N.Y. Football Giants Beat Chicago Bears 47-7
On 12/30/1956
In Front Of 56,836 Fans On Yankee Stadium Frozen Field !!! 55 Years Later In 2011 !! Another Attempt At Making Something Rhyme-Can It Be Done ?
NFL Championship Game
December 30, 1956
Yankee Stadium , New York-56,836
Chicago Bears 0 7 0 0-7
New York 13 21 6 7-47
Also look at : 11/12/2010 S.F. Giants Winning 1 st World Series since 1954 and 10/5/2010 BELOVED Brooklyn Dodgers winning 1 st World Series 55 years later after 7 tries on 10/4/1955 at 3:43 P.M.
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My beloved Brooklyn from 1890-1926 Superbas, 1927-31 Robins( not named for a bird but for president- manager Wilbert Robinson-manager 1930-31-ask fans if they know that for fun) and then Dodgers in 1932 won their 1 st World Series title after 7 tries as I idolized them 55 years later in 2010 on this same field in front of 62,465 on 10/4 as Dodger fans ROARED !!! What a delight as emotions soared !!! Especially as a Brooklyn born kid of 10 as we were no longer called the Bums but Champions of the World as I write with a grin with left arm and fore fingers under my chin from upstairs perch in easy chair with feet up on a stool looking back on those days of praise for my teams that are as glorious as the sun that comes into my loft as I am deep in thought !!!
But my Giants victory was special in their 1 st season at the House that Ruth built noted later as the Yanks were the Original A.L. Baltimore Orioles from 1901-1902( as guess who was a catcher in Wilbert Robertson ?) ,stayed as Highlanders till 1912 then the Yankees from then on and as I recalled hero’s of the past that will remain in my soul to behold and treasured like owning gold. The field was frozen and just like the 12/9/1934 Championship game against these same “ da” Bears, the Giants used sneakers instead of cleats-wasn’t that neat in front of 35,059 as they won at the Polo Grounds 30-13. Prior to the 56 game, coach 6’ 6 “ Lonoke,AR born 9/27/1914-1/4/1995 former NY Giant 1937-1942. How many know that he served as a marine company commander in the South Pacific then back to Giants 1946-1947 Jim Lee Howell sends two of his players out on the concrete like field to test the footing as the one who wears the football shoes falls as the basketball sneaker remains as the rest of history is told ?
It was NY’s 4 th title to “ da’ Bears who owned 7 as I was in heaven as a kid and now have replica reversible jackets with Dodgers 1955 and Football Giants 1956 on the backs with inside score and stadium facts as they are tattered and torn but still worn !!! Showing off my pride of my roots in mother’s Norwegian side that settled Brooklyn in 1890’s and dad’s French Protestant Huguenot family that settled Brooklyn too in mid 1650’s, isn’t it nifty ? Even wear winter jackets that are good for 40 below that retain moisture and snow of 1928, 33,40 and 90 Stanley Cup N.Y. Rangers as well as still leader at 17 N.B.A. tiles in Boston Celtics who won their 1 st of still highest in 17 on 4/13/1957 as I was once again in heaven as the ball rolled off the rim in 125-123 double overtime win !!!
At 2:40 of the 1 st quarter Mel Triplett drove 17 yards for the 1 st score as he was set up as Gene Filipski ran back the opening kick off 53 yards to the Chicago 38 and 4 plays later Mel went over for the score wearing # 33 which is a trivia question few seldom know as born 4/16/1947 in Lew Alcindor later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took to U.C.L.A. to play in 1965 as he honored his # of boyhood hero Mel, wasn’t that swell. But in reality could that # 33 have come from my 1/21/1912-8/7/2002 dad who was on his own at age 14 during depressing times yet found a way to survive with pride. While his parent’s were divorcing he stayed with a family friend and daughter as working during the day and went to school at night yet played on the team as Dutch duBois in a story never told in honor of a man “ with heart of gold “ As he was then found wandering the streets of Brooklyn by the Rev. George Aus of the Norwegian Bay Ridge located church, got into Scouting where he would later meet his Nordic mate in a marriage that would last 62 years-isn’t that great !!! And can still feel a glow as my dad re-connected at our wedding with his beloved Rev. friend, whom he had not seen since the late 40’s, what glory or perhaps like sport memories or stories that will never end ?
