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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

I Think Boyz II Men Said It Best...

Well, I had planned on penning something substantive for later in the week, but as often is the case with such things, the proverbial cat escaped the bag before I had my ducks in a row. (I was trying to figure out a way to get one more random animal-related cliche into that sentence, but that dog wouldn't hunt.)

(*Also, how bad is it that UGASports is scooping me on my own story? You owe me one, Dash!)

Anyway, as some of you may have heard, I'm leaving.

A couple of months ago, I got a call from the sports editor at my hometown paper in Wilmington, Delaware. They had an opening for a beat writer to cover the Phillies. They wanted to know if I was interested.

As these things go, one thing led to another, and after a few weeks of talking and waiting and talking and debating, I was left with a decision.

On one hand, I had the opportunity to go to a job at a bigger paper, covering a professional baseball beat. More importantly, I had an opportunity to really stick it to all my high school teachers who told me I'd never amount to anything. (Shows what they knew! I'm now mildly successful in an industry that likely won't exist in five years!)

On the other hand, I'd be leaving by far the best job I've ever had, a city I've grown to love, and a group of readers very few reporters are ever lucky enough to have.

Without question, it was the toughest choice I've had to make in my career. In the end though, I figured I'd much rather make a mistake by trying something new than wonder what might have been if I let an good opportunity pass by. But again, it was a decision that didn't come easily.

In any case, I don't want this to be a long, drawn-out monologue about my time here with the Telegraph. Not now, anyway. My last day, officially, won't be until July 17. So hopefully I'll have some time -- and a few more blog posts -- before we need to get all mushy.

Of course, complicating that timeline a bit is another big bit of news for me. I'm getting married on July 3, so much of my last few weeks here… I won't actually be here. So there's that.

(Why do I suddenly feel like a parent who leaves his kids in a hot car with the windows rolled up while he goes into the 7-11 to buy lotto tickets?)

Anyway, I can tell you this: A number of absurdly qualified candidates have already submitted resumes for the job, so I have no doubt you'll be in good hands in the future. And in the meantime, I'm hoping to make sure there's still some decent stuff for you to read until the new guy gets on board.

Again, I'm definitely excited for a new opportunity and a chance to go back home again. But it's bittersweet, to say the least.

But rather than dwell on the future, how about a discussion topic out of this? Let's say you were just a few weeks away from leaving Athens. What would be on your to-do list? Restaurants? Bars? Clubbing with Stacy Searels? I'm officially taking suggestions.

123 comments:

David said...

David - This isn't the news I wanted to hear coming into work this morning. But, thanks for your great reporting and good luck with the new job. Before you leave, go have the salmon and grits at Last Resort.

Anonymous said...

David - this is my first post ever on your blog and I just want to say I actually am saddened to hear you are leaving. I have COMPLETELY enjoyed your blogs and it is one of the few sites I check on a daily basis. Your coverage has been excellent and even though I hated LOST I still enjoyed the fact you mixed it into your posts. I will truly miss your posting and wish you the best in covering the Phillies! Congrats on the wedding - sounds like you have an exciting month coming up!

Ubiquitous GA Alum said...

First off congrats on both your professional and personal accomplishments. That's awesome for you!

You'll certainly be missed and just accept my thanks for doing such an outstanding job with this blog. When Ching left to take the editors job for the ABH I recall thinking there'd never be another quality insiders blog again. You exceeded all expectations and took this to a whole other level and for that thanks!

You'll always be a DGD - but the Phillies still f'in suck!

JRL said...

Damn and damn again but on the other hand you have earned the opportunity - best of luck with the job and marriage - you will be missed.

Anonymous said...

Go Braves. good luck.

Anonymous said...

Hale (i have been reading so long that i feel like i can call you by last name) - you will be missed more than boyz ii men in 8th grade dances. thanks for being my "bill simmons" (i mean that as a compliment) that covered my beloved dawgs!

i would take richt and go hang out in the ga bar bathroom

hosayf said...

David - For the past couple years you've had the best UGA blog by far. I don't often claim to speak for anyone but myself, but you will be missed. Good luck in your new job. Thanks.

Oh yeah and Athfest can be a great final hurrah for Athens.

Bernie said...

*sniff....sniff*

Best of luck to you Hale. What a great opportunity for a northerner like you. You made following our Dawgs an enriching experience. For that we are eternally grateful.

And more best wishes to the poor sap who tries to fill your shoes and clear the bar you've set so high.

Lastly, the bestest wishes go to your bride. Cuz we know she'll need it.

Anonymous said...

