Frankie Watch: Our Man is on the Move

Major League Soccer held their "re-entry" draft which sounds more like something NASA would do, but whatever. MLS veterans released from their clubs have a chance to get drafted by other clubs and negotiate career-saving contracts. Players like Juan Pablo Angel, Jeff Cunningham and, one, FRANIE HEJDUK were chosen by new clubs. Hejduk was released by the Columbus Crew, among others, at the conclusion of the playoffs.

Originally Mr. "Future FBM Spokesperson" was selected by another Midwestern hell-hole, Sporting Kansas City, but after some wheeling-and-dealing the Free Beer Captain landed in Los Angeles with former USMNT coach, and Frankie career-maker, Bruce Arena.

MLS must have arranged some sort of "lifetime achievement award" for Hejduk for the former National Teamer. An avid surfer Hejduk now gets to set up shop near the beaches of SoCal.

Surfers... keep an eye out for this guy hittin' the waves with a brew in hand.

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New Feature - Hejduk Watch: Week of July 5th, 2010

(Editor's Note: We've laid pretty low on this for a while, but we're re-doubling our efforts to recruit Columbus Crew defender and "former" USMNTer Frankie Hejduk as the spokesperson for the Free Beer Movement. Why, you ask? Read our post, "The Case for Frankie Hejduk" and there will be no doubt in our mind that Frankie "Hair-cut" is the right man for the job.

How do we attract Mr. Hejduk to such a high-profile job? Well... we had a guy sitting outside his house, but the cops keep on picking him up for trespassing. So instead we're going to digitally stalk him and follow his heroics week-in-and-week-out.)

This was a bad week for our cult hero and Free Beer Movement spokesperson hopeful, Frankie Hejduk. The Crew can rejoice in their 2-1 win over their Eastern Conference rivals, the Chicago Fire, but ol' Frankie was on the wrong end of the Fire's sole goal in the contest.

Our Frankie Rating: out of surfboards

While we usually wear our rose-colored glasses when it comes to Frankie an own-goal is tough to stomach. We're comforted that it didn't cost his side three points, but Hejduk has gotta stay sharp if he wants that call up back to the National Team.

United States Soccer National Team Status:

Included in the 40-man player pool for the USMNT. Did not feature in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. As of press time, no phone calls from Coach Bob Bradley.

About Frankie:

Read his Major League Soccer profile.

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Signing Our Frankie Hejduk for FBM Spokesperson Petition Is the Equivalent to Being a Signer to the Declaration of Independence

Dear FBM Members and Visitors,

When we launched (in some sense, re-launched) the Free Beer Movement in mid-2009 we wanted to use our website to promote the idea that free beer can help promote the sport of soccer in the United States. Having just crossed into 2010, we can easily say that the FBM is having a great impact on the American soccer landscape. We have received stories and photos from soccer supporters and new fans around the country talking about how free beer has been a tremendous ally and a unique way in recruiting new soccer fans.

Our site exists to promote this idea and have some beer-and-soccer-related fun in the process. At the top of our list of goals for 2010 is the continued desire to land the "Free Beer Captain," Mr. Frankie Hejduk as the official spokesperson of the Free Beer Movement.

We've laid out our "Case for Frankie Hejduk" in a previous post, so we won't re-hash that, but in 2010 we want to land more support and more signatures for our drive to "Recruit Frankie". With Frankie's international career possibly coming to a close (he was not included in coach Bob Bradley's January MLS camp and future opportunities look slim) he's going to need a new way to move American soccer forward.

In comes the Free Beer Movement with our offer.

We're asking for your support in a number of ways to make this dream a possibility in 2010. We'll do our part by penning a letter to Mr. Hejduk and his people, but we'd like to have hundreds of signatures on our online petition to deliver as well.

How can you help our drive to recruit Frankie Hejduk, he of beer-slamming fame, as the official Free Beer Movement spokesperson? There are three ways:

Easiest Way:

Sign the "Frankie Hejduk for FBM Spokesperson Petition". Do it now... we'll wait for you to come back.



Easy-Medium Way:

Join the Free Beer Movement's "Recruit Frankie" Facebook page. And/or the "Free Beer Movement" Facebook page if you haven't yet.