But with a half time score of 34-7 score convinced quite a few fans to leave the frigid stadium for the warmth of their homes as even 3 rd string Bobby Clatterbuck got in the last 8 minutes( 1954-1957 then 1960 L.A,. moved to San Diego in 1961) with a total of 15 games).as he got a chance to play. Did that make his day ?
Who were the players on that team,? How many do you know or say SO WHAT if it doesn’t affect or interest you , boo who !!! The NFL Record Manual for 1957 as a result of my question years ago that was printed in the Sporting News lists the following as offensive starters for the Giants : ends, Kyle Rote and Ken MacAfee,tackles, Roosevelt Brown and Dick Yelvingston,;guards Bill Austin and Jack Stroud; center Ray Wietecha;, quarterback, Don Heinrich,; halfbacks Frank Gifford and Alex Webster; fullback Mel Tripplett.
Unfortunately, the piece doesn’t list the actual positions played by the other men who saw action in the game which is a shame, but those listed as substitutes(which included defensive regulars ) were: defensive ends, Jim Katcavage, Andy Robustelli and Walt Yowarsky: defensive tackles, Rosey Grier and Dick Modzelewski: linebackers, Sam Huff, Cliff Livington, Harland Svare and Bill Svoboda; defensive backs , Emlen Tunnell, Ed Hughes, Dick Nolan, Jimmy Patton and Henry Moore; offensive end Bob Schnelker; offensive guards, Jerry Huth and Ray Beck; quarterback , Charles Conerly and Bobby Clatterbuck; halfback Gene Fillipski and kicker, Ben Agajanian and punter Bob Chandler. Yes, all of this does not rhyme and not a crime. Yet, should be defined as giving credit to those who played where SPORTS salaries had not yet reached the sky and players could relate to those workers in the 50’s where their ego’s did not explode as now FREE agents show no loyalty for less pay as some say go ahead and leave TODAY !! Look as well as to how many on that team coached, managed, served on college, pro teams or perhaps you might recognize others from the movies/T.V. , broadcasting booth of # 16 my idol then of boyhood dreams.
What were the stats of highlights gathered from 1997 Pro Football Encyclopedia and The Football Encyclopedia of 1994 that ended with records of 1993 that sit with baseball, football, basketball, hockey books within reach of an arm “ who has selected listening “ who can’t remember what my angelic/adorable mate of 42 years said an hour ago or reports of grandson’s every in daily contact activity but can recall where I was on a certain sports day. Selective men’s listening skills as my adorable/always angelic mate still says “ I am a pill “ where I once slipped on the ice on snow shoes a few years ago as X-Rays showed no breaks as I was then called a pain in the hip ? When you meet people ask if they remember a family event or date, anniversary of meeting significant other/married mate and then you might hear a pause but go back to a sporting event and one’s face will light up with a smile and a date ? On 12/14/2011 I wore my 1955 Brooklyn Dodger jacket-instead of 1956 Giants one to the Mall of America a 10 minute drive where the 1961 Minnesota Vikings and Twins used to play at the old Met outside in elements as frigid as the Giant game as they then moved inside in 1982 to the Metrodome on a fake hard like artificial field with fold up seats taking away the outside factors where I want to cry. What has this to do with the 1956 Giants as it merely tells of weather conditions and feeling winter that is here to stay ? Met a fellow with a NY Ranger cap. A Williamsburg , Brooklyn native as we had a chance to chat . What a delight. We talked sports. And for those that “ don’t unda standa “ as a oncea Ny’r always a Ny’r , Hillary Clinton is not a Ny’r ., whenever a native or or former Ny’r meets despite though never heard, it is like attending a family reunion as we “ still retain, “ speaka da same language “ that will never go away-something to treasure in so many ways. From Budapest, Vienna, Frankfurt, Munch. Paris, Prague, Amsterdam , Oslo, Salzburg, on all our travels NY’rs talk sports as we treat each others like brudders, memories to treasure and smother. From Key West to Anchorage, San Diego to Portland, Me. that accent can be hoid whether on a cog railroad going to the summit of the Matterhorn or walking a beach on the Island of Kauai, a NY’re can identify with his own kind that others do not understand .Isn’t that grand !!!