Damn...

Ally said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

David,
you have served Dawg nation proudly and with distinction, providing us with an outstanding insight and ear on the ground. Your level headed commentary, wit, and effort will be sorely missed.

As for your last days in Athens, be sure to grab lunch regularly at Five Star, weaver Ds, and Wilsons till you leave and spend some leisurely afternoons on north campus.

Anonymous said...

David, congrats on the impending nuptials. I know you have to take the opportunity with the Phillies but you'll be back (to the south). You've had a taste of the southern good life and we'd love to have you. Thanks for all your great work. I knew it was a matter of time before a bigger fish gobbled you up.

Ally said...

I think i'm gonna be sick. At first i thought this was some cruel belated April fools joke, but you're serious. Holy crap. On a purely selfish level, this just blows.

I'm thrilled for your promotion & an opportunity to be closer to your family. No one can begrudge you either. And truly David, i wish you every blessing & abundant success always.

But let's all not pretend some great new writer will be your replacement. We've never had a beat writer like you & i've never seen another college team, even in the SEC, with a beat writer as dedicated & invested (yet still principled & objective) as you. I won't labor under the allusion that another even semi-Hale will stumble our way. No one is that lucky.

Thank you doesn't begin to suffice but right now i just don't know what else to say. Thank you David. You're a damn good Dawg ;)

Congratulations & many blessings to you & Meredith always!

Justin Horton said...

DH- Congrats on the new gig! Unfortunately, our loss is another's gain. I can without hesitation say that you've been the best beat guy the Dawgs have ever had. You're objective, you actually seem to watch the games (instead of regurgitating the AP or the box score), and, most importantly, you GET it. Thanks for your hard work. You will be missed! I hope you can keep one eye on Georgia this fall, as it should be interesting.

ba said...

as the bear said, when mama calls....so take'er easy, dude. see ya on down the trail. -ba

good luck with the wedding bells, hope it makes you as happy as its made me. i will dearly miss your blog. and for all that is holy, please start watching its always sunny in philly. thanks again for all the good reads.

Anonymous said...

This is tragic! What a loss. This blog is irreplaceable and you'll be sorely missed. On the bright side, my productivity at work probably just increased 20%.

Good luck covering the Phillies. I hate those bast*rds.

Astronaut Mike Dexter said...

What?!? I move back to Columbus, finally find a job, get my blog re-started, and NOW you decide to skip town? Who am I gonna bogart information from now??

In all seriousness, congratulations on both the impending nuptials and the new gig. Any upgrade you get in pay and/or prestige is well deserved -- you've been as honest, insightful, and on-the-ball as any group of fans could've asked for. You will be missed by both C-Town and Bulldog Nation.

Scott said...

Incredibly sorry to see you go, but extremely happy for you as you move to the "next level" both in your personal and professional life.

Thank you so much for being the best source for Dawg news (and all the other stuff) that any fan could ask for.

I would also like to thank you for all of the times you linked to all of the nonsense on my blog...I owe a lot of my readership to you (at least 3 or 4 of my 8-reader fanbase).

Thanks and good luck!

mp said...

It's the nature of any business for supremely talented workers to be sought out for more lucrative positions, but it doesn't make it any easier to accept.

Congratulations and best of luck to you, David, both on the job and the impending nuptials. You've done a great job here.

Doug said...

You are so selfish!

What about me?!

oreo said...

First Lost ends, now you leave??!! Sigh. Been a great run. Thanks for providing all of us Dawg fans some insightful, honest, objective and very good writing these past couple of years.
Best of luck w/ the Phillies and with married life - pleasing either of those aren't going to be easy!

Big Muddy Dawg said...

David,

So glad to hear of this outstanding opportunity for your career as well as the good news of your impending marriage.

To say that I will miss you covering the Dawgs is an understatement of epic proportions but that makes it no less true.

Best of luck in all of your future endeavors and even though you are a Yankee, I will always consider you a Damn Good Dawg.

Thank you.

Acworth Dawg said...

David,
Congrats on both the wedding and the new job. I hope you love Phillis baseball as much as you appear to love Georgia Sports.

Thank you for your time and your efforts over the years. I have enjoyed your articles and your blog. I have appreciated the fact that you, for the most part, have kept a level head about UGA sports and that you have a down to earth approach in your writing.

Good luck with both the married live, it can be hard but rewarding, and with the new job.

Please know that you will be missed and if you get a chance, check in on our dawgs from time to time.

