Nothing quite like Disney World, and we hope the Dawgs play with some youthful enthusiasm tomorrow in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando! Go Dawgs! Beat the Cornhuskers!

Looking forward to uploading new posts after the holiday season. Happy New Year!

Part 1:

While the winter meetings are heating up in Nashville, Tennessee, many MLB clubs are in crunch time.  This means making big trades, tweaking line ups, going after prospects, and scouring the market for the available free agents. With the high profile pitchers finally signed, like Zach Greinke, the undoubtedly biggest name in the Major League Baseball market is Josh Hamilton.  This power hitting outfielder could be an asset for any team, but not only because of his hall of fame caliber talent.  His story and value to any team is priceless:

Unfortunately, many of the famous athlete headlines in the past few years have  been for something negative.  Athletes have it all, and in some selfish act or poor decision, have it all thrown away.  Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, University of Miami recruits, and anyone in the steroid scandal are all stories that prove this to be true.  Josh Hamilton is inspiring for just the opposite.  He had it all taken away.  He was at the bottom of the barrel.  And now, he’s back.

From Raleigh, North Carolina, Hamilton was a well-known name at an early age.  Josh averaged thirty yards a carry in youth league football, was the first to dunk a basketball in his age group, and, due to parent complaints, had to move up an age bracket in his baseball league.  High school coaches, prospects, and players could only stand in awe at the talent of Hamilton.  It almost didn’t seem real the things that Josh could do at such a young age.  Hamilton hit several outfield lights with long balls with his time at Athens Drive High School, and had a 96 mph fastball.  Not surprising where the nickname, “Hambone”, came from.

Josh Hamilton, now 30 years old, was the first overall pick in the 1999 MLB draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.  Hamilton was considered a 5 tool player and projected to be on the fast track to the major league.  However, beginning in 2001, Hamilton took a nose dive.

After an injury, addiction ran rampant in Hamilton’s life.  Hamilton became addicted to crack, prescription drugs, and claimed that he had days that he wished the Lord would just take his life.  Waking up in strange places and falling asleep scared were of the norm during this phase of Hamilton’s life.  He constantly had a cloudy mind and cloudy conscious.

Hamilton attempted to return to baseball from 2001-2003, but failed drug tests and his life was not in order. It was then that Hamilton took the biggest plunge of his life.  From 2003-2005, Hamilton drowned in his addictions.  Baseball was no longer a thought in his mind.  Hamilton needed help.

Part 2:

In the past week, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim acquired, once again, the biggest free agent in baseball: Josh Hamilton.  Signing a 5 year deal with the Angels ends Hamilton’s run with the Rangers, and solidifies an already potent lineup for the Halos.  I wish Hamilton the best of luck and wisdom as he discovers the joys and ignores the pitfalls of this new city.

In October 2005, coming down from a crack binge, Hamilton endured his first week of sobriety. While staying at his grandmother’s house, he experienced a dream, or better stated, a nightmare.  He dreamed that the devil was attacking him.  Josh kept hitting him with a bat, but the devil would keep getting up and laughing.  Exhausted, Hamilton lay on the ground  defeated.  Hamilton was afraid, and even crawled into bed with his grandmother for comfort.  Afraid and ready for a change, Hamilton sought to rebuild his life, his marriage, and his career.

In June 2006, Hamilton was reinstated by Major League Baseball.  This was a major success in his recovery process.  This success has not bid well for Hamilton in the past, and he would come under attack again.  Hamilton had the same dream.  The devil was back.  Attacking him again and again, Hamilton grew weak.  Hamilton felt a presence at his side.  As he fought, he felt the presence of  Jesus standing and battling beside him and he was filled with strength.  The devil did not stand a chance.

“You can doubt me, but I swear to you I dreamed it. When I woke up, I felt at peace. I wasn’t scared. To me, the lesson was obvious: Alone, I couldn’t win this battle. With Jesus, I couldn’t lose.”

Please check this out!!!!!   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-U-oaXKqzw

Hamilton realized what he needed to do, and realized that he couldn’t do it alone, but only by faith.  Hamilton was drafted by the Reds in the 2007.  In his first at-bat at the major leagues, Hamilton looked up to see his wife Katie and his two young daughters, Sierra and Julia, sitting in the crowd.  Hamilton received a standing ovation, and had to fight to not break down right there.  Cub’s catcher said to Hamilton at the plate, “You deserve it, Josh. Take it all in, brother. I’m happy for you.”