Take some time to look back upon the past and what might bring a smile like that of child open presents at Christmas time. Ask anyone whether young or old to see if they recall certain events even sports where they can connect to stop, pause and reflect ? Such as my dad taking me to 1 st pro game on 12/14/1958 as my Giants won on a 49 yard field goal by Pat Summerall in a blazing blizzard where I was so cold. We were behind home plate and could hardly see the field with exception of the ball crossing the uprights as shouts and cheers deadened our ears . Unofficial start of the modern era of pro football as some might say as it lead to T.V. coverage and great P.R. for the NFL, isn’t that swell !! . My gentle giant role model who was built like a stevedore helped me get autographs while waiting to leave in front of Giants locker room exit which was unexpected yet filled with glee. Mostly defensive players such as Clarksville,Mn born Swede Svare and adored Andy Robustelli but included N.Y.C. Mayor Wagner which was an extra treat thanks to my dad, as I was so glad.
Google NY Giants 12/30/1956 vs. Chicago Bears and you can GET all the stats from various resources which still amaze me as I look back on that day and say that my team won on a field that had so sun. Google and put in a persons name and see what will come up-as I am still in awe as the technology is available by the touching on computer keys as one can see something about a life that might have had an effect on history .Or at least in the Giants win something to share with grandson’s about this game where sneakers instead of cleats played a part in the outcome of the score . But forgotten in this mix perhaps was guess who were some assistant coaches in Brooklyn born Vince Lombaridi later of Packer fame and retired born 9/11/1924 who was in the military and left after playing with 1949 with NY A.A.F.C.teams and from 1950-55 with Giants Tom Landry of Dallas Cowboy for 29 years as he won 2 Super Bowls just like Vince were both responsible for aiding in this victory which still creates a lasting memory ? Or did their experience help both obtain greatness in later Super Bowl wins by being GIANTS as I smile from upstairs perch living memories of the past-what a BLAST !!!
When you Google a name be sure to see about one served in the military which is sometimes not mentioned in playing facts such as born in Clarksdale, Miss, Giant quarterback Charlie Conerly who served in the South Pacific as a Marine and was in the Battle of Guam. Look at data even of former 1938 Minneapolis Miller, Red Sox Ted Williams who was in WWII and Korea missing 5 years of playing time. Somehow if the writers of bio’s and those who print Sports playing time could add those lines, wouldn’t that be FINE ? could mention military service in honor of those who chose were drafted, to preserve our freedoms that we take for granted that you don’t see. Certainly a victory yet seldom recorded in sports of former times-isn’t that divine ?
I still carry that I laminated reduced to small print in wallet of the 1956 Giants win and players as well as Pat’s kick in a blinding snow storm rather than “ blazing blizzard “ as described that I used from selling computer products over the phone from 1983-2009 as a reminder of the 50’s/60’s past that is thought of every day, what more can I say ? What a time to grow up when sports were played without domes, artificial turf, on real grass and smoke filled arenas where one could purchase a ticket with a student I.D. to see the NY Rangers play at the old Madison Square Garden for 50 cents on a Sunday night. OH !! What a delight !!! Or watch T.V. without commercials demanding a time out break as games became longer for revenue stakes ? And now even a disgrace as players/managers are interviewed during the game, oh !! what a shame.