Also, remember what the great Lewis Grizzard said about working in the north. He was held captive for years until his release.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the new job & pending marriage. Hate that you will not be covering the Dawgs, & I don’t think I could stand reading a Phillies blog even if you are writing it. I feel lost.

Anonymous said...

Very sad to see you go.
Many thanks from the buys at Battle Hymn Notes.
You made following the Dawgs even more fun than it naturally is over the last few years.

Stevie said...

I'm late to the party Dave. I hear you every week on theRef and love your insight. The blog has made it to my favs and I gotta tell you that you have the hottest dawg blog.

Good luck on your future endeavor. Keep the nation involved bro and don't hate on the braves too much!

Woolly Butts said...

David, I think we all knew this day would come because you're so damned good at what you do. Congratulations on the new job and on finally marrying that girlfriend of yours. I hope the new contract provides you with a comprehensive cable package so you can keep up on all your shows. We'll miss you but glad you stopped in GA for such a rich cup of coffee.

Anonymous said...

I won't go back to those filthy AJC writers... I won't do it. YOU CAN'T MAKE ME DO IT

In all seriousness, you will be sorely missed. Having never posted here before, I think I can say with some certainty that there are many more of us "silent" readers who have looked forward to your blogs each and every day.

So when you make it back up there to Philly, remember to say those magic words to your new boss:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaiSHcHM0PA

Jonathan Kesler said...

David - have really enjoyed reading your blog over the years, both for the UGA focus and the other entertainment bits (especially LOST). You will be missed in the Dawgnation, but hopefully you will continue to follow the Dawgs and check in with your replacement. Good luck to you and I guess it is true - you can go home again.

j.leonardjr said...

Best of luck to you David. I am sad to see you go though. You have done a great job with this blog and will be sorely missed by all your Bulldog readers.

Anonymous said...

You have been outstanding. I am very sad to see you go. One request: a fun with numbers column before you leave. Somehow, I doubt your replacement will match you in that category. You are going from the crazed fanaticism of CFB fans to just flat out crazy Phillies fans. Good Luck. You will be missed.

Ginny said...

Wow David. Definitely not what I expected to read this morning.

Many, many congrats on the next steps in your life professionally and personally. What an exciting time! :)

Thanks so much for your complete dedication to a team that you're not even really a fan of. Your constant supply of objective information has kept me informed and entertained. You're a DGD and I hope you've grown to love Georgia sports. Keep in touch!

P.S. Please start watching Modern Family.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on both fronts! David you will be missed. It has really been a joy to read your blog everyday.

I may even now need to read about the Phillies just to get your take on pop culture.

Godspeed!

Andy said...

David,
You said "I figured I'd rather make a mistake by trying something new than wonder what might have been." Isn't that what Shelley Long said when she left Cheers? Craig Kilborn when he left the Daily Show?

In all seriousness, congrats on the career move. It sounds like a great opportunity covering a great team. Thanks for combining my two favorite things in one blog- LOST and the Dawgs. I don't think I could have made it through law school without you.

Oh, and congrats on the wedding too!

opsomath said...

Mr. Hale,

Your blog has been my number one stop on the internet for my UGA football fix since the day (last year) I discovered it. I am sad to hear that the Great White North is calling you home, but congrats both on the job upgrade and your upcoming wedding. I hope both are even better than you expect.

It figures that you would be leaving right when you stop writing about Lost (which I do not follow) and start writing about Breaking Bad (which I love with all my heart, being a chemist). If you do Breaking Bad-related posts on your new Phillies blog, I might read it despite the fact that it's about the Phillies mostly.

Furthermore, if you ever make it down here again, my offer of a free beer stands.

Andy said...

See you in another life, brother.

David said...

Devastating loss for Georgia fans. I didn't feel this low even when Knowshon declared for the draft. Such was the quality of your work that even my dad managed to put aside his skepticism of all things blog-related to make this site part of his regular rotation.

As for a last hurrah in Athens, I recommend that you wake up early one day, take a jog through the Botanical Gardens, then hit up the Royal Peasant for some World Cup Action, followed up by lunch at Senior Sol (try the Sopes), then begin a bar crawl of your favorite haunts downtown, and finish off the evening with dinner at The Last Resort.

Thanks for the great work and good luck in your future endeavors.

The ATH said...

You have always done a great job of looking past the easy bullshit (see Bradley, Great minds agree, OK to SEC could've Happened).

Can't you somehow leverage this offer to the AJC, so they can get rid of that Woody Paige wannabe?

Seriously though, I echo everyone else's congrats, but you will be missed.

Best of luck to you in the new job and with the new wife.

Matthc said...