Medium Way:

Place the Free Beer Movement and/or "Recruit Frankie" crest/post on your site to show your support for our cause.

Hard Way:

Travel to Columbus, Ohio and await arrive of Mr. Hejduk at Crew Stadium. Camp out for months if necessary. Create massive posters declaring the FBM's desire to have Hejduk as our spokesperson. Out-run security as the attempt to prevent you from loitering on private property. Meet Frankie. Don't flub lines. Don't accept rejection. Accept rejection. Hope that arrest doesn't permanently stain record. Success!

Thank you for your efforts on behalf of the Free Beer Movement. Having Frankie Hejduk as the face of the FBM will only help in promoting our greatest cause, finding a legitimate excuse for why we get so drunk at soccer games.

Sincerely,
The Free Beer Movement

Frankie Claus Celebrates Boxing Day

USMNT fringe player Frankie Hekjudk tries to get in the holiday spirit with a Boxing Day gift for Coach Sweatpants.

Hejduk: Hey Coach Bradley... I got you a gift. Think you could put my name on the list for January camp?

Beasley: Hey, Frankie... think you could add my name to the gift tag?

If Frankie's hijinks don't work then its a good thing you signed on to our campaign to give him a career beyond his USMNT glory days. Add your name to the "Recruit Frankie Hejduk for Free Beer Movement Spokesperson" petition.

Frankie Hejduk is the Third Best Player on the US Men's National Team

So says this video:



Listen to that crowd when Frankie scores the first time.

So why not celebrate Frankie's third place finish by signing our "Frankie Hejduk for FBM Spokesperson" petition.

News Watch: US National Team Names Roster for Slovakia Friendly and FRANKIE is On Board!!!

USMNT Coach Bob Bradley announced his squad for Saturday's upcoming international friendly against World Cup qualifiers, Slovakia. The game is at 9am CT on Fox Soccer Channel.

Major League Soccer is represented well, although missing heavy hitters Landon Donovan, Stu Holden, and Brian Ching because their clubs are still competing for the MLS Cup in the playoffs. More important that all of that COMBINED is the inclusion of one very special man:

Mr. Frankie Hejduk!!!!!!!

Look at that intensity, that focus, that hair!

Frankie, despite some up and down play in the MLS playoffs is going to get another solid look from Bradley heading into the crucial run up to the 2010 World Cup. The FBM is keeping their collective fingers crossed that coach sees the value in keeping veteran leadership around in the squad for South Africa.

We had hoped that Mr. Hejduk would give us a call immediately after the Columbus Crew's tough loss to Real Salt Lake in the playoffs, but we understand that the healing process is a long one. Now with his Eurotrip book it looks like our "Recruit Frankie" drive has a little more time to collect signatures. Your's could be next!!!

We'll announce our own details for where the FBM is going to be on game day later this week.

On The Verge of Greatness... Free Beer Match Day Four: US National Team Edition

Dunno, if this place is ready for us.

The Free Beer Movement is off to our nation's capital (Washington DC if you forgot) to attend the US Men's National Soccer team's final World Cup qualifying game against Costa Rica. While the boys in the red, white, and blue booked their ticket to South Africa last Saturday there's all to play for still tomorrow night at RFK Stadium.

For the US its bragging rights, the Americans want to finish at the top of the CONCACAF standing for the second straight time and continue to prove they are still top dog in the region. Costa Rica is still fighting for their spot in next year's global competition. A win will see them punch their ticket where a loss, combined with a Honduras win will see them make the long trip to face South American opposition for the last spot in the Cup.

As per our mission statement, we're dragging along some soccer newbies to share our love of the sport and the suds. This will be the FBM's first Nats game in a few years so there's no need to get us up for the game, but for a few it will be their first chance to see our boys (and hopefully, Frankie Hejduk!).

We'll be partying it up with soccer fans and newbies alike, along with the Nats supporter group, The American Outlaws. Check out all of there info on their site about where the pre-game, during game, and post-game bashes will take place.

Follow us on Twitter and/or join our Facebook group and follow all the action!

Frankie Hejduk Continues to Lead as the "Free Beer Captain"

In what is old news (remember.. we told you we're not a "news" site), the United States National Soccer Team clinched a berth to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with their stunning 3-2 victory over Honduras in San Pedro Sula (run-on sentence there!).

