Furman Bisher: We lost a legend, I lost a friend
Furman Bisher: One of few worthy of "legend" being attached to his name. (Jason Getz/AJC)
Every few weeks, the same thoughts would roll through my head:
I just had a conversation with the man who sat on the front porch sipping ice tea with Ty Cobb.
I just exchanged emails with the man who scored the only interview with “Shoeless” Joe Jackson.
The man who watched Cy Young pitch, the man who saw Joe Louis box, the man who covered the very first post-bootlegging NASCAR race — one of the few people who legitimately deserved to have the word “legend” attached to his name — just dialed my cell phone to say, “Hello, young man. I like what you wrote . . .”
I’m sad today, not just because I lost a friend and former colleague in Furman Bisher but because this is like a door to history slamming shut for all of us.
In a few weeks, I’ll be going to Augusta for the Masters and I won’t be able to turn to my right and exchange thoughts with the man who played golf with Bobby Jones.
Bisher wrote his first column for the Atlanta Constitution in 1950. I was born nine years later. When I came to Atlanta in 1989, Bisher was 71. People told me he was going to retire soon. Soon turned out to be 20 years later.
When he finally left this newspaper in 2009, I asked Furman what he was going to do.
“I’m going to get up in the morning and think of something to write,” he said.
Then he laughed at the irony of that statement.
Furman Bisher sits down to write his first column for the Atlanta Constitution in 1950.
We talked about about sports. We talked about life. We talked about the changing media and the state of the newspaper industry. Eventually, I got around to asking him again about Ty Cobb and Joe Jackson, because I could never hear him tell stories enough times.
“People look at me like I’m in a museum or something,” he said. “It’s like I’m one of those stone things, talking to you. A talking statue. They can’t quite understand it. They look at me and say, ‘You really knew him?’ It really didn’t strike me as that unusual at the time. I had known Cobb before. I’d seen him blow his stack at dinner. I had never seen Shoeless Joe before. When we spoke, he said, ‘This will be the first time I tell this story and the last.’ We got $250 apiece for that story from Sport Magazine. That was good money. It was 1949.”
Before news traveled with the speed of a Tweet, Furman Bisher painted pictures for us. He wrote with a voice. When he was revved up about a topic, and that was more often than not, the words jumped off the page. It was as if he was sitting next to you, talking into your ear.
If he liked you, you knew it.
If he didn’t like you, you knew it.
Nobody ever had to ask, “I wonder what Furman thinks?”
Stan Kasten, the former longtime Atlanta sports executive, certainly experienced both sides of Bisher. It’s not well-known, but Kasten loves having different business cards made up to describe his ventures. (True story: When he stepped down as president of the Braves, Hawks and Thrashers, Kasten said, “Hey Jeff, here’s my new card,” and he handed me a blank card.)
Bisher inspired one of Kasten’s cards.
“He wrote that I was ‘a not altogether unworthy servant,’” Kasten said with a chuckle. “I thought that was kind of his way of complimenting somebody. I took that with great pride. You can bet I had cards made up that said, ‘Not Altogether Unworthy Servant.’”
Furman sent me an email in November, a couple of days after the LSU-Alabama game, which I had covered.
“Jeff: Les Miles played his hand like a smart gambler. Waited till Saban dealt him the right hand and nailed him. Probably one of the most popular victories in college football since Rutgers beat Princeton. Er, uh, or did Princeton beat Rutgers? You do good work—FB”
We spoke a few times after that. We exchanged a few emails during the last round of baseball Hall of Fame voting. I told him I was checking the box by Dale Murphy’s name again.
“Bravo and good for you. We need all the recruits we can get. I’ve been voting for him for years, but to no avail. Not much chance ever I’m afraid, but I ain’t quitting.–FB”
I told him I was looking forward to seeing him at the Masters. I had heard he was having some back issues and asked him if would be well enough to attend the tournament . I just looked back this morning and realized he never responded to that email.
It was well-known Furman ended columns with the Hebrew word, “Selah.” It’s punctuation that appears at the end of verses in Psalms and has been interpreted different ways: Forever. Pause. Reflect.
I will forever pause and reflect on a man I was fortunate to know and could call a friend. And to Furman, if you’re reading this: If people viewed you as some talking statue in a museum, it’s a term of endearment.
Selah.
By Jeff Schultz
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258 comments Add your comment
Alabama Jack
March 19th, 2012
1:12 pm
Furman Bisher was truly a legend.As a struggling Georgia Tech student, I did without other things so make sure I always had the price of the Atlanta Journal to read Furman Bisher and Paul Hemphill.
JSS
March 19th, 2012
1:17 pm
There were four voices that made Atlanta respected around the nation: M.E. Jackson, Chico Renfro, Jesse Outlar, and the great Furman Bisher. We were lucky to have them, and blessed to have them advocate and report on our behalf!