I have never commented before, but I am an avid reader of all blogs U.G.A. In that regard, I want to thank you for all the great work you have done writing for my beloved football team.

ej said...

First time commenter, long time reader.

If you want to fully understand Hale's value, try following some other beat writers (looking at you AJC.)

Vaya con dios, Dave.

Freight Train Jones said...

I blame this on Willie...smh

Anonymous said...

David I have never posted on your blog as well, but read it daily. I am sad to see you go, but understand why you did. Your unbiased coverage of the dawgs has been unparalleled. Good luck with your future endeavors and go Braves.

JW said...

My first post too! But I have been reading your blog for a long time. I especially enjoy the "Fleeting Thoughts" pieces. You are one talented dude and certainly deserve every opportunity that comes your way. Please post the URL for the Phillies blog. I was born in Philly and moved to Atlanta in 1971 so I still follow Philly sports but GA sports come first especially my Dawgs!

Anonymous said...

David, you will be missed! Thanks for all of your insight on my Dawgs! Good luck with the new job.

Anonymous said...

Okay, okay, okay. I promise to mend my ways. I'll never leave a comment without my name anymore. I'll stop hiding behind the cloak of anonymity. I'll stop cutting and pasting comments from other blogs. I'll stop going off on long missives, all caps rants, unrelated comments, ad hominem attacks, and all the rest. Just stay!

Mr. Anonymous

Jamie said...

It's been a joy reading your blog. Like many of the others, it is a daily read for me. Congrats on your new job and your upcoming marriage. Honestly, my favorite part of reading your coverage was your objectiveness. It could be so easy to just write what everyone wants to hear, but you always painted the picture with a sense of reality. Thanks for the great reporting and good luck with your future endeavors.

Anonymous said...

David,

Another avid reader who has never posted before. I have had your blog on the top of my rotation for the past 1.5 years. In the words of a former economics professor "there is no second place". Your coverage and dedication of all things related to the dawg nation has stood head and shoulders above anyone else I have ever come across (No offense to the other bloggers who read this). As such, this is literally life changing news for me; I read your blog every morning before work.

As far as a final hurrah in one of my favorite cities, I suggest the following:

1) Friendship burger with onion rings from Clocked

2) Chicken and veggie cuban from cali n tito's (best sandwich in town IMO)

3)Globe chips from the globe

4)Beef rib - Jot em Down BBQ (on the east side but worth the drive)

5) Finally, for a classy dinner with your fiancée. Get the blue filet and crab bisque from porterhouse

I wish you the best. You will be missed

Anonymous said...

David - I really appreciate all the work you've put in since you've been here. You're blog has been one of my primary sources of UGA news for what seems like a long time. At least in this internet age. Now you can actually become a Dawg fan since you're not covering UGA anymore. You know you'll always be welcome to come back and bark with us in Sanford anytime.

Anonymous said...

nooooooo! Take it as a testament to being the very best that we're all bummed you're leaving. Good luck with your new job and wife(!!!!!). And Seriously Dave, you're the best UGA beat reporter I've ever followed. Thanks for all the extra work you've put in. It has NOT been unappreciated.

Anonymous said...

Sad news for us, but exciting possibilities for you. For your last weeks in Athens, I suggest a good band at 40 Watt, a beverage or 6 at the Globe, and then a stroll through North Campus - making a beeline to the Chapel Bell and giving it a ring. Best wishes to you!

Brett said...

Thank you, David, and good luck on your next stop. You will be missed.

Bill M. said...

Well dang David, When David Ching told us to check out your blog after he left us, I was skeptical of you, the new guy. But after These past two season I can say we had a helluva run and I've appreciated all youve done for UGA Athletics and you've done a great job covering the teams I love. Ive thoroughly enjoyed your blog and the interesting way in which you've presented us information. Go follow your dream and do what you know you will love to do. Thanks for the memories man.

Robert said...

David, I hate to lose you as my daily Bulldawg tonic, but obviously you are going to a better professional gig. You deserve it! It's been a pleasure following your blog even with your insights on pop culture that helps us old timers keep an eye on things which we know nothing.

Unknown said...

Thanks David!! You'll be missed. Good luck! Make sure they send us someone good too.

jm from louisville said...

this news almost wants me to start liking the phillies a little more so that i can still follow your stuff...

well, not really, i mean it is the phillies we're talking about.

we'll certainly miss you. make sure macon picks out a homerun for your replacement

Anonymous said...

