The 49ers and the
The 49ers Hall of Fame has been established to recognize players, coaches and executives who have made exceptional contributions to the organization.
"As someone who was raised alongside 49ers legends," team president Jed York said in a statement, "I am honored to be announcing the creation of the Edward DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame. This exclusive group will be comprised of those who have made our franchise what it is today."
According to the guidelines established, candidates for induction must have displayed one or more of the following qualifications: "outstanding production and performance on the field, key contributions to the team's success, and/or the embodiment of the spirit and essence of the
The first class of enshrinees consists of those individuals who already have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame or whose jersey numbers have been retired by the 49ers:
John Brodie
Dwight Clark
Fred Dean
Jimmy Johnson
John Henry Johnson
Charlie Krueger
Ronnie Lott
Hugh McElhenny
Joe Montana
Leo Nomellini
Joe Perry
Bob St. Clair
Y.A. Tittle
Bill Walsh
Dave Wilcox
Steve Young
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Following the announcement of the Hall of Fame's inaugural 2009 inductee, the 49ers will enshrine at least two members yearly. The final voting will be conducted by fans on the team website.
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Again, this is a great idea. But why were there so many people who questioned the process? Here some of the issues:
--Tony Morabito did not get his number retired. It should not matter that he is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He should be the first person inducted into the 49ers Hall of Fame.
After all, the 49ers would not be the 49ers without this man, a product of St. Ignatius High.
Longtime fans of the 49ers remind me all the time that the 49ers organization did not begin in 1981 with the first Super Bowl season - or 1979 when Bill Walsh was hired and Joe Montana was drafted.
The 49ers' media guide states, "Tony Morabito dedicated his life to bringing an idea to fruition that others thought preposterous - the membership of the West Coast, in general, and
Before the Giants and Dodgers moved West and before the Rams moved to
Morabito died in 1957 from a heart attack while watching a 49ers game at Kezar Stadium. After learning of the death of their beloved team owner, the 49ers rallied in the second half to defeat the Chicago Bears that day.
--What about Edward DeBartolo Jr.? He was the man at the helm when the 49ers went from laughingstocks to perennial NFL powers. He hired Bill Walsh against the wishes of many people close to him. However, he also was undone by his own misdeeds. He has never been a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, probably because of the way he left the NFL (suspended for a felony). How long before he gets into this Hall?
--Jerry Rice is the greatest receiver of all time. He is generally regarded as one of the best players (period) in the history of the NFL. He has not played for the 49ers since the 2000 season. Although he'll soon be going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, doesn't he deserve to be in that first class of enshrinees?
--John Henry Johnson was a great player, no question. But while he is deserving of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he probably should not be in the 49ers Hall of Fame. He played just three seasons with the 49ers, and was named to one Pro Bowl with the club. Sure, he was part of the famed "Million Dollar Backfield," but he rushed for 1,051 yards total with the 49ers.
--There will be a logjam of worthy inductees. If the fans cast the final votes, the worthy players from the '50s, '60s and '70s and might have to wait even longer. Billy Wilson, Len Eshmont, Abe Woodson, Gene Washington, Bruce Bosley, Cedrick Hardman are among the many who deserve recognition.
--And, of course, there is an endless list from the '80s and '90s: Randy Cross, John Taylor, Roger Craig, Brent Jones, Charles Haley, Keena Turner, Guy McIntyre, Harris Barton, Michael Carter, Dwight Hicks, Merton Hanks, Tim McDonald, Jesse Sapolu . . . we could go on and on. Coaches George Seifert and Bobb McKittrick need to be in there. And what about John McVay and Carmen Policy?
There are plenty of others who are worthy of nominations. But that list should suffice for the next decade of inductions. (Oh, yeah, did I mention Bryant Young?)
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btw..I was at a party (at the PARK in DC) last weekend with Vontae, Cabtree, Delanie Walker and Vernon......celebrating vontae welcome into the nfl.......D.woods the grl from "making the band" was all over V. Davis......cool experience..
I am a little upset that Jerry Rice and Tony Morabito are not on the first list. Guess I'll have to vote next time. Hey oneniner, aren't you upset Alex Smith isn't on the list? I'm just kidding. I had too. : )
Proud to say I'm distantly related to the Morabito Family, my Grandma would never let me forget that. Probably explains why I'm so die-hard about this team.
I thought Jerry Rice had his number retired. Could this possibly be the York's getting back at him for his jab during his farewell speech.
I don't often laugh out loud on this blog, but that was a great slam.
S Young's number was retired this past year. I'll wager that Rice's is retired this year and probably during a game they predict with weak ticket sales.
No John York? No Terry Donahue? This list is a joke!
LOL!
