THIS CONTENT IS COPYWRITED, REDISTRIBUTION OF IT (including copy/pasting it to a message board, forum or bbs) IS PROHIBITED AND COULD RESULT IN LEGAL ACTIONS - feel free to quote up to 1 paragraph providing a source link to http://www.49ersparadise.com is included
San Francisco 49ers (“Great teams’ great years” series) by Creative services, NFL Properties Inc. (first published 1974)
- Review By: Paul Kadwill (London49ers)
Oct 28 2009
The first thing that you notice about this book is that it is unconventional. It is not a traditional biography, more an amalgamation of articles coving a (brief) history of the team, their greatest games, individual interviews with players, front office staff, and statistics. The book is written in a contemporary style from when the articles were conceived, so the language lacks the modern eloquence in sports writing that we have grown accustomed to, but instead is constructed with a more direct, ‘rough around the edges’ charm that is both appealing and nostalgic.
The historical section covers the organisation from its birth, right up until the 1974 season. The writing is balanced, giving insights into on the field activities, as well as the politics involved in running the organisation, the owners relationships with the league and other teams. However, the biography of the team is brief and only concentrates on successful years, with a completely separate section of the book being home to the ‘other years’.
Where this book really comes into its own is in the following two sections: Great games and great men. In ‘great games’ we get to enjoy detailed reports of several of the 49ers finest accomplishments, ranging from our greatest AAFC win over the Browns, the legendary 1953 comeback win over the Rams, the invention of the alley oop pass, and the Shotgun formations finest hour. Each report is detailed in the events of the game, the biggest plays, scoring drives and gives you a real sense of atmosphere within the words. You can feel the tension, the excitement and the sheer joy that was generated in these epic battles, all of which will bring you closer to our team, more appreciative and feeling more involved.
Throughout ‘great men’ one of the most noticeable features is the language and demeanour of the men. All performed different jobs, came from varying backgrounds, but share the same practical ‘lets get this job done’ determination that one could perceive to be testament to their generations, and seemingly lacking in some areas of ours.
Standout interviews include that of Lou Spadia, the office clerk who went to work for the Morabitos from day one of the team, when operations were based in the Morabito lumbar yard in San Francisco. Lou worked his way up from general admin work, ticket selling and being the equipment guy, to ending up becoming president and GM of the organisation.
The Charlie Kreuger interview showcases a man who was the perfect embodiment of his play on the field. Hard nosed, no nonsense and tough. His discussions about the evolution of the game from his rookie year in the 50s, to his retirement in the 70s, shows just how much the game changed, but also what elements still remain today. Then there’s a gem of an interview with Joe ‘The Jet’ Perry, who talks about his loyal relationship with the Morabitos, his experiences as the first black 49er player, the racist instances he experienced from outside the team and how his team, their coaches and owners rallied around him and eachother to overcame such obstacles.
This book, although having its faults and lacking in real biographical depth, is an enjoyable read, having many standout articles that will give the average 49er fan a lot of pleasure. It gives the reader an insight into the team from its very beginnings, the maverick, determined style of the Morabitos and how this filtered through into the teams of the 40s, 50s and beyond. This book goes part of the way in showcasing a team that has been pioneering and exciting from its birth. If you thought offensive ingenuity and explosiveness began with Bill Walsh, then think again...
In my next review I shall be covering ‘the San Francisco 49ers’ by Dan McGuire. First published in 1960 this was the first in depth, detailed biography of the organisation and promises to be another worthy read.
Links:
San Francisco 49ers (“Great teams’ great years” series) by Creative services, NFL Properties Inc. (first published 1974)
- Review By: Paul Kadwill (London49ers)
Oct 28 2009
The first thing that you notice about this book is that it is unconventional. It is not a traditional biography, more an amalgamation of articles coving a (brief) history of the team, their greatest games, individual interviews with players, front office staff, and statistics. The book is written in a contemporary style from when the articles were conceived, so the language lacks the modern eloquence in sports writing that we have grown accustomed to, but instead is constructed with a more direct, ‘rough around the edges’ charm that is both appealing and nostalgic.
The historical section covers the organisation from its birth, right up until the 1974 season. The writing is balanced, giving insights into on the field activities, as well as the politics involved in running the organisation, the owners relationships with the league and other teams. However, the biography of the team is brief and only concentrates on successful years, with a completely separate section of the book being home to the ‘other years’.