I put a post up last season that it wouldnt be long before an organization picked you up and you'd be moving up in the world. Sad to hear that we won't be able to read your stuff this season, but best of luck with the new gig in Philly. Your work was fantastic and you deserve the promotion...hope you bring in more bacon for the new family you'll be starting! Congrats.

Coon Dawg said...

Damn, is this a Lane Kiffin type business decision?

Seriuously you have done a great job and will be missed. Good luck with those neanderthal fans up there.

Woolly Butts said...

David, I forgot to remind you that for my invitation to your wedding, that's Woolly, not Wooly.
Warmly, Woolly

Dog44 said...

Well, I guess we all knew it was just a matter of time... I was hoping for one more season, but I'm happy for you.

I'm one of those guys who read your very first Bulldogs Blog and have been with you ever since. (In fact, I remember a similar farewell blog post from David Ching who assured us that somebody else good - you - would come and take over... and that turned out pretty well... so maybe there's hope.)

But thanks for all the hard work you've done. The thing that sticks out to me the most is that you cared enough about us fans to match our level of passion for the Dawgs with your level of passion for your work. That means a lot.

All the best.

Anonymous said...

David,
As much as we hate to lose you, you have earned it with all of your hard work! I check your blog at least 3 or 4 times a day! My life is over! Thank you for keeping all us Dawg fans up to speed on all things UGA Football.

YoungDawg said...

David,
You’re too good of reporter to stay where you were forever. I was hoping the AJC would wise up & hire you in the same capacity. Congratulations on the new job & marriage. You’ll be missed! Just praying the next guy is half as good as you are! Also hoping that someday you & the AJC come to your senses which bring you back to the UGA beat! More likely you’ll be snapped up by ESPN (or Fox, CBS, SN etc) one day to do a blog for them. Best wishes in your future endeavors. You’re Damn Good Dawg!

Anonymous said...

ummm. #1 on the list, especially since you're getting married is a hot blonde freshman from Bourbon St.

WFdawg said...

"The thing that sticks out to me the most is that you cared enough about us fans to match our level of passion for the Dawgs with your level of passion for your work. That means a lot."

Indeed. Gratefully seconded.

Matt said...

Your blog has been excellent! I knew that this day was coming, however. You're too great a journalist. I check this site several times per day...what will I do now? Good luck in Philly.

BullyMack said...

Why? Why? Damn you Dave! (w/ accompanying fist pump to the sky). Man, what a loss for us Dawg fans. Guess I'll have to talk to the wife now first thing in the morning instead of reading your blog. Good luck to you and your soon to be wife with the wedding and impending move. You will always be a part of the Bulldog family so don't be a stranger. Charlie Manuel is officially on the hot seat. ha!

GATA said...

Thanks for your thorough and honest coverage of UGA Football. I salute you sir and wish you the best in Philly. Remember when Philly Booed Santa Claus? I hope they go easier on you! Talk about a tough crowd! Good Luck!

Chipper’s illegitimate son said...

The phillies, dude? Why don't you just go ahead burn down the bell tower on your way out of town?

Anyway, I love the dogs, love lost, love your work. I wish you the best.

Please accept this list as a parting gift: Terrapin brewery (tour optional), float the broad, Eat La parrilla (homewood shopping center), Hike panther creek (441 north), Eat a meeteor burger at clocked, 2 Tues at copper creek (as you can see, I like beer)...Let me think

The Cuatro said...

You the man DH. I've loved your work ever since I came over here after Ching left his beat. I'm excited for you and wish you the best. No doubt you will continue to move up the ranks as your work / dedication speaks for itself.

BTW, your line: "In the end though, I figured I'd much rather make a mistake by trying something new than wonder what might have been if I let an good opportunity pass by" went a long ways towards helping me make a tough decision of my own.

Dawg Bless-

BZ said...

damn, this is not what i wanted to read from you today. but thanks for all you have done for the bulldawg nation. good luck in the future. oh and go to ALLGOODS bar and get a Circus Reacharound shot. actually get 2 and you won't even know who the phillies are.

Anonymous said...

David: As everyone here as said, you will be missed...not only due to your outstanding reporting, but the sense of humor with which you presented your pieces. Good Work!

Anonymous said...

Hale,

Thanks for everything...now on to business.

So what are some suggestions for Dawg blogs that we can still get quality info from? I need a blog to check every day!

Anonymous said...

Wow, this officially ruined my day. Well, I wish you the best David in all your future endeavours. Congratulations on getting married. It has been a joy to follow your blog these past few months.

Anonymous said...

i read this blog everyday, and am really sad to see you go. No one will do a better job.

Anonymous said...