Here's a team picture of the guys celebrating that momentous event. Smiles all around, of course, but pay particular attention to one Mr. Frankie Hejduk.

Yes, on the right. Hanging over Landon.



My, my... what's that in his hand? But of course! A beer. Anybody else enjoying the suds? Maybe, but who else, but the "Free Beer Captain" would carry the bottle into the team picture!

He's clearly in top shape to assume his role as our Free Beer Spokesperson.

Sign the petition!

He's Baaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

This news is at least a day old, but that's not important because we're not a breaking news site... or for that matter any sort of news site. We'll be honest, if you're coming here for news then you need to find a new website.

Anyways... the point is: FRANKIE HEJDUK IS BACK IN THE NATIONAL TEAM! The only thing we have to say is its about time! Everyone knows our well-publicized (love affair) fandom of Mr. Hejduk so we're pleased as punch to see USMNT coach Bob Bradley come to his senses.

A little excited to be back in Nats action.

Despite victories in the last two matches the Nats seemed to miss their fearless "Free Beer Captain" and his wavy locks. Now we're sure that other so-called "analysts" and "experts" would point to other things as to what caused such underwhelming displays, but we'll throw a wink, wink, nudge, nudge in the direction of Frankie.

With the crucial qualifiers upcoming in Honduras and against Costa Rica in Washington DC (we'll be there!!!), Hejduk's veteran presence will prove invaluable. Even if our surfer dude doesn't make the pitch his vibes ought to propel the "red, white, and blue" to South Africa in 2010.

Even though Frankie's going to be busy the rest of the week we hope that you'll take the time to sign our petition to make him our official spokesperson when his national team duty is over.

"Recruit Frankie" Petition and E-mail Campaign Kicks Off Today!

Dear Free Beer Movers and Fans,

Today, the Movement kicks off its drive to "Recruit Frankie" to convince USMNT player and Columbus Crew captain Frankie Hejduk to become our official spokesperson. Please read our post "The Case for Frankie" for further information as to why we seek Mr. Hejduk to join our Righteous cause.

Such a monumental undertaking cannot be done alone. We need need your help.

Please help us by doing the following:

1) Sign our online petition. We will eventually present this to Mr. Hejduk and Mr. Mitchell (see option #2) as evidence of the desire for Frankie to join us.

2) E-mail Shawn Mitchell, Columbus Crew beat reporter for the Columbus Dispatch with the following text:

"Dear Mr. Mitchell,

Next time you speak with Mr. Frankie Hejduk, please ask him about the Free Beer Movement and their campaign to "Recruit Frankie" to become their official spokesperson. Have Mr. Hejduk get in touch with the FBM by e-mailing them at: freebeermovement@gmail.com.

Thank you for your help,

_____________ (your name here)"

3) Put our "campaign poster" on your site:

Let us know in the comments section, you've sent an e-mail to Mr. Mitchell or signed the petition so we can keep track of our supporters' numbers. Thanks for all your efforts!

Join the Movement! Recruit Frankie!

"Recruit Frankie" Tracker

We're still waiting by the phone to hear from Frankie Hejduk about our offer to join the Free Beer Movement as our spokesperson (waiting....), but until the call comes in and we can begin negotiating a contract (we'll start at $0 and all the beer you can drink) we'll just follow his on-field exploits.

US National Team coach Bob Bradley didn't call up Frankie for this past week's crucial qualifiers against El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobogo and one could say it looked like the squad missed some veteran leadership to light the fire underneath the boys. Six points in two matches, but something was missing from the matches. Obviously, the Frankie factor.

Despite the squad snub, Frankie is still contributing to his Columbus side, right? Well, the Columbus Dispatch worries about Hejduk's age in a recent article asking whether the 36 year-old still has enough gas in his tank. Hejduk has missed 14 of the Crew's 23 matches to injury or USMNT duty. The article questions both Frankie's and designated player Guillermo Barros Schelotto's fitness and age, but mostly trashes their team's captain in the article. A bit of a low blow, we say, for someone who gave so much to the team last year and continue to do so when fully fit.

Side note: No mention of the Free Beer Movement's drive in the Dispatch article (yet).

