Legendary Bulldog visits to promote book

Vince Dooley doesn't anticipate much debate over his choice for the top play in University of Georgia football history.

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The longtime Bulldogs football coach and athletic director let slip which chapter would highlight his latest book, Dooley's Playbook -- the 34 Most Memorable Plays in Georgia Football History , which he will promote at a book signing today at Academy Sports & Outdoors in Evans.

Lindsay Scott's touchdown catch to beat Florida in 1980 kept alive the Bulldogs' national championship season and lived on in Larry Munson's famous radio call ("Run, Lindsay, Run.")

"I think if you sat down with most of the Georgia fans, they would probably have a difference of opinion of which is No. 2 or the third most memorable or the fourth most memorable," Dooley said in a phone interview. "But I think that the greatest majority of them would all agree that the No. 1 most memorable play is Buck Belue to Lindsay Scott."

Dooley said his career as an author was the result of memories collected in 25 years as Georgia's coach and an interest in history -- he earned a masters degree in the subject in 1963.

In addition to his latest book, Dooley has co-written a biography and has written children's books for Mascot Publishing.

In his latest work, the number of plays in the title is a nod to Georgia running back and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker, who wore No. 34, and who is pictured alongside Dooley in an illustration on the book's cover.

Dooley said the book also includes a chapter of plays that didn't make the cut, and a chapter dedicated to kickers.

Dooley has traveled throughout the state to promote his book and said he has had more time to devote to events in recent years.

He expects to be in town Thursday and Friday for the first two rounds of the Masters Tournament and is friends with Augusta National chairman Billy Payne, who wrote the forward to Dooley's new book.

The book signing is another of many similar events Academy Sports has played host to in recent months. Atlanta Braves players and coaches visited this year, and the store has been the base site for numerous bass tournaments.

"We get good exposure," store director Ken Fehrenbach said. "People come here and have a lot of fun. This is just part of it."

Fehrenbach said Dooley would likely be set up inside the entrance to the store, and he will be able to sign his books and one personal item per fan.

Dooley will be on site 3:30-6:30 p.m. today and his books will be available to purchase and have signed.