49ers

There are great times noted in the past. One of those great teams in the San Francisco 49ers. They have made history and are known as one of the type franchises in the history of the NFL. The 49ers are considered a dynasty to the media and fans. The 49ers are respected greatly for their Super Bowl achievements.

It all started in 1946 when the San Francisco 49ers first began their franchise. In 1950 is when the moved to the National Football League. They earned their name from the gold miners who surged in San Francisco, in 1849, in search for gold so they could start a new life. Their first owner, Anthony J. Morabito, who was from the University of Santa Clara alumnus, had a dream of bringing a football team to the west. He had been moderately successful in the lumber hauling business. To make this happen, Anthony was put in touch with Arch Ward, an editor of the Chicago Tribune. Mr. Ward is credited with the All-American Conference, which was first held in October 1944. Anthony, after a long talk and negotiating with Mr. Ward, was granted a franchise with help from his younger brother, Victor, and partners in his lumbering business, Allen E. Sorrell, and E. J. Turre ("Niner's history" www.49ersparadise.com).

In Morabito's first year he signed many famous and talented people such as Frankie Albert, Joe Vetrano, and Alyn Beals. With Lawerecneh T. (Buck) Shaw as the head coach, the 49ers slowly but surely won continuously, as they tried to get a spot in the National Football League. In their first four years in the ACC, the 49ers finished second behind the talent- packed Cleveland Browns. Finally, in 1950, fans celebrated for the entry of the 49ers into the NFL. They joined great teams such as the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Colts ("Niner's history" www.49ersparadise.com).

As soon as they got in, it seemed, they were making changes to make them a top contender in the league. Joined by Y.A. Tittle, and shared quarterback Frankie Albert, the 49ers missed the Conference Finals by half game. From then on they were in the race for the prize except in the years 1955, 1956, and 1958. Just as everything looked like it would turn out great, a tragic event happened that scared players and fans for life. During a game on October 27, 1957, Tony Morabito died of a heart attack. He was at the hospital watching the 49ers play the Chicago Bears at Kezar Stadium. Prior to this fatality, Tony had been using help to live due to coronary occlusion. Doctors said he should quit the 49ers for the stress was a main cause, but Tony refused because the team was his life and he had nothing else to live for. During the game, the 49ers were down 17-7, when they were informed of Tony's death. They dedicated their play to him and they rallied back to a 21-17 upset victory. It was one of the most heartwarming comebacks ever performed. Control of the club was passed to his widow Josepine and to Victor, his brother ("Niner's history" www.49ersparadise.com).

After the control of the team switched, many changes occurred. The first change was that the 49ers got a logo on their helmet. The first logo was a prospector firing two pistols ("History of the San Francisco 49ers" www.digital-xl.com). Many changes also occurred with the teams set up. Fans have been thrilled by performances by the "Million Dollar Backfield." It is also because of the quarterbacking wizardry of John Brodie in the 60's. Y.A. Tittle named his passes "cliffhanger" and "Alley-Oop" which both contributed to great plays. But a team is nothing without its defense, and the 49ers had that with great plays from the defensive head coach Jimmy Johnson in the 70's. He later joined with the Dallas Cowboys and became their head coach ("49ers History" www.sf49ers.com).

With big changes like this the stadium, in 1971, was moved from Kezar Stadium to Candlestick Park. The stadium was named this in reference to the location of the stadium of Candlestick Point. The first game played there was October 10, 1971 versus the Los Angeles Rams (now known as the Saint Louis Rams). The field had natural grass and could seat up to 70,207 people ("49ers History" www.sf49ers.com).

A new spark began in the late 70's by the purchasing of Eddie DeBartolo Jr., an Ohio businessman. DeBartolo hired the Stanford head coach, Bill Walsh. They were the builders of the professional sport's most winning franchise over the next 15 years. DeBartolo wanted to build a winning franchise that operates with class and dignity. He provided emotional and financial support for the players and coaches. He was Chief Executive Officer of the 49ers from its acquisition until 1997. Under his leadership the 49ers were named "Team of the 80's" when they won four Super Bowl titles. Their dominance extended, becoming the only NFL team to win ten or more games for sixteen consecutive seasons (1983- 1998). Since 1981, 49ers have won 13 division titles, 5 conference titles, and 5 Super Bowls. They were the first team to ever win five Super Bowls. Dallas followed them later and they are the only two teams ever to accomplish this goal. They won the Super Bowl in 1982 (Super Bowl XVI), 1984 (Super Bowl XIX), 1988 (Super Bowl XXIII), 1989 (Super Bowl XXIV), and in 1994 (Super Bowl XXIX). Only Super Bowl XVI rings in most people's mind because of the famous "The Catch ("49ers History" www.sf49ers.com)."

"The Catch" was one of the most famous plays in playoff history. The date was January 10, 1982. It was the 1982 NFC Championship game between the 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys. San Francisco 49ers took the