Where this book really comes into its own is in the following two sections: Great games and great men. In ‘great games’ we get to enjoy detailed reports of several of the 49ers finest accomplishments, ranging from our greatest AAFC win over the Browns, the legendary 1953 comeback win over the Rams, the invention of the alley oop pass, and the Shotgun formations finest hour. Each report is detailed in the events of the game, the biggest plays, scoring drives and gives you a real sense of atmosphere within the words. You can feel the tension, the excitement and the sheer joy that was generated in these epic battles, all of which will bring you closer to our team, more appreciative and feeling more involved.
Throughout ‘great men’ one of the most noticeable features is the language and demeanour of the men. All performed different jobs, came from varying backgrounds, but share the same practical ‘lets get this job done’ determination that one could perceive to be testament to their generations, and seemingly lacking in some areas of ours.
Standout interviews include that of Lou Spadia, the office clerk who went to work for the Morabitos from day one of the team, when operations were based in the Morabito lumbar yard in San Francisco. Lou worked his way up from general admin work, ticket selling and being the equipment guy, to ending up becoming president and GM of the organisation.
The Charlie Kreuger interview showcases a man who was the perfect embodiment of his play on the field. Hard nosed, no nonsense and tough. His discussions about the evolution of the game from his rookie year in the 50s, to his retirement in the 70s, shows just how much the game changed, but also what elements still remain today. Then there’s a gem of an interview with Joe ‘The Jet’ Perry, who talks about his loyal relationship with the Morabitos, his experiences as the first black 49er player, the racist instances he experienced from outside the team and how his team, their coaches and owners rallied around him and eachother to overcame such obstacles.
This book, although having its faults and lacking in real biographical depth, is an enjoyable read, having many standout articles that will give the average 49er fan a lot of pleasure. It gives the reader an insight into the team from its very beginnings, the maverick, determined style of the Morabitos and how this filtered through into the teams of the 40s, 50s and beyond. This book goes part of the way in showcasing a team that has been pioneering and exciting from its birth. If you thought offensive ingenuity and explosiveness began with Bill Walsh, then think again...
In my next review I shall be covering ‘the San Francisco 49ers’ by Dan McGuire. First published in 1960 this was the first in depth, detailed biography of the organisation and promises to be another worthy read.
Links:
Menu
XJoin Us
X
Click the colored image of the level to subscribe now:
Black - $3/month
Includes:
- Account Authorization
- Ad Removal
- Ability to read posts and topics
- Ability to read exclusive content
Red - $6/month
Includes:
- Account Authorization
- Ad Removal
- Ability to read posts and topics
- Ability to read exclusive content
- Ability to reply to posts/topics/exclusive content Gold - $10/month
Includes:
- Account Authorization
- Ad Removal
- Ability to read posts and topics
- Ability to read exclusive content
- Ability to reply to posts/topics/exclusive content
- Ability to start new topics
Thank you for your support of 49ers Paradise. Please remember that 49ers Paradise is offered on an "as is" basis. We make no guarantee of 100% access and recognize that there may be times when the site is down, or inaccessible. We strive to keep the site running on as reliable a basis as possible but will not issue refunds or transfers of membership under any circumstances. Donations may still be required to support the site. Topics or posts may be deleted or moderated at our discretion. Accounts may be banned at our discretion, you are encouraged to read the forum rules before posting.
Petition for free membership
To cancel you regular monthly payments click the appropriate link below:
End Subscription
Black - $3/month
Includes:
- Account Authorization
- Ad Removal
- Ability to read posts and topics
- Ability to read exclusive content
Red - $6/month
Includes:
- Account Authorization
- Ad Removal
- Ability to read posts and topics
- Ability to read exclusive content
- Ability to reply to posts/topics/exclusive content Gold - $10/month
Includes:
- Account Authorization
- Ad Removal
- Ability to read posts and topics
- Ability to read exclusive content
- Ability to reply to posts/topics/exclusive content
- Ability to start new topics
Thank you for your support of 49ers Paradise. Please remember that 49ers Paradise is offered on an "as is" basis. We make no guarantee of 100% access and recognize that there may be times when the site is down, or inaccessible. We strive to keep the site running on as reliable a basis as possible but will not issue refunds or transfers of membership under any circumstances. Donations may still be required to support the site. Topics or posts may be deleted or moderated at our discretion. Accounts may be banned at our discretion, you are encouraged to read the forum rules before posting.
Petition for free membership
To cancel you regular monthly payments click the appropriate link below:
End Subscription