Mit
March 19th, 2012
1:27 pm
“Jeff: Les Miles played his hand like a smart gambler. Waited till Saban dealt him the right hand and nailed him. Probably one of the most popular victories in college football since Rutgers beat Princeton. Er, uh, or did Princeton beat Rutgers? You do good work—FB”
I wonder what he said after the BCS title game?
how2fish
March 19th, 2012
1:30 pm
Well Jeff thanks for sharing that…you and Mark have the helm now…..RIP Furman you were a treasure ..
Rothschild
March 19th, 2012
1:41 pm
Excellent trubute.
billy bob
March 19th, 2012
1:42 pm
A true LEGEND! A better person! Furman will be missed by all. An ICON!!!
Patrick
March 19th, 2012
1:49 pm
Thanks, Jeff for a really good piece on a really good writer. And thanks to the Almighty for having given us Mr. Bisher to enjoy all these many years. Legends of his stature are few and far between.
Andrew Rosenberg
March 19th, 2012
1:51 pm
Perfect column Jeff. I had the lucky pleasure of living in Los Angeles for 7 years and to read Jim Murray at the LA Times and moved here in 1996 and it was a treat to read Furman’s columns. Guys like that will be missed.
BBQ MAN
March 19th, 2012
1:57 pm
you write good stuff Jeff, except this…… This was great and spot on
JSS
March 19th, 2012
2:02 pm
‘Funny how things take on a life of their own, Furman Bisher did not write the ‘Saturday Evening Post’ article about Bryant and Butts. He contributed information to the article. Frank Graham, Jr wrote the infamous article.
Montgomery
March 19th, 2012
2:03 pm
Mr. Furman Bisher is now on the higher plateau.
The Gentlemen Writer with meaningful words.
Thanks Mr. Schultz.
Alabama | MrSEC
March 19th, 2012
2:04 pm
[...] 1. Alabama’s “intense” spring practice resumes today after spring break.2. New Auburn offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler is looking for playmakers on the Plains.3. LSU’s backup quarterbacks are getting experience this spring.4. Ex-Maryland quarterback Danny O’Brien and offensive lineman Max Garcia will reportedly visit Ole Miss tomorrow. (Maybe Hugh Freeze can continue Houston Nutt’s string of one-and-done quarterbacks.)5. Texas A&M assistant AD for athletic training says marijuana is “the most prevalent” drug used by college athletes “and that’s not going to change anytime soon.” (Somewhere Matthew McConaughey just said, “Alright, alright, alright.”)6. It looks like Florida has now adapted to the loss of Will Yeguette as Billy Donovan’s team rolls into another Sweet Sixteen.7. UF’s bench came up big yesterday.8. As we said this morning, the NCAA Tournament bracket is falling Kentucky’s way.9. Only one coach has made the Sweet Sixteen in each of the last five seasons. Guess who. (Hint: He wears expensive suits, slicks back his hair, lives in Kentucky, and isn’t named Pitino.)10. South Carolina’s Bruce Ellington is now reconsidering his decision to give up football for basketball.11. Jeronne Maymon is probable for Tennessee’s NIT game with MTSU tonight.12. Vol basketballers would rather go to New York for the NIT semifinals than go on spring break.13. This writer says Vanderbilt’s veteran-heavy squad underachieved.14. Missouri’s Frank Haith will enter the SEC with this year’s Henry Iba Coach of the Year Award in his trophy case.15. The world — and especially Southern sports fans — have lost a legend in Furman Bisher. [...]
Hindu Elvis Pimp
March 19th, 2012
2:10 pm
Yawn
c-man
March 19th, 2012
2:27 pm
Hey Jeff,
Outstanding piece, man. I did have one question, however. When did Mr. Bisher see Cy Young pitch? Young retired as a professional in 1910. Bisher wasn’t born til 1918. Had he seen him in some sort of old-timer’s game? Not trying to be argumentative, just wondering …
onfire1113
March 19th, 2012
2:36 pm
Best friend Ga. Tech ever had at the AJC. We will miss you.
Rodney Walker
March 19th, 2012
2:40 pm
I’m thankful for getting to read Furman Bisher writings.Good job Jeff.
Michael
March 19th, 2012
2:41 pm
This is truly a sad time, the passing of an icon. I really missed his Thanksgiving column this year, and now it is with heavy heart I know we will never see another.
Tom King
March 19th, 2012
2:46 pm
Once long ago in the early 1970s I was the sports editor of the late Macon News. I won sportswriter of the year in either 1971 or 1972 — maybe the first year my sports writing hero Furman Bisher didn’t win it in Georgia. I knew Furman of course. The first phone call I received congratulating me was from Furman Bisher. I have no doubt that he is resting in peace! Thanks for a wonderful tribute, Jeff!
