From Day One to....

[Plunkett2Ghost]

Hello,
My name is Charlie. I was born in central CA. but moved to Oakland in '56. My father "took a chance" on the AFL "bringing a major sports franchise" in the Bay Area's hated second city. So, the four of us were in the stands (endzone always) on the first game (pre-season) when Houston hammered us 51-0. I remember Babe Parilli, Jack Larscheid, and that's pretty much it for that day outside of it being fairly sunny in SF. We went to the Tropicana every summer Sunday Family day; had polaroids of me and Cotton Davidson, Tom Flores, Art Powell etc. Long gone, as well as real AFL balls we caught after PAT's and FG's in the north endzone of Frank Youell (I'm leaving Candlestick out) in 62. Used the leather balls for street games at St. Leo's on Piedmont Ave.
Anyway, we kept season tickets (tho' lost Dad in '67) 'til Mr. Davis bugged out in 82. Mom became a Raider hater; I couldn't and still can't as when you're exposed to the Black and Silver (if memory serves I think there was a twinge of gold that first years' uniform-wise.) virus, it invades the genetic structure. I used to quip they could play in Bagdhad with Saddam as coach and I'd still remain faithful.
There are too many great players and a handful of truly monumental teams that have taken the fields to mention in this introduction. The most difficult aspect of dealing with the current situation is to see the Bilitnekoffs, the Browns, the Ottos, the Atkinsons, the Plunketts and Flores et al still on the sidelines (not to mention Coach Shell, but that's another subject at another level) where their accomplishments, wisdom, drive and loyalty don't seem to inform or matter to the current roster and organization.
The last season in Youell Field my family sat among maybe 250 other diehards in a monsoon (by the fourth quarter) on the last game of the season . I believe we were 0-13 regular season and the game (I think) was against the Chiefs. I may not, at that time, have believed in Santa anymore, but I knew we would win that game. Anyone who was true and faithful to the Raiders that sad year knew that those men would simply not lose that game. And in the dark wet and windy finish they proved what men they were.
And then began Mr. Davis' time and everyone knows the rest....
My point is simple: different eras don't necessarily mean that the men who play the game must have different talents, goals and attitudes.
But, watching these "Raiders" week after week since Gruden, Gannon and Brown left, has made it clear that this era's demands and distractions have adulterated the "organization" and the architect of Pride and Poise, Commitment to Excellence, words that are just as much ghosts as are those like Stabler, Branch, Hubbard, Tatum, Chester, Caspar...., Mr. Davis will not relent and relinquish his "control" of the progress of the team and organization to anyone with moxie enough to actually re-build the team from scratch if necessary. The loyalty that all Raider folks have towards Mr. Davis is a good thing; the depth of that was brought home at Madden's induction at Canton. But, real Raider voices of loyalty would find a way to get the message across that everyone's time comes and goes, and Mr. Davis needs to annoint HIS successor NOW and then stay off the phone, away from the meetings, away from the cameras and off the field.
This team has a fair measure of individual talents that could be the nucleus of a contending team: Our D-backs, certain LB's and DL's; RB's Lee and Fargas, maybe one of the TE's and a few of the OL's (but don't even utter Gallery's name out loud to me, thanks.) But all this is blah blah blah when I really know that what I saw yesterday and these last few seasons is that these Raiders simply don't have the heart of those guys in the mud in '62 in that last game of a losing season (1-13).
If you've read this so far, thanks. It's not been a ton of fun this year. Nice thing happened at church yesterday: kid walked up to me after Mass and gave me a great Raider Santa Hat, not the cheap Target kind but a very plush and well made hat. Put it on as I stepped out of church, wore it the whole day and felt good that a young kid understood the depths of true fan dedication, even when the team is utterly down and out.

[cheapshotartist]

Great post Son and I feel your pain. I think things will get worst before they get better but I'll still be here when we turn the corner along with the rest of the Raider Nation.

[Plunkett2Ghost]

This is my first venture into a non work-related forum, and since my life is pretty much about God, family, music, da Raiduhs and Mexican viddles then comes everything else,......since the New England snow game heist and the Superbowl loss to Chucky I've been seething inside about how we haven't made any significant adjustments to bring us into 21st century pro ball. Having turned the speed limit my last b-day, I'm soon approaching geezerhood knowingly and realize that in my areas of expertise, I gotta plan to wind down gracefully, let my former students and proteges take over the reins and enjoy giving the new kids a chance for the old what goes around cycle.
I really wish Mr. Davis would come to that realization at season's end.
Peace and out.
C

[ice4444]

welcome to all; great story and Merry Christmas!

[nvraiders]

Welcome to the site!

[Sonic Raider]

Welcome, always great to hear from somebody who has been with the Raiders since the very beginning.

I for one believe that things will be better, all we need is an offensive line & WRs that can actually catach & the Raiders will be competitive at the very least. Our defense has been doing great, they just mailed it in on their last game with the Rams & who can blame them. This season's been a total failure.

[Blackened]

Welcome to the site...

[The Blackness]

Welcome to your NEW home, P2G

[billwilliams70]

Welcome to the site, and way to bring home the intro thread!

Later.

[R8rhoney24]

great intro...Welcome!

[Raidernexx]

great post and welcome!

[OG BAMM BAMM]

welcome aboard

[BK]

welcome to the site! Don't forget to register at http://my.raiderfans.net

[G-MoNeY]

welcome to the spot homie