Unquestionably the best sports blog out there. The Bulldog Nation is worse off without you. Phillies fans don't know how good they are about to have it. Thanks for all your hard work and good luck in the future.

T-Rey594 said...

David Hale,

I appreciate the honesty that you brought to the table more than I could ever appreciate the information. Us Dawg fans tend to be slightly overzealous and you just had a way of keeping us level-headed. With that being said, I highly doubt Philly will appreciate that honesty. Ha. I wish you the best of luck and I'm glad your dream came true. Congrats on your marriage. This might not be on the level of losing Munson, but it is definitely a tragic loss for the Dawgs. You will be missed. Good luck with your life. We will be happy to take you back if you ever change your mind. And btw, Braves win the NL this year.

Anonymous said...

You ain't fooling me, David. The reason you are leaving is not to cover the Phillies, but rather to get away from that anonymous whacko that was tying up your comments section. Seriously, I hated it when you left the Albany Herald, it really hasn't been the same since. It's not that your replacements have been bad, they just ain't YOU. The reason why your style is greatly admired is because when you write things that may not be popular, you write them in a way that doesn't demean opposite points of view. Some people approach journalism as a job, you treat it as an art. You were a gift to us, and I hope the people up north will appreciate your talents. Please don't forget to come back and drop us a line or two in the future.

South FL Dawg said...

David - thanks for the great read every day. If it's in your (and your new wife's) best interest to go, then what can I say but godspeed to you both.

If there was one superpower I wish I had it would be the power to make time stand still, so I could fit everything I wanted to in a moment. So my suggestion is to fill in every minute you have left in the Classc City, and then, like you said, "no regrets."

BulldogBry said...

Congrats, David. Dawg Nation will miss you.

Anonymous said...

This is the saddest I have felt since watching The Two Escobars on ESPN last night. Kidding of course. This is much more depressing. You have done a fantastic job here and nobody will ever replace the WAY you wrote about our Dawgs. Everyone can find information and post it, only you could make it classy< unbiased and amusing. You will be sorely missed brother.

Anonymous said...

Loved your blog, Dave, but if you're going back to Philly please take John Kincade with you..... please?

Anonymous said...

Oh Hale...

EBM said...

David-
Reader from the beginning- never intended to post. Feel obligated to show the love. I will miss scanning 4-5 times per day for your blogs. Always been good stuff and written with a tone that is reminiscent of sitting at the corner bar with an excellent friend. As far as you leaving us dry, like most subjects, Omar sums it well: "All in the game yo, all in the game."
Best-B

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed the blog, but feeling slightly weirded out by the over-the-top man love here. Can a blogger get a hug?

Ozam said...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Say it ain't so.... THE HORROR.........

The Bulldog Blog was my daily fix. I eagerly waited for your next post and even figured out how to set up an RSS feed.

Seriously, it was very obvious early on that your talents way exceeded your position. Best of luck in your new endeavor. You will be sorely missed by a legion of rational Bulldog fans.

p.s. I sure wish you would have run with my suggestion that the Blog become a pay site. I think all of us would be happy to pay $10/month or more to access your insights. I'll commit right now for five years!

Columbia Dawg said...

David - your blog was always the first one on which I clicked when looking for news and commentary on UGA football because of its wit and accuracy.
Very disappointed to see you go. We wish you the best in the new challenge.

Randal Burgess said...

You were the best of the Dawg reporters on the best. Best of luck on the new gig.

BillyBobBeauGeneG.W. said...

"But I wipe my own ass! I wipe my own ass!"

Say it ain't so, David. The only positive light I can think to shine on this depressing topic comes from the fact that the job I'm transferring to in the fall will afford considerably less idle time for your blogs during the work hours...neh, didn't work; I'm still depressed.

At the risk of getting prematurely sappy, you will be sorely missed.

Anonymous said...

David,

Words cannot express the pall of sadness which hangs over the Bulldog Nation on this day. You are a gentleman, a scholar, and if I may say so, a true bro.

I consider myself a well adjusted, exceedingly normal 27 year old graduate of the University of Georgia, yet for some reason in spite of my apparent normalcy I find myself emotionally invested in the athletic performance of 20 year old males attending my alma mater. Why? I don't know. Is it normal? Certainly not. Unhealthy? Probably. But it's true. And it's the only thing that makes me cry. And I love it. And you sir provided a window into this thing that I love that stood out amongst all the others; for this I am eternally in your debt. I'm not sure why I feel a strange man-love towards you, or why I'm so saddened by this loss, but the fact that I can't explain these feelings doesn't mean they aren't real. Best of luck in the future and we celebrate your good fortune while realizing that our little corner of the world will be a bit darker in your absence.

