Blogs

Morning Tailgate: June 20

It’s officially the first day of summer and that means 49ers football is right around the corner. How good does that sound?

Before we can get to training camp (36 days away, but who’s counting?), let’s take a look at the latest 49ers headlines, beginning with the latest from Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, who will analyze each position group on the roster. First up, the quarterbacks.

The tenured 49ers beat writer believes Alex Smith “completely passed the eyeball test as the unquestioned No. 1 quarterback.” Maiocco noted that the eighth-year pro looked more comfortable than any other 49ers quarterback over the offseason. Smith’s performances in two-minute scenarios especially impressed Maiocco.

Another observation from Maiocco worth passing along dealt with Smith’s growth at the position:

“Smith’s accuracy and anticipation seemed to progress throughout the seven week of practices, including the execution of back-shoulder throws.”

More 49ers headlines can be found after the jump.

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Morning Tailgate: June 19

Today’s Morning Tailgate only features headlines regarding the recent passing of Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Famer, R.C. Owens.

The player and 49ers front office member affectionately known as “Oop,” carved out several memorable moments in his life. (Pictured above is Owens’ first ever “Alley Oop” catch against the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 6, 1957). Dan Brown of The San Jose Mercury News recounted some of those stories and also caught up with 49ers historian Donn Sinn for some incredible details on Owens’ 49ers career.

According to Shinn, Owens was one of the first NFL players to challenge free agency. Owens, a dangerous vertical threat at the wide receiver position, also became one of the league’s first players to utilize gloves.

“Owens was also a pioneer in the use of gloves for pass catching during cold weather games,” Brown wrote in a recent post. “This was a practice that he developed during his years while playing for the College of Idaho. 49ers’ coach Howard ‘Red’ Hickey discouraged Owens from the practice of utilizing gloves saying “This is the NFL, son.”

More Owens headlines can be found after the jump.

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Remembering R.C. Owens

The 49ers family lost an all-time great in the team’s rich history on Sunday, as R.C. Owens passed away peacefully at the age of 77.

With his nickname of “Alley Oop” and his infectious smile, Owens was part of the 49ers family for parts of seven decades, dating back to his playing days in the 1950s. A talented athlete who was a three-sport star at the College of Idaho, Owens became a show-stopping NFL wide receiver and enjoyed an eight-year career, including five seasons with the 49ers.

But Owens’ impact with the organization went far beyond the playing field. From 1979-2001, Owens was a key contributor for the franchise, serving various roles including Director of Training Camp and Director of Alumni Relations. It all came full circle in 2011, as Owens and Roger Craig were inducted in to the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., 49ers Hall of Fame.

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Gameday Story: The Innovators

The 49ers celebrated Alumni Weekend in style, beating the New York Giants 27-20 on Sunday while honoring two of the team’s all-time greats at halftime.

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Brodie to be Inducted into AAESHF

Legendary 49ers quarterback John Brodie, one of 11 former 49ers to have his number retired by the organization, is also going to be the recipient of a different distinct honor.

But the longest tenured player in team history (17 seasons with the 49ers) isn’t getting all the attention. He and seven other retired athletes and coaches will be inducted into The African American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame (AAESHF) on Friday, March 19.

The annual Bay Area Induction Ceremony will be held at The Temple on the Hill Theater (Mormon Temple) in Oakland. The event kicks-off with a “VIP Reception with the Stars” starting at 6:00 p.m., followed by a dinner at 7 and the induction ceremony at 8. Serving as the Mistress of Ceremonies is none other than KISS-FM’s and San Francisco Giants public address announcer, Renel.

“This event will allow us to recapture, remember and honor some of the greatest athletes [and community leaders] ever … And help make dreams come true for academic achievers,” said Brodie’s teammate and former 49ers great R. C. Owens. 

Brodie was not only born and raised in the Bay Area, he was an All-American in 1956 following his senior year at Stanford University. Brodie stayed close to home, playing for the 49ers from 1957-73.  He finished his career ranked second in team history with 31,548 passing yards and third with 214 touchdown passes.

Brodie led the 49ers to back-to-back NFC Championship games in 1970 and in 1971. In 1970, he was named league MVP. In 1973, his No. 12 jersey was retired by the 49ers.

Other inductees include:

Pat Winslow Connolly, a three-time track and field Olympian during the 1960s, and the Big South Conference’s 2001 Outdoor Women’s Coach of the Year.

Ben Parks, a high-school coach who has dedicated more than 42 years of his life to challenged high-school students, and who has served as a role model to former professionals including Roger Craig, Eric Davis, Ronnie Lott, Joe Montana, and Jerry Rice. 

Lloyd “Bud” Winter, the former San José State College track and field coach whose relaxation and sprinting techniques have stood the test of time.  Winter coached some of the fastest men in the world, including Ray Norton and Bob Poynter during the 1950s, and 1968 Olympians John Carlos and Tommie Smith.

Honorees include:

Bob Ladouceur guided Concord’s De La Salle High School’s football team to 12-consecutive undefeated seasons, setting a national winning streak record for high school football with 151 consecutive wins between 1992 and 2003. He will receive the Outstanding Coaching Achievement Award.

C.A. Robinson, a former Richmond California Police Officer who founded the Police Activities League (PAL) in the City of Richmond, will receive the Youth Advocate Award. 

Tickets for the event range from $50.00, $100, $125.00 and can be purchased at the African American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame’s website
http://www.afrosportshall.com
.