In other Frankie news, a thread was started on Big Soccer (probably the sport's biggest web presence) about Mr. Hejduk and our quest to land him as our spokesperson. Looks like we have some strong support from Crew fans for his next big time gig.

At post time the FBM was still frantically checking their e-mail for the 100th time today to see if Frankie wrote back, but to no avail thus far. We'll still keep pushing though, but we need your help.

Don't forget, if you want to join in our quest to "Recruit Frankie," place our poster on your site and link back to the FBM:

The Case for Frankie Hejduk, Free Beer Movement Spokesperson

Frankie likes soccer. We like soccer. Frankie likes beer. We like beer. Frankie has flowing locks. We have...er.... hair, too.

Frankie Hejduk is one of the most celebrated National Team players in recent times. He's not poster boy Landon Donovan with dozens of goals to his name and he's not up and coming like man-child Jozy Altidore. Hejduk just shows up every day, clocks in, and does what he does.

FIFA recently wrote an article on Frankie calling him a "working class hero" and we at FBM (who aren't particularly good at writing) probably couldn't think of better words to describe the 84-times capped Nat player.

Since 1996 Frankie has been a figure in the U.S. National Team and despite numerous injures, several failed sojourns throughout Europe, he remains, at 34, a major contributor to the American cause. As recently as the 2-2 tie away in El Salvador Hejduk's 20 minutes in the match was full of inspired play as he literally dragged the U.S. from the brink of disaster.

The intrepid defender launched a cross which Altidore headed home to close the gap to 1-2 and then late in the game Hejduk nearly ran over Altidore in a goal-mouth scramble to secure his seventh Nats goal, tie the game, and save the U.S. blushes.

Hejduk's steadfast commitment to the national cause (he took a slap in the face from a Mexican assistant coach in February!) and his domestic leadership as captain of the defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew ("The Football Pub" would have wanted me to say that.) has solidified the Free Beer Movement's opinion that Frankie is destined for even more greatness (even the British press think he's great!).

His true greatness lies in another mission, one more exciting than ever before, and that is to assume a new cause; that of the Free Beer Movement.

Frankie is the model soccer and beer lover. Drafted in the inaugural MLS Draft back in 1996 and having played in almost 100 National Team matches makes Frankie the ultimate American soccer warrior. Additionally, as mentioned in a previous post, his commitment to beer is second to none.

Frankie Hejduk is not only the model member of the Free Beer Movement, but he is the perfect spokesperson for the FBM. No one, other than, Mr. Hejduk is in a better position to preach of the greatness of American soccer.

That's why today, on the eve of the U.S. National Team's World Cup qualifying match against El Salvador, we're launching the "Recruit Frankie" drive on the Free Beer Movement. In essence we want Frankie to be the public face of the Free Beer Movement.

If you like to join us in asking Frankie to speak for the FBM take this icon and put in on your blog, your Facebook page, where ever.



Right now we're not exactly sure how to go about contacting Frankie directly (if anyone knows anything please send an e-mail), but here are a few indirect ways:

1)Send a request to Frankie Hejduk through his agent, NOPAC Talent.


2) Write to Frankie Hejduk at the Columbus Crew:

Administration Offices
Attn: Frankie Hejduk
Columbus Crew Stadium
One Black & Gold Blvd.
Columbus,OH 43211

3) Any other suggestions? Please e-mail us at: freebeermovement@gmail.com

No matter what... let's "Recruit Frankie"!

Frankie Hejduk.... FBM Spokesperson?

Matthew over at "The Shin Guardian" pointed us in the direction of this video. It's Frankie Hejduk slamming a beer with Columbus Crew supporters before a match.

It just leaves me with one simple question: Frankie, will you be our spokesperson?



The Free Beer Movement is looking to recruit Frankie as our chief spokesperson. Clearly he's a beer lover and no one is questioning his commitment to American soccer (Remember.. he got slapped by that Mexican assistant coach after the Columbus qualifier?)

On the week of the World Cup qualifier against El Salvador (which sadly Frankie will not be apart of) we at the FBM think it is appropriate to approach Mr. Hejduk to take on this position.

The Free Beer Movement needs a visable, beer drinking, American soccer-loving face. We have chosen Mr. Hejduk. FBM members will you join us in recruiting him?