And David, my friend, no matter where your career may take you, let it be said that no one ever grieved your departure like the Bulldog Nation grieves today!

Anonymous said...

David ,

You have handled your post with integrity and distinction . I consider you a friend that I visit daily . I wish you much success with the new position. Congratulations on the news of your wedding , I wish you happiness as well . Speaking for the BULLDOG NATION , I bequeath this title to you that is not easily nor readily given away ..........DAMN GOOD DOG !!!

Kathleen said...

PLEASE tell me you'll get a chance to put your potential replacements through the paces we imagined for your unpaid interns. Make them compete and let us vote on it!

=)

1. Feats of strength!

Young Swole said...

First we lose our right to tailgate on North Campus, now we lose the best UGA sports writer in the history of the world. I haven't felt this awful since Tim Tebow tried to circumsise me on my Phillipines vacation.

In all seriousness, best of luck to you in Philly, and thank you for passing along information in such an entertaining style. Oh and can we continue the live blogs after baseball season is over?

Boss Dawg said...

David,

Thanks for all the laughs and I think everyone will miss your work. Who's on the "hot seat" now, getting married, ehhh? Best of luck to you and yours. Thanks again man.

Anonymous said...

You can't go home again.

Anonymous said...

Man, oh, man. Sad day for bulldog fans...I too have never posted before, but the combination of UGA sports and entertainment (I already miss LOST) kept me coming back daily. There are some terrible blogs out there (and some bloggers have just given up...), but yours was fair, reliable, and consistent, which is what we are all really looking for in a UGA blog. Congrats on the wedding--I am celebrating 3 weeks of marriage as I write this.

Final hurrah in Athens:
1. Dinner at Last Resort
2. Ring the chapel bell
3. Pub crawl of the old haunts (mine include East West, Boar's Head, and Cutter's)
4. Stop at the Hot Dog man for a 2am treat

Best of luck!

Anonymous said...

Knew this day had to come, but it's sad nonetheless. Good luck in your new job. I'm not a Phillies fan, but are you planning to resurrect the blog up there?

Sam said...

By far the best comment so far, "See you in another life, brother."

MN Dawg said...

You are a good man David Hale... a damn good dawg!
Good luck on the wedding and the job covering the Phillies. If you are half the husband that you are beat writer, your wife will be a lucky woman. As is the case with LOST, all good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, I did not think they both would happen within a month of each other.

What did MR say when you told him you were leaving...tears?

Unknown said...

Dave, your first question to Charlie Manuel: "Mr. Manuel, will you sign my copy of Gran Torino?"

I heard that Clint Eastwood was his favorite actor.

This was devastating, but inevitable news. You are the best. Thank you for everything, and good luck.

Anonymous said...

Damn...again

Anonymous said...

Phillies suck, Dave. Say it ain't so!

Anonymous said...

David - I'm probably the only one excited about you leaving... I too am moving home to Wilmington DE for similar reasons. Looking forward to your coverage of the Phillies! Now it looks like it will be me, rather than my boyfriend, constantly quoting David Hale. The 302, Capriotti's and Dewey awaits!

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Anonymous said...

Philadelphia fans are the dead last worst ever, anywhere.

The frozen tundra is no substitute for God's Country, where everyone is moving from there to here. And, most assuredly not from here to there.

There is little high school sports there compared to here. And, few of them end up being good teams to follow.

There is the constant negativism of a part of the country that is homeless, jobless, and miserable weather.

Phillies have lost the most games in the history of American sports, as the oldest one name one city franchise starting 1893 with 1 championship in 1980 and then last year. That's it.

When you fly over us to get to Clearwater in the Spring, you will recall this blog reminding you how unhappy a locale you live in the rest of the year. Now, Clearwater they have great food, Sun, and good scenery to look at. Enjoy your Scrabble the world's dirtiest dingiest river the Schuylkill River.

Hellhole.

Oil and Water, cheese and chalk.

Rowdy behavior at the games, makes the games unholy and dangerous to raise a family at. Think on it.

Hostile taunting, fighting, public urination and general strangeness are all that the Phillies are known for, and this is an advancement ?

Somebody is missing something, somewhere to call that improvement.

Phillies' Phans promotions to get unruly disruptive males to the ballpark there have been met with, instead, distain, D cell batteries thrown at players, and a revel in taunting players who caused them losses unequaled in American Sports.

The games are not even carried on TV here. And, I can just imagine with the play of the Phillies all of May and June, just how absolutely horrid the fans have acted.

