The Big Jim Miller Tribute Show Part 1

Watch Here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86ftyuCzHaU

Wooooooooooooooooo! That's how I feel right now big brother. My man Big Jim, I know you saw us last night. I know for sure you were smiling down, well, because you are always smiling. I hope you enjoyed who I invited to the party and I promise you were are not done. And man did we had some laughs.

So let me start this off by saying tonight's cast is one that I have had the utmost respect for and I think it's pretty cool that I have a forum to tell you about a few of these fine people. When I left 8th Grade, my parents were terrified to send me to a public school. Especially South High because of the recent tragedy that had happened there in there. They forced me to go to Holy Name and if my Dad were here this is the part of the conversation where he would throw his arms up and say "Oh here we gooooo..." So I'll spare you that lol. If they had a chance to meet Big Jim and my guests tonight, I guarantee they would have had a different outlook atleast. Big Jim was just security in every sense of the word at South High. As were these guys. They trolled the halls, kept order, taught classes, and coached teams. South High, which was considered a freaking War Zone by the rest of the city, was held in order by these guys. They all kind of had the same approach with us. They genuinely cared about us. Outside of school, and even after we graduated. They gave just as much respect as they commanded. As coaches they taught of brotherhood. They taught us that family does not have a thing to do with blood. Because not one day went by where I didn't see them act like brothers, and I still haven't! So for that life lesson, I couldn't be more grateful, and I thank you Big Jim, Coach Hull, Rigo Alfonso and Fred Leon!

Freddie gets the tribute of the night. I'm pretty sure everyone on screen here could have probably broke down into tears when he reached to his table and introduced the last bottle of Maker's Mark that Big Jim had in his apartment when he passed. He did the last shot in the bottle last year on Biggie's Bday. Unreal Fred. Awesome tribute!

So where do I start. Big Jim, Biggie, Coach, Miller....Some of the stories we heard tonight were awesome. Coach Hull came through first and kicked us off. I congratulated him on his parenting as well. His kids are following in his footsteps. His son is a stud college receiver and his daughter is ranked the 57th girl's high school prospect in the nation. Coach Hull has coached everywhere. Maryland, Oregon St, Holy Cross, Morgan St, The Indianapolis Colts, and The Seattle Seahawks. You wouldn't really know that from the outside looking. The man is humble, he spotlights his kids any chance he gets, motivates them. As a human being, I think last night spoke for itself. Those are all pretty big name schools or teams. He's coached and is friends with multiple NFL players. Won a Grey Cup in the CFL. And he made time to help with my podcast and remember his friend in little old Worcester. Nothing but respect Coach Hull. Coach gave us some stories of Big Jim on the football field along with other athletic feats...At 6 foot 4, 301lbs, this man ran 4.9 40yd dash. Ummmmmm..that sounds dangerous lol I tried to figure out how much he was lifting at that point but the answer was a lot. Big Jim was the Holy Cross Crusader's left tackle tackle at the time they went 11-0 and finished the season ranked 1st in Division 1AA. Gordie Lockbaum almost won the goddamn Heisman behind this man that year. 1987 was right around the time I started getting into football. So I knew Gordie was a legend but admittedly, I found out why this week. He was a strong safety/cornerback till his junior year. They decided he could play both ways, and used him at running back. Well, 44 offensive touchdowns over the next two years, over 2k all purpose yards in 87', 3rd/5th in Heisman Voting, Runner Up for The Walter Payton Award, Drafted in the 9th round of the NFL draft and played probably every snap he physically was allowed. Also one hell of a father because we had his son, Gordie Jr, on the Burkett Little League World Series Special and our friend Tommy Daly told us how Gordie went out his way to stay out of the spotlight. Said he stayed way out in centerfield away from the media and everyone to let his son have his time. I believe when I heard that on the show, I referenced Lebron James doing windmill dunks at Bronny's game in the layup line with the kids. Two separate ends of the parenting spectrum right there. Kudos to you Gordie, much respect, and thank you for coming tonight.

Big Thank you to Maria Silva and The St. John family for stopping by to share with us. We all loved this man more than words. This project was specifically meant to put Big Jim's stories out there for everyone to hear the consensus. Huge Heart, Huge Smile Huge Laugh...The impact that man left on this city is incredible. Rest in Peace Andy Powers. He passed away Monday and was no doubt Big Jim's right hand survival/hunting/best friend and colleague. Andy was also an incredible human being and admin at South High. To say they were an odd couple would be an understatement lol Great men that would have both been proud of Worcester this week. It was tough to do this on a week where Worcester suffered an all to common tragedy. We lost another Hero. Another first responder gave their life to save another human being. I say it on my FB all the time. Worcester Breeds Heroes! The Worcester Six, Jon Davies, Lt Menard, FF Chris Roy, and now Officer Manny Famila. Rest in Peace and you will forever be what this city stands for. Heart. Thank you for your service. Fantastic tribute done by my guy Ferdinand Nazario here...

Oh and P.S. I'm trying hard to keep this a positive blog and directly on sports, but what Ralph's Diner allowed to happen at there establishment, hours after this man gave his life to the city, is trash. You should be ashamed. We do not endorse. And in the words of the Great LincolnTF, Fuck off! - Shamrock Sports 508

Click to watch this. Had us dying laughing when he did this. Ice Bucket Challenge Miller Style..No Bucket, No Ice. Hahaha