Finalyst - I thought JR's number was already retired too. It's strange he wouldn't be on the list considering his jersey retirement and induction into the Pro FB Hall of Fame are both foregone conclusions. Things that make you go hmmmmmmm...
Valid points MM.
Personally, what's the point of this rhetorical exercise? I guess the PR department is looking for something to do, or Jed Jr. is just putting his personal stamp of recognition within the franchise.
It just causes more questions than answers. Btw, doesn't the Stick already have a ring of honor facade to accomplish this objective?
I was reading this entry and thinking to myself.. what about BY ?
Nice job getting his name in Matt.
Jerry Rice is # 1
This could be the result of a new 28-year old boss attempting to put his stamp on things (such as re-doing their digs in SC).
There is an area where they list retired numbers, the only non-player up there is Walsh. I don't think we can call it a "ring," Hey, wait, I got an idea, how bout a new, bigger stadium where we'd have room for a ring?
So far I am OK with Jed, hopefully these issues that don't affect Sunday don't distract focus.
WTF!!!
No Dexter Carter or Amp Lee!!! LOL
all due respect 2 ed debartolo senior... & yeah he bought his kid a fancy present, a nfl team.... but dayam eddie JUNIOR took real good care of his toy, he polish it up, he feed it well, he respect it, he help there families...
eddie JUNIOR wuz the architect of our yester year greatness... so again all due respect 2 SENIOR, but this HoF oughta be Eddie De Bartolo JUNIOR 49er Hall o Fame, capisci????
(oh & will there be a steve stenstrom wing????)
ANY QUESTIONS????
BILLY WILSON was my favorite player growing up in the East Bay. He was a top 2 or 3 "end" in the 50's. He was Raymond Berry before Berry came into the league. And what about MATT HAZELTINE? A great Niner linebacker from the same era. I think he went to Tamalpias and then onto Cal Berkeley. He made the pro bowl twice and was the 49er captain for most of the latge 50's and into the 60's when all those great hall of famers were on the team. Played 12 or 13 years with SF. A great player in the '60s was DAVID PARKS, wide receiver and sometine tight end. I think he made several pro bowls.
Well Matt,
I guess thanks for answering my post indirectly from your last article. That being said I think this is a great idea & what a problem to have (who should be inducted first) eh? It just goes to show how many great people represented the 49ers since 1946. I welcome the fact that us fans will have a say in who goes into this Hall eventually. Kudos to Jed! You have to give him credit because he IS making an effort to change the enviroment at 4949. I commend him!
All these wonderful names contributed to make the franchise what it was. I am going to be a spoilsport. "exclusive group will be comprised of those who have made our franchise what it is today." are more along the lines of Terry Donahue, Dennis Erickson, Kwame Harris, Rashaun Woods, and John York.
I think the 49erd are going to want to enshrine more than two at least for the first few years so we can get many of the past players that are deserving in there as well.
I would like to take this opportunity to announce the RK in LA 49ers Hall of Fame. The first list of enshrinees will include everyone in the DeBartolo version, plus everyone mentioned in this blog. So, mine is already better! Plus, why wait until a player retires. I'm putting Frank Gore and Patrick Willis in now.
The one person who should included is Tommy Hart. Left side of the defense with Dave Wilcox and Jimmy Johnson
Those were great players, but why should we worry about who goes first? They have received so many awards and applause in their lives. There is time for all. Let the old players go first.
But Matt has it right Tony Morabito was the founder and without him there would be no 49ers
Absolutely! He was the first speed pass rusher in team history; the first in a long line - Cleveland Elam, Cedric Hardeman, Fred Dean, Charles Haley come to mind.. Been lookin' for another since Haley was sent packin'!
Is Joe Cohen still on the team?
I watched the first 49er game in Kezar. So what about Buck Shaw, Frankie Albert, Norm Standley, Bruno Banducci or Visco Gergich. Those were great teams with great players that produced good football that was exciting to watch. I don't know if I spelled the names right, but I sure remember all those great Sundays whatching them play against Otto Graham and Browns, and Sammy Baugh with the Redskins and Crazy Legs Hirch with the Rams.
The problem is that we have very short memories or are to young to remember.
This list was developed by accountants and analysts on order to develop some fanfare with a fanbase who "They" think, apparently, can't make it to Canton to see the same thing...
Come to the worst ballpark in town and take pictures next to all that's left to hold on to.
You've been used to high flying attacks since the Million Dollar Backfield, Ally-Oop and Bill Walsh... and now we present to you:
"The Power Run Game."
Culture is underrated in sports. But then again, let's hope I'm wrong.
Fash 80 for Governor.
T-Mac Secretary of Treasury.
No Jerry Rice with the 1st's? How disrespectfully embarrassing. I think one name that is missing from being mentioned is Eric Wright. One of our best corners of all time.
