We have spent several posts over the last year touting the research and writing of Finding Frank, a wonderful new book about former AFL star, Frank Buncom. As many of you know, the book was the culmination of a promise made to Buncom’s memory by Chargers ball boy-turned-author, Buzz Ponce, some 40+ years ago. It [...]
Help! My Football Players Need Jobs!!
June 3, 2013 By 3 Comments
As many fans understand, professional football was not always the lucrative career choice that it is today. It is only in recent decades that off-season employment was not a necessity for professional football players. The AFL years were no different, and shortly after receiving their last game check of the season, players quickly assimilated back [...]
Paul Lowe and San Diego Chargers Defeat New York Titans in 1961
May 27, 2013 By 5 Comments
NEW YORK, OCT. 15 – OVERSHOOTS HIS TARGET – Dainard Paulson, 40, New York Titans defensive back, soars past San Diego Chargers halfback Paul Lowe as Lowe carries theball to the Titans five-yard line in the first quarter of the game in New York/s Polo Grounds today. Lowe carried the ball for a gain of [...]
San Diego Chargers Guard Pat Shea Passes Away
May 24, 2013 By 11 Comments
Frank Buncom and His Grandson
May 23, 2013 By 4 Comments
Back in October I was asked by a local news station to meet Frank James Buncom IV, the grandson of the former Chargers and Bengals linebacker, and show him some memorabilia that pertained to his grandfather. It was a wonderful experience to meet this young man, who is upholding his grandfather’s high standards by being [...]
Mark Palczewski – AFL Fan, Collector & Photo Historian
May 10, 2013 By 19 Comments
One of my greatest pleasures in my football dealings is connecting with fellow AFL fans and collectors. I am always interested in hearing how fellow fans connect with the AFL. Some like to collect memorabilia, while others prefer to research the league. I have also met fans who collect AFL videos, make custom AFL McFarlane figurines, [...]
1964-66 San Diego Chargers Ticket Sign
May 8, 2013 By 9 Comments
Several years back, I was able to attend the estate sale of Phil Barile, the Los Angeles and San Diego Chargers first ticket manager. Barile joined the Chargers in 1960, and stayed with the team through the 1979 season. Barile lived in a small retirement community near San Diego State University, and had just moved [...]
Tight End Dave Kocourek Dies of Dementia
April 25, 2013 By 5 Comments
Former Chargers, Dolphins and Raiders tight end, Dave Kocourek, died today after a long battle with dementia. Kocourek, 75, played in more AFL championship games than any other player in history. He totaled seven championship games, five with the Chargers and two with the Raiders. Kocourek’s obituary can be found HERE.
A Hall of Fame Comparison – JOHN HADL
April 24, 2013 By 8 Comments
There is a feeling among AFL fans that the American Football League players are consistently overlooked for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In truth there are many players, the bulk of whose careers were spent in the AFL, that deserve serious consideration, if not outright induction. In an effort to spark some [...]
1965 AFL Championship Game Summary- Bills vs. Chargers
April 17, 2013 By 6 Comments
Well, they say that once you begin to express your grief, you might as well get it all out at once. Yesterday I posted the official game summary for the 1964 AFL Championship in which the Buffalo Bills beat my beloved San Diego Chargers. I figured that I might as well continue with this line of therapy. As [...]
