for the great years of hard work. Agree or not you always tried to be fair……You will be missed. May the good Lord be with you always.

Not being ugly but take Bobby Cox with you.

RWS DHHS '64

October 13th, 2009
10:53 pm

A heart felt, southern, “Thank you,Sir”.

ArrowJ

October 13th, 2009
10:54 pm

See you late. Much Later.

BIG MR. BISHER FAN

October 13th, 2009
10:55 pm

I live in Maui now—but could not let this day pass without comment. Mr. Bisher has inspired and truly entertained me through the years. I am 54 and I since I never new my Dad—-I really enjoyed Mr. Bisher fatherly columns. I bet he was always a great Dad and I hope he still entertains us maybe once a month???
Or just enjoys relaxing—-nah —we need you. Seriously, thanks for all the wisdom and great memories

Rudy

October 13th, 2009
11:02 pm

As a sportswriter in a smaller market, I always enjoyed getting to read Mr. Bisher’s columns. His humor and ability to turn a phrase were unmatched. It was no small thrill, then, when we were in close proximity at some press box — I was probably listening to some writing legends hold court — that he turned to me and asked “And you are …?” I later got a chance to have a friend get a book of Mr. Bisher’s columns autographed. The inscription was, in essence “To someone who has great taste in reading
Enjoy the retirement, Mr. Bisher.

daniel

October 13th, 2009
11:26 pm

Mr. Bisher, sometimes I would read your articles and think they were apart of some bigger work or book, that must be the sign of a LEGEND WRITER, to not want the particular article to end or if you pick up an old newspaper and realize that you have read the same article but enjoyed it a second time…thats “you” sir thank you for all the wonderful truth and for speaking from the heart, always staying a gentleman but not afraid to be real God Bless You, mention your thoughts of Jesus at Christmas i would love to hear it…thanks again D. Earl

dogcrap

October 14th, 2009
6:45 am

Thank you sir for a lifetime of wonderful columns. You will be missed greatly. Best wishes to you Mr. Bisher for each new day of many days to come. You can’t be replaced.

Billy Knuckleball

October 14th, 2009
7:33 am

Writing a tribute to yourself is a disappointing way to go out. I would have preferred a column on something relevant with a goodbye paragraph at the end.

Furman- I tried to contact you on multiple occassions 10-15 years ago when I considered a career in sports journalism. I never heard back from you. I hate to say I lost some respect for you in your place in the trade. That said, good luck in your retirement.

Augustadog

October 14th, 2009
7:37 am

As an Augusta native, I thank you for the many stories of Master’s past. There were years I lived out of state in the 70’s and 80’s that I paid to have the sunday paper sent to me. I cherished Wednesday’s when it arrived so I could read your articles.
Thanks for being a part of Southern Sports…

John Lawrence

Massdawg

October 14th, 2009
8:48 am

Thnaks you Mr. Bisher. I read your columns growing up and through my young adulthood. My job took me from Georgia 15 years ago and your writing has been a connection to home. You are a class act. God bless in your retirement.

Hal

October 14th, 2009
9:15 am

Furman,
In my minds eye I can still see you with Jim Minter. Coach Mehere and Jessie just before Ed Danforth and Coach Dodd talking football. You guys were just a whole lot of fun on a Sunday morning in the early 50’s. Thanks for your work. I for one have enjoyed every word but as to be expected did not agree with you on everything.

Brian D Hypes

October 14th, 2009
9:52 am

One of the last sports journalists.Salute.
Brian D Hypes

CatsFly

October 14th, 2009
10:18 am

The J-School at UNC helped make you and, in return, you made them proud. Your performance, Sir, epitomizes the phrase, “a job well done”. Good luck in retirement. You deserve it.

Bo Williams

October 14th, 2009
10:24 am

Uga’91, you are a disgrace to real UGa fans. You are an obsessed loser, besides being an idiot.

W Spivey

October 14th, 2009
11:44 am

My admiiration of Furman Bisher began backin the 50’s and Furman’s presiding over the old “Football Review

I remeber Furman from the “Football Review” I believe he presided over it with other sport writers of that time, Ed Danforth, Ed Miles and later Jim Minter. They would review the football games of the previous Saturday and after that Bobby Dodd would narrate films of the game. We were, and still are, Ga. Tech fans. So we would rush home from church each Sunday to be sure to catch that show. Furman has always been our favorite Sports writer. Thanksgiving would always began with reading of his “I’m Thankful” column and it is hard to think of a Thanksgiving morning without Furman’s comments.. Reading his column over the years gave insight into his integrity, honesty and values. He could make you laugh and he could make you cry. All we can say to Furman is “God Bless You” and may you have a very satisfying retirment

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