As many BAers know, in the summer of 2016, Dennis Gillette - aka G-Man- suffered a severe stroke.

There haven't been many more passionate Ohio fans than Dennis.

Recently Carl Denbow was in communication with Dennis. And then Carl was in communication with me and provided Dennis' phone number.

A few days ago I called Dennis. We chatted for 30 minutes. He was remarkably candid and detailed about his health situation. He has had some setbacks but also improvement. Still, his doc hasn't cleared him to attend Ohio games. He can watch on TV and does. He is hoping to be able to see an Ohio basketball game or two, and is hoping to resume tailgating in 2018.

Carl and I have hatched the following idea. On Saturday, as the game clock is showing 00:00 and the score is final, we are going to meet on the 50-yard line in the Phillips section. We will have with us a card for fellow BAers to sign. We are hoping you will add your signature.

We might also have a special book - rich with photos of barns or farm houses - if I can find it between now and Saturday, and if I do, Carl will insert the card inside the book.

Right now, I can hear Dennis saying, "Go Bobcats!"

Will Carl or you have the card during the game? Because of commitments with out of town guests, I won't be in the stands at the end of the game but I would love to sign the card.

I hope to be able to get down to sign it but if I can't do it in time, please sign for me.

At a bookstore this morning, I didn't find the kind of book I was looking for. BUT I did find and buy a 2018 calendar with beautiful images of farms.

Inside the plastic wrap, we'll insert a note that reads: To help you keep looking forward to positive things.

Then we'll also insert the card signed by fellow BAers.

Hmmm...You could write a note to that effect and we'll slip it inside the calendar's plastic wrap.

+1

Agreed - a pretty darn good group here, despite some differences once in awhile. I don't know him personally, but I've met him once or twice and corresponded in this space when he was a more regular poster.

Thanks to those who signed the card that wishes Dennis "increased strength" - a perfect selection by Carl's wife Hannah. Signers included my daughter Andrea, Alan, Steve, Ted, oldkatz, Rob and others whose names I'm forgetting.

Sorry to hear this, I hasn’t realized that he had a stroke.

I met him a handful of times back in probably 07, I was at a basketball game pretty early and he was down talking to some people, couldn’t meet a nicer guy.

Hoping the recovery is swift and complete!