Greg Mendel
March 19th, 2012
2:55 pm
Excellent tribute, Jeff, and a reminder of Mr. Bisher’s writing style. He had that rare ability to report the news and tell a good story at the same time — all without letting the “writing” get in the way. He assembled the facts into a story, and “made it live!” (as the expression goes).
I have to wonder, though, how difficult it became over his career, as the marketing of sports and athletes began to be measured in cubic dollars. He always seemed to relish the purity and tradition of sport in its deepest, amateur form. Bisher was at his best, in my view, when writing about high school football or a minor league game.
Andy
March 19th, 2012
2:59 pm
I’m thankful for Furman Bisher
Steveo
March 19th, 2012
3:01 pm
RIP Furman….you, along with Charlie Roberts, were the best sports writers the AJC has ever had. I grew up enjoying your prose and humor. God bless your family…you will truely be missed!!!!
Steve Osborne
Douglasville
StingerSplash
March 19th, 2012
3:07 pm
Unbeaten. Untied. Unscored upon.
Furman Bisher’s record in his office, per the late Lewis Grizzard.
And how can you not love the screaming headline over his shoulder in the picture above?
Davis McCollum
March 19th, 2012
3:15 pm
A true legend for Atlanta is gone…. as improtant for our sports future as was Ivan Allen and Ted Turner.
bulldogbubba
March 19th, 2012
3:31 pm
Another Atlanta Icon gone. The people and places of my youth keep fading away. I hope our future appreciate what they have now. God bless you Mr. Bisher and family. Good job Mr. Schultz.
Dawglasville
March 19th, 2012
3:36 pm
This is the best stuff you and Mark have done since the pieces you both wrote on Munson.
Patrick
March 19th, 2012
3:37 pm
Wonderful Tribute.
Doug-H
March 19th, 2012
3:37 pm
This northerner first got introduced to Furman from reading the old Sporting News when it was a real weekly paper and had newspaper columnists from all over the country.. Living in NY back then, it was interesting to read the “Southern” perspective. Years later, I got to meet him when I would work the media center for the Players near Jacksonville.. He would always show up for years and I missed him when he stopped coming because he loved the stories and not just of golf.. Golf beat writers are an interesting bunch but he was treated with awe..
Hillbilly D
March 19th, 2012
3:40 pm
We’ll probably never see the likes of Furman again. If you don’t remember when Furman, Mehre and Outlar were writing, you missed something.
2012 Preseason Fulmer Cup Champs
March 19th, 2012
3:56 pm
We lost a legend, I lost a friend…
and I lost my car keys.
Ellen Clary
March 19th, 2012
4:00 pm
A great tribute to Furman Bisher. I agree with him — you do good work.
Instant Dawgma
March 19th, 2012
4:01 pm
Sad…..makes me feel old now.
Schultzie, don’t know if you were around Atlanta when Jesse Outlar was also a sports editor for the morning Constitution.
I miss Furman,Jesse, Lewis Grizzard, Ron Hudspeth and all those I read. These bozo transplants today don’t know what great papers the Atlanta Constitution and Atlanta Journal were. Especially the sports sections. Even though actual newspapers are shrinking today, ya’ll still do a good job. Even if actually praising someone or something goes against the grain of the uncivil, insulting bloggers in today’s world.
Keep on writing and we’ll all keep reading even if we disagree sometimes.
ex-pat Heel
March 19th, 2012
4:25 pm
This is a long read, but for those who want the bio and can stomach the Tar Heel perspective..
http://northcarolina.scout.com/2/1169110.html
Paddy
March 19th, 2012
4:26 pm
The last of the “old guard”. He will be missed and just not the ones that knew him. When you read him you got a piece of FB!
heartofdarkness
March 19th, 2012
4:43 pm
I remember reading Mr. Bisher and Wells Twombly, of the S.F. Chronicle, in the Sporting News in the ’60s, when I was a kid in Baltimore. He could really draw the reader into the story.
By the way, Rutgers won the 1869 game, 6-0. Consistent with tradition, the Scarlet Knights dropped the game to the Tigers the following year.
hammerhead
March 19th, 2012
4:52 pm
Wonderful tribute. I always felt that Mr. Bisher pulled against my Bulldogs (and am certain he did when we were playing Tech), but it was hard not to appreciate the talent he brought to the profession. I would love to see the AJC do some re-prints (posts) of FB’s work in future editions. The man could tell a story.
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
March 19th, 2012
4:56 pm
In the early sixties (when I was 8 or so), I found a huge stash of Atlanta newspapers in my grandfathers barn in N Ga. I spent that summer reading the sports pages from the late fifties forward. My favorites were of course Mr Bishers articles. Great work then, to inspire an 8 yr old to read and enjoy baseball games that were played years before. He was the best. I too Jeff feel like I lost a friend. My prayers to the family and friends. The Masters will never feel the same.
