The Front 9 comes at you as we swathe on some sunscreen and get ready for the real heat of Gainesville.
1. Well, let’s see what happened this week. Florida has a new president, the $1.45 billion stadium renovation has been approved, construction of the 36-hole golf course is under way and UF has a new pitching coach. Of course, inquiring minds want to know what the renovations will mean for the media boys and girls. Not really. But I do. Scott Stricklin told me the press box is going to move to the other side of the stadium and will be built brand new. I made some suggestions, but was told they could not promise anything. Bigger. Better. Louder. That’s the new slogan. How about Stop Losing Games.
2. The Front 9 can report that Florida baseball coach Kevin O’Sullivan was as devastated as you were about the regionals and is busting his tail to fix the problem. That includes firing his pitching coach and replacing him with highly respected Rich Dorman from Oregon State. Sully has lost nine to the portal and the business of sports has no loyalty since Cade Kurland is transferring to LSU and Cooper Walls to Georgia.
3. FOMO game of the week
It is time for the penultimate major of the year as the U.S. Open comes to Shinnecock on Long Island, like there hasn’t been enough news in that part of the country. Sheesh. It will be a rugged test, and three Gators will be playing: Billy Horschel, Alex Tosti and Jackson Ormand. Ormand will be a freshman next season and was the low amateur in the 36-hole qualifier with scores of 65 and 63. The USA Network and NBC will bring you the carnage.
4. Four questions with Voice of the Baseball Gators and Gainesville’s longest hitter Jeff Cardozo
- What was the first baseball game you ever called for WRUF?
Cardozo: Not sure who we played, but they had to go to the bullpen to bring in the righty because one of the guys got sick and I was able to fill in on the broadcast. That was back in 2003, so I guess people liked it as I’ve been able to do games now for a couple of decades. Have gotten to go to Omaha more than 10 times as a broadcaster and have gotten to meet a ton of people that have helped this sport I enjoy so much grow. - Considering Florida baseball lost 15 games at home and only five on the road, would the Gators have been better off not hosting a regional?
Cardozo: You always want to be in front of the home fans and they were awesome, especially that Miami game, so I wouldn’t go that far of wanting to be on the road. The Gators just ran into a team that played well and have obviously kept it going. There was something about this year’s group though, they were very close and enjoyed being around each other, so I think that’s why they did so well away from Gainesville. - When did you start the “he’s a brown-eyed handsome man” thing for the Gators scoring runs and do you think of me every time you say it?
Cardozo: Growing up and being a part of baseball games since I was 5 years old, I had heard “Centerfield” by John Fogerty so many times it was just instilled in my brain. So one time when a guy was coming home to score and I said, “he’s rounding third and heading for home,” then just threw in, “he’s a brown-eyed handsome man,” like I was singing the song and then it just stuck. Can’t do it every time that happens but I’ll make sure to throw in a couple each game and of course think about your stunning good looks every time I do it Dools! - Are there any nerves about your impending nuptials?
Cardozo: When you’ve got a great gal who you love to be around, there’s no reason to get nervous. We have a ton of fun together and it’s nice to be around someone who can give me a run for my money on the links, since you can’t do that anymore. It’ll be an awesome day in January and the chance to hang out with all the great people we’ve met in the Gainesville community!
5. Five stadiums I’d like to see a game in on my very short bucket list
- Oregon. Just to see that duck on a motorcycle in person.
- Michigan. Curious whether it’s truly quiet for a gigantic stadium.
- Washington. Supposed to be an awesome view.
- Colorado. One word: Ralphie!
- Virginia Tech. “Enter Sandman” live, just one time.
6. This will happen this week
My name is Pat and I have a problem. Every time I start to watch a big golf tournament, I think I see what my issues are and find my way to a golf course, only to find out that I was wrong and miss some excellent golf on the telly. I want to stop, I really do.
7. Hot take of the week
By the time he is done at Florida, Jadan Baugh will either be in the top five or perhaps even in the top three of all-time UF rushers in the history of the school. He is at 1,843 yards right now after two seasons and needs 1,232 yards to catch Fred Taylor for fifth and another 10 to catch Earnest Graham for fourth. If he stays for another year, he’d have a shot at Errict Rhett’s 4,163, but his coming back would be unlikely if he put together consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
8. Tweet of the week
From Kathryn Gator: “I just want to win. But since we’re spending 1.5 billion can we have cooled seats?” Good luck with that, but it makes sense.
9. Remote drop of the week
There can be no doubt that “Twelve Angry Men” always gets me to stop and watch. Even though the movie takes place in a single jury room where the walls feel like they are slowly starting to creep in, you can’t take your eyes off the actors. Even the HBO remake was good.