Whoa..Came upon this old LBB pic as The Original PAW Flagman

Jun 22, 2022, 4:20 PM

E82FE01D-1CBB-4E14-9F9C-FC249047F4C3.jpeg(335.0 K)

(^ Punch Onto Orange Print Above To See Pic).

which was an informal name AD Bob Bradley gave to me since I had purchased one of the 1st 3' x 5' Orange Cotton PAW Flags sold by Johnny Batson Co in Greenville..

and which was attached to a 2-piece 6' long aluminum pole and I waved at nearly every home, away & bowl game from 1977-1992 (15 years) before retiring it..

and had it stolen by UVa students for 15 minutes in Charlottesville near Jefferson's Rotunda Building until I pleaded with anger with their Fraternity head..

and again had it surprisingly yanked from my hand at the 1979 Notre Dame game played there (a win and had my 9 year old Son by my side who almost cried & went to sit with couple behind him)..

by another student who was knocked down with the flag in his hands at end of aisle by my yelling at Tiger Fans to stop him..

at which time I got on top of him while he laid on his back slightly hurt on the aisle steps and I showed him a warning balled-up fist b/4 letting him up to run off which got scores of Clemson people to yell loudly..

and then I straightened out the bent aluminum pole, put it together and then held the Flag up high to show we were back in business again.

That ordeal caused a small tear & some blood on it which still remains today along with a mud spot from being dropped from the old end-zone bleachers onto the ground at UGa during that huge 1982 national championship "rematch" that we lost.

Earlier I had top row seats on upper side deck but stupidly waved the flag b/4 start of game and ice came down on me to jeers from Dawg Fans..and ushers came and gave me 2 choices..fold up the PAW Flag or go down to sit in the public seating bleachers in the end zone.

Yep, I left and walked a million steps to get away from that angry mob!! Ha..

It was a thrill to carry that PAW banner to hundreds of games but it entailed a lot of effort, planning, carrying on airplanes, washing it lightly & ironing, etc..hence the retirement.

Got it out to wave (without pole) in 2017 at the ACCG with Miami "Gold Chain" Canes and which my Clemson Grad Son WILL did the honors.

The above pic is at Maryland around 1989 or 90 and my GF#1 ("PeeWee") is to my right or your left.

Oh, if you've noticed during the ESPN Gameday telecasts that show our huge PAW Flag on really tall poles being waved continuously for hours and heard me defend what these Clemson Alumni are doing..

then you could appreciate the fact they have gotten into position hour or two b/4 Gameday..fought for that territory for best camera views..maybe even had an altercation or two with rival flag bearers..

and had held and waved that heavy (maybe 20') tall pole endlessly with no pottie break, or possible relief, or drink, etc. And, being strong in your arms, shoulders & back doesn't hurt!!

So, my cap is off to them 110% but wish the Clemson Alumni Club over this task would put the better known PAW Flag on top of pole for better viewing.

Go TiGERS!

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Whoa..Came upon this old LBB pic as The Original PAW Flagman

Dang, now we know where Harry Caray got them glasses!

Re: Whoa..Came upon this old LBB pic as The Original PAW Flagman

Re: Whoa..Came upon this old LBB pic as The Original PAW Flagman

Awesome pic, LbB…

You're the one on the left right?***

Right, left…

Re: Whoa..Came upon this old LBB pic as The Original PAW Flagman

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