Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer

Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer, by Warren St. John (2004)

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Warren St. John knows plenty about the fanaticism that surrounds college football in the Deep South. Like millions there, he grew up idolizing the life and career of "Bear" Bryant, even meeting the legendary coach once. His younger years coincided with a period of domination for the Alabama program, fueling his love for his team and the game.

Now a writer in New York, St. John decides to explore the question, "What is it about sports that turns otherwise sane, rational people into raving lunatics?" To answer the question, he takes a leave from his regular work, buys an ailing RV, and spends a season with the most hardcore fans, who comprise the tailgating scene. What he finds surprises even him, at times.

We are introduced to the Reeses, a couple who skipped their daughter's wedding because the date coincided with a game (although they did make it to the reception.) We also meet Don Cole, the Heart Guy, who in spite of being on the list for a heart transplant, defies his doctor's orders to travel to as many games as he can get to.

While the book offers hilarious accounts of many of these characters, these fans are more than crazed caricatures. We really get to know some of them, like Jerral Johnson, the Show Chicken Man. Johnson is a former businessman, who is living a second life with prize chickens and Alabama football as his twin passions. He's recently lost his old football buddy to heart failure.

We also meet John Ed Belvin, the ticket scalper - - er, ticket broker - - who alternately makes a killing and takes a shelling off of playing the Alabama ticket futures game.

Of interest to many in the South will be the time the author spent with sports columnist and radio announcer Paul Finebaum, the quintessential curmudgeon of the Crimson Nation. St. John describes the many precautions Finebaum must take, as he is frequently concerned about his personal safety.

The author straddles two worlds, which makes for an interesting cultural study. But while he references scholarly work on the psychology of crowds, he never loses his everyman focus. He pokes fun at how many of the fans butcher the English language, but he can get away with it as he is a native son.

In large part because St. John is such a skillful writer, this enjoyable book will appeal to fans and non-fans alike. The author has found the universal elements of his subjects and their humanity - - sometimes funny, sometimes disappointing, and occasionally disturbing - - shines through on every page.

Originally reviewed Fall 2004