Control freaks just don't mix with those fans - the worst in sports. Have fun. You will never forget how great fun Bulldogs' Sports are by contrast, here in the Sunbelt. You’ll be back.

BuLLdawg said...

Josh Kendall and now you, I guess Macon.com just doesn't pay enough to keep my favorite 2 Bulldogs' beat writers of All-Time.

When I think of you, I will remember this blog you researched and wrote :

http://dawg-extra.blogspot.com/2010/04/whos-to-blame-for-off-field-issues.html

Level of detail is what makes you stand out, Mr. David Hale.

I could tell you were leaving. Josh Kendall cane as a surprise to me at the time, and paying to have to read what he writes, has ruined his following. Others such as Mark Schlabach who left really never have gotten Bulldogs' out of their blood and we all know, it will not for you either.

Since your job was Athens, please return, order fish with Vidalia Onions and smother it in cheese grits one last time, even Bar-B-Q Shrimp covered in cheese grits.

Congratulations on the Little Lady, is she from Up North ?

I see no reason why The Bulldogs cannot go 12-2 this season, or maybe 11-3 or even 11-2. I recall you said 10-3 with 3 SEC losses, and agreed with 1 poster that 4 losses is possible, not pessimistic. I can't see 4 losses with only 1 good team on the schedule.

I, too, believe those fans will be more than you can stomach, or to your soon-to-be wife.

Why is it that your blog here always was the last put up - for example you still have not mentioned the Landon Donovan goal in extra time.

A little less on TV shows, I never saw any of the shows ever you wrote about, might be an improvement.

But, Phillies over Georgia an improvement ? Bigger paper, yes; is that a parting shot for a newspaper that you knew that about before you took this great gig. "Good opportunity pass by" I would have had lots of bad feelings about, too, going to cover the Phillies and their fans who have earned their reputation, daily. Let us know what you think their hobby is, please before you leave and later checking in with us please.

Godspeed and best of luck sir. Thank you for the time between now and July 17 too, and your tireless work covering what is the hobby of all of us.

Kathleen said...

I'm sure the last two comments will make it easier to leave!

Landon Donovan... seriously? This is a University of Georgia blog about University of Georgia sports, there's no need to cover every single thing that happens in the world of sports.

:/

Daniel said...

I was saddened to read this when I got to the office this morning. I hope whoever replaces you can infuse their personal touch into the blog like you have for the past year or so that I've been reading.

Good luck in Philly. As a Braves fan I hope you have nothing but negative things to write about of course, but nevertheless, you'll be missed.

The Watch Dawg said...

David, Bulldog nation will miss you immensely. You were the best beat writer we ever had. There was no debate among us that Hale's blog was the one to turn to for UGA news. I've enjoyed reading your articles and blog entries. We're all saddened to see you go, but I wish you luck and success (which I'm sure you'll find) and I want to say thank you for always giving us your best, in providing the beat coverage out there and answering all our pestering emails.

You'll always be an honorary Dawg to us.

Anonymous said...

Yes, better to write HERE about some TV show.

Double Your Dating said...

For your personal and professional accomplishments you have done a great job.

Anonymous said...

I hope when we meet in another life that I get assigned to pull Larry Munson and David Hale chariots for eternity!

Anonymous said...

Kathleen,

We all are awaiting your 1st ever post to this blog that is about UGA football.

Anonymous said...

David - Congratulations on the new job. It was only a matter of time before your tremendous work and tireless approach paid off. The Bulldawg Nation was fortunate to have you for as long as we did.
Don't forget to check out Peaches.

Anonymous said...

NOOOOOOO! I can't believe you're leaving us for the Phillies! This is Braves country man, how can you do this to us?!?! The horror, oh the horror!!! HA!

I'm just kidding man. I wish you the best and I'm really happy for your opportunity with your new job, and getting to go home. I'm sure you'll do great! You're a very fair, objective, and fun writer and I'll certainly miss reading your coverage on our beloved bulldogs.

Thanks for the good times my friend. Nothing last forever, but that’s just life. Good luck with everything you do. I’m sure that a man as talented and fun loving as you will do great!

Anonymous said...

You don't know very much about football, do you Kathleen - seeing as how the whole entire time David Hale was here in The South, you never not 1 time ever wrote a post on the topic of football.

Maybe you can fix that, with the new guy. You know ? Not talk about fashion, or some social post.

Dawgsfan17 said...

Congrats but can't say I am glad you took the job. Don't have to say good luck since I have no doubts you'll be successful.

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