Bierman’s Six Pack: Issue #1
I’m a Cincinnati guy, so I have to start by throwing some love to a local sports media icon, Lance McAlister, who writes a similar piece occasionally and inspired me to do something like it.
I thought it’d be fun to share some of my thoughts each week – some sports-related, some not – and hopefully get interactive with you all. I’d love to hear your reactions and ideas in the comments.
Sometimes, I’ll ask for recommendations explicitly, so be ready to chime in!
Here’s what’s on my mind this week:
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1️. Family Ski Trip
My family and I just got back from a ski trip to Keystone, Colorado. I had been there years ago, but my wife and kids had never been, and we had an absolute blast (my 70-year-old father-in-law came too, and he crushed it on the slopes)!
The condo being ski-in, ski-out made things super convenient. But I couldn’t help wondering why there aren’t more injuries or accidents with the lifts. Those things move fast, they’re high up, and while some have safety bars, barely anyone used them – us included. I find it hard to believe there aren’t more drunk idiots falling off of those.
Either way, we’re already thinking about our next trip. I’d love your suggestions for your favorite family-friendly ski destinations. Domestic or international is fine, but keep in mind we’re average skiers at best and traveling with an 11-year-old.
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2. Super Rookie
Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is fast becoming one of my favorite players in the league. Man, he is so exciting to watch, and he looks like a five-year veteran, not a rookie. Honestly, he might be having one of the greatest rookie seasons in recent memory by a quarterback.
He set the league’s rookie quarterback records for completion percentage (69%) and rushing yards (891). But what impresses me most is how poised he is in the pocket. He doesn’t make a lot of poor decisions, which is why he’s only thrown 9 interceptions all season.
Daniels is dynamic and electric, and while I don’t think the Commanders get past the Eagles this weekend, if I’m a Washington fan, I’d be downright giddy about the future with this guy under center for my team.
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3. Steakhouse Love
I love steakhouses. My favorite used to be one in Las Vegas called N9ne – they also had locations in Chicago and Dallas – but sadly, all of them have since closed.
Here in Cincinnati, we’re fortunate to have a few amazing options under the “Jeff Ruby’s” name. Ruby, a local restaurateur, started this incredible steakhouse years ago. We probably go a few times a year, and even though it’s expensive, we always leave feeling like the meal and experience were worth every penny.
When I travel, I’m always looking for great steakhouses. Hit me up with some of your favorites in your city – I’d love to check them out next time I’m in town. And if you’ve been following our Nailed It segment on the podcast, you know that Pat and Bill will be treating me soon to a meal at Ruby’s! I can’t wait and will report back on how it went.
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4. Farewell, Bob Uecker
It always makes me sad when sports icons pass away. When Pete Rose, a beloved son of Cincinnati, passed away in the fall, it shook me profoundly. Yes, I realize I didn’t know him personally, and maybe he wasn’t the easiest guy to hang out with, but he gave me so many wonderful memories. It just makes me sad to know he’s no longer walking this earth.
I recently had a similar feeling when I heard Bob Uecker had passed away. By all accounts, Uecker was a wonderful, kind-hearted man who always had a smile and a self-deprecating joke to share. More than that, he exuded the innocence of baseball and always reminded me of how special of a sport it is – truly America’s pastime.
I’m old enough to remember Uecker in the old Miller Lite commercials and his memorable line, “I must be in the front row” – one of the best commercial lines from my youth! And of course, his performance in Major League as Announcer Harry Doyle is one of the funniest and most quotable performances in any sports movie.
Thank you, Bob, for everything you gave to baseball and its fans.
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5. Revisiting Rocky
Speaking of sports movies, I recently rewatched the original Rocky, and I’ve gotta say, I just love that movie. Yes, it’s slow at times, but knowing it was one of Stallone’s earliest performances, shot on a shoestring budget, and then going on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture is kind of a “Rocky” type story in its own right.
The ending, where Rocky gets up AGAIN and Apollo just hangs his head in disbelief, hits all the emotions. My favorite character, though, has to be Mickey. Burgess Meredith does such a great job playing the cantankerous but loveable trainer, and he adds so much heart to the movie.
I decided to rewatch the entire series – including the dreaded Rocky V – as well as the Creed movies. I’ll report back here soon with my overall rankings.
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6️. Let’s Go Irish!
This is being posted just a few hours before the game, so I’m sure I’ll probably have to eat crow next week, but man, all I want in tonight’s National Championship Game is for Ohio State to lose!
I’m not a huge fan of Notre Dame either, but I’m a born-and-bred Michigan fan who’s lived in Ohio for 31 years and has had to endure most of those years with thick skin. The past four years have been incredible, and when the Wolverines hoisted the trophy last year, it was one of the greatest sports memories of my life.
I knew this season was going to be a tough one for Michigan and I wasn’t expecting a stellar season or to even beat the Buckeyes. And that was ok. But I remember telling my daughter that all I wanted was for Ohio State to not win the national championship because even if they beat us in the game we could at least say we won the most recent natty between the two of us. But here we are.
I hate to admit it, but this Buckeye team is loaded, and they look determined to win tonight. I hope I’m wrong and Marcus Freeman, Riley Leonard, and the luck of the Irish can pull it out. Let’s Go Irish!
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Let’s Hear It!
Thanks, Sandman Nation, for your loyalty and support. I’d love to hear your thoughts and reactions to all the topics in this week’s Six Pack!
