Great Sporting Moments

**Theseus** · 08-04-2012, 02:21 AM

While not a "classic" moment yet, this kids legend is already growing due to his speed. He's on the way to shattering the all time professional steals record.
Billy Hamilton Inside the Park Home Run in 13 Seconds (Cincinnati Reds) - YouTube

**Wullie** · 08-04-2012, 09:19 PM

How about some disorganized sport? I rode bulls and saddle broncs in high school rodeo events and in "open" shows which were rodeos that didn't require an RCA (Rodeo Cowboy Ass'n) card to compete and didn't report points to the RCA, which later became the PRCA (PROFESSIONAL Rodeo Cowboy Ass'n).

I know there are some rough sports out there, but having a 2200lb bull tap dancing on your ass is NOT fun. I got hit by a 2000lb "train" named Stanley in Douglas, GA one Saturday night in 1974. He was one of the best looking brahma bulls I'd ever seen. HE was a classic. The SOB had moves like a cat and was predictably unpredictable. I was sitting pretty until somewhere around the six second mark and things went South real fast. After the ride in the meat wagon to the local hospital and on the long ride back to Jacksonville, FL with 2 black eyes, 9 stitches in my lower lip, a broken nose, and casts on both arms, it finally dawned on me that an old man who said, "Son, there's only things'll get on a bull, them being flies and fools, AND you ain't got no wings!" was right.

There are some ol boys that are great at it. They tend to retire rather young and the remainder of their life is pretty miserable.

**mapleleafalumnus** · 08-04-2012, 09:26 PM

Wullie --
I don't know if I'd call bull riding a "sport" as much as I'd call it "organized suicide."

**Wullie** · 08-04-2012, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

Wullie --
I don't know if I'd call bull riding a "sport" as much as I'd call it "organized suicide."

Pretty much. LOL

Surprisingly the death count is pretty low.

**mapleleafalumnus** · 08-04-2012, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by Wullie

Pretty much. LOL

Surprisingly the death count is pretty low.

How about for the bulls?

**ScoutHikerDad** · 08-05-2012, 12:40 AM

I remember watching my boyhood idol, Hammerin' Hank, rip #715 when I was 9 years old:

**JimmyHAD** · 08-05-2012, 03:51 AM

Seems like when I was a young man the name everyone spoke when talking about rodeo was.......

Larry Mahan - PRCA Hall of Fame Tribute - YouTube

**Wullie** · 08-05-2012, 05:16 AM

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

How about for the bulls?

Those bulls are treated like royalty. Their owners make LOTS of money off the ones that go to the finals and big shows. Used to help a stock producer named Bernie Johnson. His bulls were big old pets until they got into the arena. Same for Another producer named Roland Reed. Jack Ratchin's bulls were rank but they never went anywhere. Ratchin married the widow that owned the Kowbell Rodeo in Mansfield, TX It was the longest continually operating rodeo in the world until Ratchin got old and tired I guess and sold it. The old arena has been torn down and paved over now. They had a rodeo every Saturday night there and then they had jackpot buck outs and jackpot ropings twice a week on week nights. Neal Gay had some bad ass bucking stock too. Knew several other stock producers in passing, but I've slept a few times and forgotten their names.

Pixelfixed,

Mahan was THE MAN when I was doing that. Jim Shoulders is another one. There was a black cowboy named Burdis Dykman that was bullridin SOB. Little Donnie Gay was just breaking out. His dad, Neal, and brother, Pete, were cool people. Donnie was an arrogant little prick but he could ride a bull.

When I got busted up I quit going to the shows. Couldn't stand sitting in the stands or just watching from behind the chutes. Went to my first rodeo since '74 last year at the Ft Worth Fat Stock show. Had box seats right in front of the chutes. Doubt I'll go back.

My nephew was doing pretty good roping and then he got married and had to get a real job. LOL

**ScoutHikerDad** · 08-05-2012, 11:19 AM

Interesting stuff, Wullie-I used to take my boys to rodeos and bull riding, even though I think you guys are insane! I still can't forget Tuff Hedeman getting his face smashed in by Bodacious. And don't forget Lane Frost.

The rodeo clowns are pretty crazy, too.

edit: I'm glad you survived your injuries and were able to live long enough to "grow wise." You seem like the kind of guy who could have a few and tell fascinating stories for hours.

**mapleleafalumnus** · 08-05-2012, 03:52 PM

I went to the Calgary Stampede every summer as a kid...the RCMP Drill Team was hands down the finest collection of horsemen in the world. The things they could do in a saddle were amazing!

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