Thanks for the thoughtful article, Jim. Sly Stone and Brian Wilson influenced my youth. I, like many others who peruse these articles, have reached an age where I attend more funerals than weddings. Losing folks who were influential during our youth is painful but also presents the opportunity to reflect on good times.
The Duke baseball situation is frustrating but I’m somewhat optimistic a quality coach will be brought in to build on the successes of recent years. I say somewhat because my pessimistic side always rears its ugly head at times like this. Completing the Coombs renovations is a must for the program to compete for quality recruits and transfers.
Great piece, Jim. Here are my thoughts and I do have some insight into this. A few years ago when Miami came calling Pollard stayed at Duke primarily because the administration promised him the moon. But they have either not fully delivered on said promises or had not delivered on them fast enough. They’ve done the field area at Coombs and the new field and dugouts look great. But the new clubhouse building and the new concourse have yet to receive a green light. As far as I know they’ve proposed doing some things this offseason but not enough. Too little too late. Duke has let an elite coach slip through their fingers and it looks like half the team may join him in Charlottesville. I should also note that Pollard is from central Va.
I was at the game Monday night and the situation at Coombs was down right embarrassing. It reminded me of pre-renovation Wallace Wade. There were temporary tents everywhere, port-a-johns and a makeshift concourse. It’s hard to imagine the next guy getting the support this program needs if the best baseball coach in Duke history could not.
As I mentioned on another site, after reading your article, I have to believe Duke baseball is at a crossroads. It looks like the $$$$$ is headed to Duke football and a little going to Duke basketball. Years ago, I believe Duke administration decided to make football a step below Duke basketball. Jim, you know more about that than I do but I believe it had more to do with academics that $$$$. I seem to remember Mike Curtis having a strong opinion on the subject. Now it looks like everyone believes college football is the money maker. However, Duke basketball is the headline maker not Duke football. I want to see both be headline makers and it may mean baseball and other sports go on the back burner. Thank you for your trip down memory lane regarding the Beach Boys. They were a part of my youth.
And I want to thank Bob Green for his loyalty to Duke football over the years.
Think you are right on, Tommy. Duke knows that it has to invest in football and they are doing just that. And boy has it paid off. 9, 8 and 9 win seasons over the last 3 years is insane considering the coaching changes. Next year’s roster, at least one paper, appears to be stronger than any of the previous 3. The Yoh is now a state of the art football facility. WW looks fantastic…But our baseball program is staring at a total rebuild as all of our best players are bolting. Pollard was clearly the glue holding this thing together.
Did not know that about Tedeschi and Trucks. Thanks
Thanks for the thoughtful article, Jim. Sly Stone and Brian Wilson influenced my youth. I, like many others who peruse these articles, have reached an age where I attend more funerals than weddings. Losing folks who were influential during our youth is painful but also presents the opportunity to reflect on good times.
The Duke baseball situation is frustrating but I’m somewhat optimistic a quality coach will be brought in to build on the successes of recent years. I say somewhat because my pessimistic side always rears its ugly head at times like this. Completing the Coombs renovations is a must for the program to compete for quality recruits and transfers.
Great piece, Jim. Here are my thoughts and I do have some insight into this. A few years ago when Miami came calling Pollard stayed at Duke primarily because the administration promised him the moon. But they have either not fully delivered on said promises or had not delivered on them fast enough. They’ve done the field area at Coombs and the new field and dugouts look great. But the new clubhouse building and the new concourse have yet to receive a green light. As far as I know they’ve proposed doing some things this offseason but not enough. Too little too late. Duke has let an elite coach slip through their fingers and it looks like half the team may join him in Charlottesville. I should also note that Pollard is from central Va.
I was at the game Monday night and the situation at Coombs was down right embarrassing. It reminded me of pre-renovation Wallace Wade. There were temporary tents everywhere, port-a-johns and a makeshift concourse. It’s hard to imagine the next guy getting the support this program needs if the best baseball coach in Duke history could not.
As I mentioned on another site, after reading your article, I have to believe Duke baseball is at a crossroads. It looks like the $$$$$ is headed to Duke football and a little going to Duke basketball. Years ago, I believe Duke administration decided to make football a step below Duke basketball. Jim, you know more about that than I do but I believe it had more to do with academics that $$$$. I seem to remember Mike Curtis having a strong opinion on the subject. Now it looks like everyone believes college football is the money maker. However, Duke basketball is the headline maker not Duke football. I want to see both be headline makers and it may mean baseball and other sports go on the back burner. Thank you for your trip down memory lane regarding the Beach Boys. They were a part of my youth.
And I want to thank Bob Green for his loyalty to Duke football over the years.
GoDuke!
Think you are right on, Tommy. Duke knows that it has to invest in football and they are doing just that. And boy has it paid off. 9, 8 and 9 win seasons over the last 3 years is insane considering the coaching changes. Next year’s roster, at least one paper, appears to be stronger than any of the previous 3. The Yoh is now a state of the art football facility. WW looks fantastic…But our baseball program is staring at a total rebuild as all of our best players are bolting. Pollard was clearly the glue holding this thing together.
Saw The Beach Boys at live aid in 1985, with Brian. A surprisingly good set. Agree about Mike Love. You can see the whole set on you tube.
Tedeschi and Trucks do Sly’s music well, very well.