Josh Hamilton has a .304 batting average over his 6 years pro, 161 home runs, and 553 RBI. Hamilton has made the all-star team every year since 2008, five years in a row.  There are many facets of Josh Hamilton that one could look up to.  For example, taking a student with special needs in his high school under his wing and becoming lifelong friends.  Or maybe the fact that after being dissed as a kid looking for autographs, Hamilton signs as many things as he can for kids. But for now, Josh Hamilton is one of today’s most inspirational and motivating figures because of his past, and his reliance on his faith to overcome it.

Hamilton is by no means out of the woods when it comes to his addictions.  A friend and mentor travels with Josh and handles the cash that he gets for food, as Hamilton admits that walking around with $400 cash in his pocket isn’t a very good idea. The temptations still arise at times, but Hamilton has surrounded himself with those he knows he can trust.

But there is one story that sticks with me, so much so that I think of it every day. I was driving out of the players’ parking lot at Great American Ball Park after a game in May, with Katie and our two girls. There’s always a group of fans standing at the curb, hoping to get autographs, and I stop to sign as many as I can.

And on this particular night, a little boy of about 9 or 10, wearing a Reds cap, handed me a pen and something to sign. Nothing unusual there, but as I was writing the boy said, “Josh, you’re my savior.”

This stopped me. I looked at him and said, “Well, thank you. Do you know who my savior is?”

He thought for a minute. I could see the gears turning. Finally, he smiled and blurted out, “Jesus Christ.” He said it like he’d just come up with the answer to a test. “That’s exactly right,” I said.

You see, I may not know how I got here from there, but every day I get a better understanding of why.

- Josh Hamilton

Much credit and quotes to go to several sources including ESPN, and if you want to read more you can find the incredible stories here!

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2926447

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/the_bonus/06/29/josh-hamilton-tim-crothers/index.html

While the winter meetings are heating up in Nashville, Tennessee, many MLB clubs are in crunch time.  This means making big trades, tweaking line ups, going after prospects, and scouring the market for the available free agents. With the high profile pitchers finally signed, like Zach Greinke, the undoubtedly biggest name in the Major League Baseball market is Josh Hamilton.  This power hitting outfielder could be an asset for any team, but not only because of his hall of fame caliber talent.  His story and value to any team is priceless:

Unfortunately, many of the famous athlete headlines in the past few years have  been for something negative.  Athletes have it all, and in some selfish act or poor decision, have it all thrown away.  Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, University of Miami recruits, and anyone in the steroid scandal are all stories that prove this to be true.  Josh Hamilton is inspiring for just the opposite.  He had it all taken away.  He was at the bottom of the barrel.  And now, he’s back.

From Raleigh, North Carolina, Hamilton was a well-known name at an early age.  Josh averaged thirty yards a carry in youth league football, was the first to dunk a basketball in his age group, and, due to parent complaints, had to move up an age bracket in his baseball league.  High school coaches, prospects, and players could only stand in awe at the talent of Hamilton.  It almost didn’t seem real the things that Josh could do at such a young age.  Hamilton hit several outfield lights with long balls with his time at Athens Drive High School, and had a 96 mph fastball.  Not surprising where the nickname, “Hambone”, came from.

Josh Hamilton, now 30 years old, was the first overall pick in the 1999 MLB draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.  Hamilton was considered a 5 tool player and projected to be on the fast track to the major league.  However, beginning in 2001, Hamilton took a nose dive.

After an injury, addiction ran rampant in Hamilton’s life.  Hamilton became addicted to crack, prescription drugs, and claimed that he had days that he wished the Lord would just take his life.  Waking up in strange places and falling asleep scared were of the norm during this phase of Hamilton’s life.  He constantly had a cloudy mind and cloudy conscious.

Hamilton attempted to return to baseball from 2001-2003, but failed drug tests and his life was not in order. It was then that Hamilton took the biggest plunge of his life.  From 2003-2005, Hamilton drowned in his addictions.  Baseball was no longer a thought in his mind.  Hamilton needed help.

Hamilton’s climb from the depth’s of his own despair is amazing, and he is not shy about giving all the Glory to He who deserves it… Find out more soon in “Hambone” Hamilton part 2!

Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o racked up with the trophies when these winners were named.  Though one cannot deny the skill of Mr. Te’o and his stats this season… but wouldn’t one reason that the best player from the overwhelmingly best conference would be the nation’s best defensive player? The Associated Press has named Jarvis Jones the SEC’s top defensive player.  Te’o was involved in just over 100 tackles and 7 interceptions.  Te’o only had 1.5 sacks on the year and 0 forced fumbles.  Very comparable statistics, but when mainstream media can’t stop drooling over the undefeated Fighting Irish, it’s not surprising that the humble “Sac-Man” Jones would be overlooked.

This Throwback Thursday, or now Flashback Friday (UGA finals are to blame), will take a look back at the only Georgia player to win the top defensive player award: David Pollack.