Debating admission into any HOF is one of the best parts of even having a HOF. Even so, the ommissions from the initial list are glaring. I'm sure the team will rectify the situation.
My favorite 9ers growing up were John Brodie and Gene Washington. I also loved Bill Ring who probably doesn't belong in a HOF but what a gutsy player.
No offense, but I would not have included Dwight Clark or Tittle with the first 16.
Plenty of deserving alternatives, but Bruno Banducci (chosen as part of 1940s All-Decade team in the the NFL 75th anniversay commemorate book) & Billy Wilson (saluted as one of the best not in the HOF when he died earlier this year) are the most glaring omissions.
Why doesn't anyone mention RC Owens? The Alley Oop was as spectacular and exciting a play as I've ever seen in the NFL, especially when the defense knew it was coming and still couldn't do anything about it. He also spent decades working with the 9ers organization and in the SF community.
Found a copy of the fan poll which the 9ers conducted in 1996, selecting the best players in franchise history. "The team prepared an initial list of nominees, then gathered together a nine-member media panel to help refine the nominations. Coaches Bill Walsh & George Seifert then reviewed the work. More than 1.2 million ballots were distributed throughout northern California, Nevada, Oregon and Hawaii."
The muster list had thus been judiciously put together by experts, although some of the "newer" recommendations (RS Dexter Carter?) haven't quite stood the tests of time. All the time, it's a fantastic group of ex-9ers. (The tagged names were presumably the chosen picks.)
GOLDEN ERA (1946-1970)
Ends: Alyn Beals, Bernie Casey, (x) R.C. Owens, Dave Parks, (x) Billy Wilson, (x) Gordy Soltau
Tackles: Al Carabella, (x) Len Rhode, Walter Rock, (x) Bob St. Clair John Wouldenberg
Guards: (x) Bruno Banducci, Elmer Collett, Ted Connolly, (x) Howard Mudd, John Thomas
Centers: (x) Bruce Bosley, Bill Johnson, Frank Morze
Tight Ends: (x) Monty Stickles, Bob Windsor
Quarterbacks: Frankie Albert, (x) John Brodie, (x) Y.A. Tittle
Halfbacks: John David Crow, Len Eshmont, (x) John Henry Johnson (x) Hugh McElhenny, J.D. Smith, John Strzykalski
Fullbacks: (x) Joe Perry, Norm Standlee, Ken Willard
Defensive Ends: (x) Dan Colchico, (x)Ed Henke, Clark Miller, Chaney Powell
Defensive Tackles: Visco Grgich, (x) Charlie Krueger, Roland Lakes, (x) Leo Nomellini, Bob Toneff Linebackers: (x) Hardy Brown, (x) Matt Hazeltine, Marv Matuszak, (x) Dave Wilcox
Defensive Backs: (x) Kermit Alexander, Rex Berry, (x) Jimmy Johnson, Lowell Wagner, Abe Woodson
Safeties: (x) Dave Baker, Jim Cason, Eddie Dove, Dick Moegle (x) Mel Phillips
Return Specialists: Kermit Alexander, Joe Arenas, (x) Hugh McElhenny, Abe Woodson
Kickers: Tommy Davis, (x) Gordy Soltau, Joe Vetrano
Punters: Frankie Albert, (x) Tommy Davis
MODERN ERA (1971-1995)
Receivers: (x) Dwight Clark, (x) Jerry Rice, Freddie Solomon, John Taylor (x) Gene Washington
Tackles: Cas Banaszek, (x) Harris Barton, Keith Fahnhorst, (x) Steve Wallace
Guards: John Ayers, Woody Peoples, (x) Guy McIntyre, (x) Jesse Sapolu
Centers: Forrest Blue, (x) Randy Cross, Fred Quillan
Tight Ends: Russ Francis, (x) Brent Jones, Ted Kwalick, Charle Young
Quarterbacks: Steve DeBerg, (x) Joe Montana, (x) Steve Young
Running Backs: (x) Paul Hofer, (x) Wendell Tyler, Ricky Watters, Delvin Williams
Fullbacks: (x) Roger Craig, Wilbur Jackson, Tom Rathman
Defensive Ends: (x) Dwaine Board, (x) Fred Dean, Charles Haley, Cedrick Hardman, Tommy Hart
Defensive Tackles: (x) Michael Carter, Cleveland Elam, Pierce Holt, (x) Dana Stubblefield
Linebackers: Riki Ellison, Willie Harper, (x) Ken Norton Jr., Frank Nunley (x) Jack Reynolds, (x) Keena Turner, Skip Vanderbundt
Cornerbacks: (x) Eric Davis, Don Griffin, Bruce Taylor, (x) Eric Wright
Safeties: Jeff Fuller, (x) Merton Hanks, Dwight Hicks (x) Ronnie Lott Tim McDonald, Roosevelt Taylor, Carlton Williamson
Return Specialists: (x) Dexter Carter, Ralph McGill, Dana McLemore, Bruce Taylor
Kickers: Mike Cofer, Bruce Gossett, (x) Ray Wersching
Punters: (x) Max Runager, Tom Wittum, Klaus Wilmsmeyer
Question: Is Joe Cohen still on the team?
