Ditka!

Ditka versus dollar spot?

DITKA!

Ditka versus broadleaf weeds?

DITKA!

OK, there's my turf version of the Mike Ditka Saturday Night Live skit.

As you know, Ditka was the guest of BASF at their GIS booth last week. Ditka signed autographs, took photos, answered questions and hammed it up for the crowd. Ditka was so amiable that he showed up early just to chat with the BASF staff working the show in San Diego. Tom Hill, BASF communications manager, told me that eventually they decided they better just start the autograph line, because Ditka's hang-time turned into a giant mob of fans wanting to get some of Ditka's time.

BASF set it up so that a line snaked through the booth. Once you got up to Da Coach, you sat for a photo, a quick autograph and a handshake. Afterwards, Ditka answered questions from the crowd as well as a few that were submitted online. If you had your photo taken with Ditka, click over here  to get your copy of your photo.

Ditka was asked what the difference is between players today and when he was playing. He said players today are less focused on the team, more on themselves. He said that the New Orleans Saints had that team mentality, and that was one of the reasons they were able to win the Super Bowl. Some other Ditka sound bites (and thanks to Chris Higgins and the folks at PSB for their help with Ditka's comments!):

· When asked “what’s on your iPod?” Ditka said he didn't have an iPod... instead, he has Sirius Radio, and most of the time he's tuned in to the Sinatra station or the '50s station.

· Ditka discussed his rule as a coach for the Chicago Bears –- no hair hanging out of the helmet. “Some players didn’t like it, but too bad. We have names and numbers on the back of jerseys for a reason –- and they just want to draw more attention to themselves. Coaches today could enforce these rules but are too afraid because of the players and their big egos.”

·  Ditka’s first contract was for $12,000. Early in his career Ditka took on a second (and sometimes third) job to make more money on the side. “I sold just about every product you can think of,” Ditka said.

· When Ditka worked with the studio to sign-on for the movie "Kicking and Screaming," he said, “I threw out a figure and they agreed right away. I knew I messed up.”

· When asked about his golf game, Ditka said “I knew this would come up. I used to play every day, but now, as you can see I’m an old guy and it’s hard for me to get out there as much.”

I know, I know, I went crazy on the photos and the quotes in this post. I just like it when these guys you watch on TV actually turn out to be... genuine.