David Pollack will forever be known as possibly the best and most consistent defensive player in UGA history.  A Bulldog from 2001-2004, this Linebacker from New Jersey wreaked havoc while at Georgia.  Just Pollack and Herschel Walker are the only two Georgia players to be named 3 time All-Americans.

Pollack won the national defensive player of the year award in 2004, and is they only UGA player to do so.  Jarvis Jones definitely has the highlight reel potential like David Pollack did, but it is hard to beat this play against the Gamecocks in 2003… not to mention the young Mark Richt at the end!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQYAD-KSd1E

Few players will ever achieve what David Pollack did in the SEC, with 13 sacks in 2004, still holding the UGA record with 36 career sacks.

This week’s Motivational Monday comes at just the right time.  I think that every one who bleeds red and black could use a bit of encouragement after Saturday’s heartbreak.  I think that to find inspiration, sometimes a self inspection is in order.

First… Let’s examine what we have all dwelled on the last few days.

Did the Dawgs take a heartbreaking defeat in what many would call the real national championship game? Yes.

Did the Alabama Defensive Coordinator, Kirby Smart, sprint toward the UGA student section and make a “slit your throat” motion? Yes. Classy? No.

Did Florida sneak in to steal a BCS bowl bid? Yes.

Now time to get that Red and Black pumping again…

Watch these videos of Richt and the homecoming and try not get get chills…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAF20blIPng

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10101766085726890&set=vb.21657666681&type=2&theater

Did the Dawgs show more heart than anyone could have hoped for? Yes.

Do the Dawgs have a head coach who will stand up for them? Yes.

Are we going to see SEC Defensive player of the year shuck some corn on January 1? Yes.

Are we going to see Gurley and Marshall, or “Gurshall”, rush for a billion yards against Nebraska’s weak rush defense? Yes.

Is Notre Dame still going to lose? Yes.

The UGA Paint Line loves the Dawgs, obviously.  Never in my life have I been so proud of a team despite a loss.  The future is bright for the Bulldogs.  The Dawgs will dawn the silver britches one more time this year and it is our job to give them the support they deserve after such a thrilling year.  I expect nothing less than the seniors going out in style, and I am excited for the trip to Orlando to welcome the New Year and welcome the Dawgs’ twelfth victory.  Keep your head up Bulldog Nation, a character building defeat like Saturday can only mean big things for the return to the Dome next year.

November 29, 2012

Following the long walk back to the car from Williams-Bryce Stadium,  within the hoards of harassing Cock fans, a Dawg fans spirit is all but vanquished.  Never would I think, that in that nightmare, that this season would turn into a dream.  A chance to upset Florida, a chance to embarrass Auburn, and a chance for the seniors to sweep Tech.

This is all the third ranked Georgia Bulldogs needs to pull off the unlikely: a chance.  Alabama is eight and a half point favorite in this Saturday’s legendary match up.  Let’s explore some SEC championship history with this week’s Throwback Thursday.

The last SEC championship title for the Dawgs goes back to 2005.  The Tigers from Baton Rouge had taken the Western Division, and still held on to a hope for a BCS title game bid.  The third ranked Tigers came in to the Georgia Dome suffering only an overtime defeat to Tennessee.  LSU was a large favorite in the match-up, but UGA quarterback D.J. Shockley had something different in mind.

“We wanted to start fast and carry over our momentum for the entire game,” Shockley said.

The Dawgs did just that.  The game started off with a 45 yard touchdown pass to Sean Bailey, followed by a UGA interception with the Tiger’s ensuing drive.  The bulldog defense is what came up big that fateful day in the dome.  Justin Vincent, the LSU running back, ran for over 200 yards against the Bulldog defense in 2003.  In this game, he was held to fifteen yards.  The Bulldogs took down the Tigers 34-14, a brutal defeat led by the MVP Shockley, who through for a pair of touchdowns and ran for another.  Take a look at the highlights!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZTX2Xv8jhA

The Bulldogs have the tools they need to complete another underdog victory in the dome: a confident defense, a solid ground game, a hungry fan base, and a quarterback who is looking to earn his stripes under the big lights.  This 2012 breed of Bulldog will need to take notes from the 2005 team and get after the Tide early. I believe. The UGA Paint Line believes.  Bulldog Nation, it’s time to saddle up. It’s going to be one wild ride in the Georgia dome on December 1!

UGApaintline.com’s SEC Championship prediction* : UGA 24 – BAMA 19

*The UGA Paint Line’s predictions will always be bias.  Painting in 30 degree weather has given us the right to do so.  Go Dawgs.