SuperB
March 19th, 2012
4:57 pm
First LARRY MUNSON, and now, FURMAN BISHER. Two legends of sports off to sit on St. Peter’s 50-yard line in three months. What will we do? I’m sad. I’ll think about that tomorrow.
Whopper Dawg
March 19th, 2012
5:17 pm
As a sports fan, and specifically a Dawg and Atlanta pro sports fan growing up in Georgia, I was truly, truly blessed.
Larry, Lewis, Jessie and of course Furman. It just doesn’t get better than that. The folks in other states have no idea how grand it was. Can you imagine the stories going on up there above?
Great column, Jeff.
padre
March 19th, 2012
5:19 pm
well done-article. and fb well done –class act
LawDawg
March 19th, 2012
5:23 pm
Great post about a great sportswriter. His words have been missed since he retired.
Condolences to his friends and family.
On Par: Bisher, the Loss of a Legend | Stop News Daily
March 19th, 2012
5:32 pm
[...] Jeff Schultz wrote so poignantly in a Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he was Bisher’s co-worker for some-more than 20 years, he was a walking sports museum, [...]
Mike R
March 19th, 2012
5:39 pm
I really enjoyed his columns, especially the random thought columns. I have the Gwinnett paper bookmarked so I can read his most recent work. I once invited him to my son’s Cub Scout Blue and Gold Dinner, he could not make it. But I did not get a answer in the mail, he called and we spoke for awhile. We was a true gentleman and will be missed.
phil
March 19th, 2012
5:40 pm
There will be no passing of the baton. It’s being buried with this great man. I never read his stuff until 1985, but it was worth the wait.
Just last week, I thought of him and read some online stuff he wrote after a long time reading nothing. I wasn’t even sure, until then, that he was still living. Sadly, it wasn’t long after that he passed.
Ty Cobb? Joe Jackson? Bobby Jones? Legend only begins to describe him.
I’m sorry for the loss to those of you who knew him well…
Silverstreak
March 19th, 2012
5:42 pm
Superb Tribute to a Gentleman that will not be soon forgotten. I have been going to Lenox with my daughter the last few weeks and everytime I get on Moore’s Mill Road I think of Furman. My Dad was Whitlow Wyatt that managed the Atlanta Crackers in ‘54 and was the Piching Coach for the Braves from 1958 – 1968. I used to sit at Dad’s feet and listen to him and Furman and sometimes Jesse Outlar talk for hours about the game. It was amazing to just “listen” to them. Yes, He will be missed… but not soon forgotten…
Thanks for a wonderful tribute to a “Fine, Southern Gentleman”.
Bill Madden
March 19th, 2012
5:43 pm
Nice tribute, Jeff. .Furman was a true giant in our profession and also a true gentleman. It was a privilege for me to serve with him on the HoF Veterans Committee three years ago when we elected Joe Gordon. I hope Atlantans know that, without Furman, there probably wouldn’t have been any Braves. His tireless efforts to bring big league baseball to Atlanta, as well as his exclusive with Shoeless Joe (perhaps the greatest piece of baseball journalism ever) alone should have warranted him the Spink Award. I do hope that still happens.
Bob
March 19th, 2012
5:54 pm
Thanks Jeff, for a fitting article on a great man. Furman, Jesse, and Lewis always wrote with dignity, honesty, character, and humor…all the things that were important. Unlike the majority of scribes today, these great men actually cared about sports. Furman, R.I.P. my friend.
Skeezix
March 19th, 2012
5:54 pm
Jeff: Wonderful tribute to a great man and sports journalist.
Deacon Blues
March 19th, 2012
5:57 pm
Good writer, bad analyst! Selah
"Chef" Tim Dix
March 19th, 2012
5:59 pm
For us selfish fans of the written sports word it’s been another rough day, a Monday to top it off.
Thanks to both Jeff and Mark for your memories of Furman.
Bobby Jones, Ty Cobb…Bourbon please, straight up.
230gr Full Metal Jacket
March 19th, 2012
6:17 pm
I feel REALLY old today. I literally grew up reading Furman’s columns and there has NEVER been a classier sports writer at ANY paper! He had a way with words that went well beyond what can be taught in some journalism school — his abilites/gifts were truly natural and God-given. I had the honor of meeting him once, and he was one of the nicest, most down-to-earth men I have ever had the honor of encountering. he will be greatly missed by all of us. And Jeff, that was one of the best tributes I have ever read for anyone — Maybe ‘ol Furman rubbed off on you more than you realize! You and Mark continue the good work, but ya’ll have some shoes there that will be impossible to fill.