Wish I Had Better News. A Belated Merry Merry And Happy Happy.

So instead, let me leave you with some holiday cheer – a funny story, a sweet remembrance and a free gift from GatorBait.

I must begin my holiday greeting with an apology – I took an extra day or two off to enjoy my time with my family as a gift to me.

Meanwhile, I wish I could assure you that Jadan Baugh is coming back for another year with The Gators. As many of you know, Jadan has been one of my favorites since he first set foot on Florida Gator turf.

And while I feel he would be a very good fit for new coach, Jon Sumrall in orange and blue, we all know it’s as much about green as anything. We’re stilll waiting and hoping. 

So instead, let me leave you with some holiday cheer – a funny story, a sweet remembrance and a free gift from GatorBait.

My colleague and longtime friend Franz Beard has written a beautiful remembrance about his mother, Carleta which you will now find free on GatorBaitmedia.com.

On the other hand, his new book, the Golden Season, is not free, but is obtainable by simply going to Spurriers.com and ordering it shipped to you now.  I guarantee you you won’t be disappointed if you are a Gator fan,  as was the case of former Gator player and SEC replay official Mike McGinnis, who had this to say after purchasing his copy at (From Freddie Wehbe)

Link for Golden Season

https://shop.spurriers.com/search?q=book&type=product%y2carticle%2cpage

Folks can visit the website and order a copy by going to the shop on the front page. We ship the same or next day. Price is $30.

Mike McGinnis’s review:

Having been a longtime fan of Franz Beard and his semi-daily offerings as lead-writer for GATORBAIT, I waited in great anticipation for your book recapping the 2025 Florida Gators national championship basketball season, The Golden Season.

Well, now that I’ve completed the read, I’m moved to voice my opinion. 

What a great piece of work, Franz! Start to finish you’ve captured every meaningful moment inside and out of a historic basketball season allowing me to reminisce with a smile while including personal moments adding greatly to the story.

Then, beyond the story, Buddy’s Foreword, the Epilogue and your Acknowledgements enhanced the project even more.

I’ve since suggested to many (Gator basketball fan or not) it’s a “must read”. Lastly, my plan is to gift others with the additional copies I’ve purchased. 

So, way to go, Franz (and others) for a great job. Keep up the good work and thank you. — Mike McGinnis

The joke!

No, Thanks To You John

And, finally, the text of gratitude, as well as condolences, from my good friend Loyal John of Ocala:

Great article about the Yellow Gators. One thing about Tech people they know how to hate Georgia. Also very impressed with Coach Sumrall losing his dad and coaching a playoff game and juggling the Florida job.

For This We Are Grateful

For those who have been asking about the condition of my wife Dawne, thanks. She is somewhat better and we were blessed to have her home for a half day where we had a glorious Christmas Eve lunch with her sons Tommy and Tyler and their families thanks to some great meal prep by Cathi and Kristy. I think you can see the joy on our faces. Keep us in your prayers and God bless you all.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE MARTINS