November 26, 2012

What better way to start this series of posts than with a personal favorite.  I have been following this story for a number of years, and if you haven’t heard it, you are soon to be blessed.

Rick Hoyt has been living with cerebral palsy since his birth in 1962.  Despite pressure to institutionalize their son, Dick Hoyt and his wife refused.   Rick could neither walk or speak, but Rick had a knack for learning at an early age. With a new computer program, Rick could now speak.  Rick’s love for sports was evident as his first communication with computerized words was “Go Bruins”.  Rick even graduated from a public high school and was accepted at Boston College.  After receiving a degree in special education, Rick returned to Boston College to help develop a computer system that helped paralyzed individuals, like himself, communicate with head and eye motions.

It was in 1977 that Dick Hoyt and his son’s adventure began.  There was a benefit run for a paralyzed lacrosse player.   Rick asked his father if they could compete in this race to show the paralyzed lacrosse player that there is life after paralyzation.  Little did they know, this would start an adventure that would change the rest of their lives.  Dick ran with his son, pushing him in a specialized wheel chair the entire  five mile distance.   This five mile race proved to be the first of many for “Team Hoyt.” After this first race, Rick said to his father,

“Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped.“

Talk about motivation.  What happens next is nothing short of magical.  A father, Dick Hoyt, so overwhelmed with love for his son, has competed in over 1,000 races in the last 35 years.  That is an average of almost thirteen races a year, including six ironman competitions.  An ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a full 26.2 mile run.  This is a feat that few humans even dare to attempt, much less while carrying his grown son.  Dick is pulling/running/swimming a total of 335 pounds throughout the races.

Dick Hoyt now is predominantly a speaker and travels the country delivering his inspiring story.  In 2009, Dick and his son completed their 1000th race, the Boston Marathon (his favorite race).  Many have been touched by this father’s relentless effort to love his son, and Dick has certainly given his son a lifetime of unforgettable adventures.

I encourage you to take the time to watch this video to discover this passion that this father has

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDnrLv6z-mM

This is Dick and Rick Hoyt in their first race in 1977.  Photo courtesy of TeamHoyt.com, also where much of this information was found, you should check it out! Team Hoyt’s website! http://www.teamhoyt.com/index.html

There are few acts of such selfless love in this world.  A father that would give everything for his son, lay his body on the line is nothing but humbling and inspiring.  There are few such acts, but though this is an earthly story, it seems very representative of a story much more important.  Galatians 3:26 “We are all children of God with faith in Jesus Christ.”  Just an earthly comparison to the bigger picture in life of God’s unwavering and unconditional love for each and every one of us.

This was UGA Paint Line’s first Motivational Monday, and I hope it does some motivating out there in Bulldog Nation.  God Bless and Go Dawgs.

The UGA Paint Line is ready to black it out against the Jackets! Go Dawgs!

Throwback Thursday!

Thursday, November 22, 2012.

Happy Thanksgiving Bulldog Nation! The UGA Paint Line hopes that each and everyone of you enjoy this special and reflective day with your family and friends.  Let us be thankful for the many blessings we have, and of course, the Dawgs.

In your first edition of Throwback Thursday, a special Thanksgiving edition, we wish to show you what the Paint Line is thankful for.  One of the many things the UGA Paint Line is thankful for is the many individuals that have laid the ground work for the Paint Line to still be thriving today.  This week’s Throwback Thursday is a shout out to the Forefathers of the modern day Paint Line.

While UGApaintline.com is still gathering information on the history of the line, we do have an accurate history dating back to 2005.  In 2006, the paint line conducted the first ever blackout among the paint line.  The paint line at that time spelled out “GEORGIABULLDOGS”.

These gentlemanly scholars were well on their way to creating one of the strongest traditions of students in Sanford Stadium, the modern day Paint Line.  Jon Tillman, Paint Line revolutionary, took charge of the Line in 2007.  He desired for the tradition to stand strong, and his decisions proved perfect.  He, and the rest of the Line, decided to go with full upper body paint, the red whigs, and the trade mark aviators.

In what better circumstances to honor this week’s Throwback Thursday with black paint.  This week the #3 ranked Bulldogs take on the Jackets, and the Paint Line and students are excited about a fan BLACKOUT! Just a little something to motivate the players, fans, and send the Dawgs to the dome knowing that we have their back! Spread the word! #BlackoutTech

https://www.facebook.com/events/456145551114274/

Things to look forward to every week:

Motivational Mondays: An inspiring story from the world of sports from a Paint Liner’s perspective every Monday

Throwback Thursday: A glimpse of the past from Paint Line Folklore and Bulldog Legend alike!

Personal pictures from every Saturday! (During the season that is)

Here are some pictures against Southern!