My response: He's no longer with the 49ers (he's currently on the Dolphins' roster), and I don't think he's a strong candidate for the 49ers Hall of Fame. --Matt M.
Question: Why doesn't anyone mention RC Owens?
My response: Thanks for mentioning him. --Matt M.
And, while we're at it, somebody who definitely deserves to be inducted into the 49ers Hall of Fame is former director of college scout, the late Tony Razzano.
Obviously, Bill Walsh as head coach could not do all of the prep work for a draft. Razzano did all of that and remained in the background. Former scout Neal Dahlen recently said Razzano had Joe Montana rated higher than anybody else with the 49ers in 1979. Razzano played a huge role in the 49ers' success throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. --Matt M.
The process for selecting the initial membership in this HOF does seem somewhat hastily chosen. Having your # retired does seem synonymous with being on a team's HOF.
However, I agree that being in Canton does not necessarily mean that they "made exceptional contributions to" the 49ers. I'm not sure Deion Sanders qualifies in that regard, but I certainly think he belongs in the NFL Hall of Fame.
Perhaps they should do something similar to the MLB and their Veterans Committee selection process. This would allow them to recognize people whose contributions were far enough in the past that they would never be voted in by current day fans.
Love Sr. but it should be Jr.'s Hall of Fame. Bring back Eddie!!
The York family has no business recognizing anyone, if they (Denise) had any respect for Ed Sr. and Jr. for the "storied" franchise, they would give the team to someone who cares about winning and knows WTF they are doing. I can't stand our ownership. BTW I am not only one who thinks they (she) sucks!!
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/05/08/nfl.owners/index.html?eref=T1
That's right #5 of the 5 worst owners in the NFL.
Giving away the 49ers would be harder than putting your first-born up for adoption.
Matt how was your vacation?
Question: Matt how was your vacation?
My response: When I actually follow-through and take one, I'll let you know. --Matt M.
Great info, blitzonic. thanks. Interesting in many areas. Here's one: Randy Cross was apparently selected at center, when in fact, he played mostly at guard for the Niners. Forrest Blue was not selected even though he was named to 4 Pro Bowls (Cross 3) and was twice 1st team all-pro (Cross 0). Blue played on some pretty lousy teams so I guess that is the reason for lack of respect. I would also like to see Ken
Willard get in someday, not necessarily in the first group. He also made 4 pro-bowls and was the team's key offensive performer for several of his 9 years, scoring 62 TD's. Another old-timer who eventually belongs is JD Smith, a 1000 yard rusher when it meant something -12 game schedule. He belongs before JH Johnson, IMO, since Johnson was only here for 3 years.
I vote for the entire first SB team. As a sentimental selection, how about Jeff Fuller? Matt, I remember that Fuller had a job with the 9er office for a period of time after his injury; I don't recall seeing him in some of the celebrations for past players--do you know anything about him today?
Where the hell is JJ Stokes??????? GREATEST. HANDS. EVER.
You should have said "I couldn't stand our ownership UNTIL JED TOOK OVER ".
Anyone still griping about the Niners ownership is just being a "whiner" and living in the past (as that poll was).
"making the band" that is how you spend your tv time?
You no longer have any credibility with me.
You mean he DID have credibility with you BEFORE he said that ?
You have not been paying attention,LOL.
Wasn't '76 a fun year in Ninerdom? Monte Clark's team with Delvin Williams and Wilbur Jackson, the first two backs to have 1,000 yards in the same year, and that D line with Cedric Hardman, Cleveland Elam and Tommy Hart. Nice.
Whatever you say...
oneniner comes up with some provocative stuff sometimes. He brings something to the blog. He is steadfast and seems to have some knowledge. I generally enjoy oneniner posts, weather I agree with them or don't, weather they piss me off or having my eye balls rolling.
The thing about an MTV show and he is knowledgeable about it kind of put it all into perspective for me and oneniner.
Now I don't even think I will read his posts anymore.
What happened with Cleveland Elam? I belong firmly to the "WCO" generation, & thus had just missed out on his heyday. According to NFL records, Elam made All-Pro in his 2nd & 3rd seasons, played one more year for SF, then a final campaign for DET, & was out of the league by the time he turned 28. If the incoming Walsh had purged him, why?