Take the time as well to share other memories with “ especially youngsters’ like my grandson’s as I attended my 1 st college football game in 1957 where Utah’s Lee Grosscup passed for what has “ always been perceived from memory as over 400 yards “ but in ACTUALITY 316 against Army at West Point in 33-39 loss. Or on 9/12/1964 as I took neighbor Lorraine Buehler to 1 st game at Shea where a once 45 minute drive took us to get in $ 5.00 seats some 10 rows from top of stadium on 50 yard line early into 2 nd quarter which was just fine as the “ unexpected 45,665 “ as we parked far away as others parked along side Cross Island Expressway and climbed the fence. Still excited as we saw the event as in saved ticket stub of Sec. 35, Row T, seat 17. To securing seats from the once sold N.Y. Mets for the 1987 World Series of Twins vs. Cards as I split up at work and went to game 2 with mate and oldest kid or though never have attended a regular Minnesota Viking game purchased 1992 Super Bowl tickets at the Metrodome from the N.F.L. at $ 150 each-good grief !!!
Hail hail my 1956 Giants on 12/30/1956 as a reminder of the time ago as 55 years goes so fast ! like driving a 132 M.P.H. on German Autobahn this April where gas was $ 10 U.S. a gallon but still a thrill ! Like that of can’t believing that we are not old enough to have a 40 year old daughter as it was YESTERDAY that I held our 1 st born on 10/29/1971 in my arms with glee, Oh !!! How it was a MOMENT TO BE !!
Look back on sports of yesterday now that the web can give you info at your finger tips and the screen will come to life-isn’t that nice ? Ask those around this Brooklyn born, raised in Glen Head, L.I. some 27 ½ miles from the Giant win like me was fortunate to live in the 50’s and 60’s-for tickets were tickets could be purchased at a reasonable price for those that were thrifty.. Where padded posts were placed right on the goal line, football fields configured in different ways to fit into baseball parks with sight lines obscured. Look back at the stadiums you have been like taking family once to Boston’s Fenway Park. A reminder of keeping the 1912 now modified somewhat unique structure still alive and the loudness of a vibrant crowd !!!
In conversation with folks ask them to recall some sports days of yores from their past such as a church member hooking up an antenna set between 2 trees to a car battery as he listened to the Packers on his home made radio in the 1930’s when they won Championships in 36 and 39 as the NFL went to a playoff in 1932 as “da Bears “ played for the title inside Chicago Stadium where dirt was placed as the field was 80 yards long since cold and snow forced it inside-my oh my !!! If you EVER speaka to a native Naw Yorker, though lived in Minnesota which I knew at age 5 , since 1968 from influence as a result of stories where church and family members who attended Norwegian schools or me during my 4 year college stint in Iowa would hitch-hike here on college breaks to visit with relatives and later best man , a year stop in Des Moines, who still has Brooklyn Dodgers around one car license plate, with a “ Dump the DH “ bumper sticker on one car that shows the 4/6/1973 scar of a batter subbing for a pitcher and only used in A.L. during the season and home parks in inter league play or World Series which is dreary . Plus other,” Pull out the rug-play ball on real turf”. Ask them about this game where my Giants played in sneakers as they adjusted to the field conditions 55 years ago as my mind still has a glow especially living in Minneapolis that still does not have snow !!!
Retired !!! Collecting Social Security and Medicare
“ Man From The North Pole “ view from upstairs perch ,
Minneapolis 55407
a mile N of Lake Nokomis with different set of eyes. Before and after 5 mile EVERYDAY walk.
Former 336 pints(42 gallon) blood donor. Ended 7/7/2008 Chronic Lymphocyte Leukemia caught early. Whole blood from 5/1970-9/1997, then a double unit of platelets from 12/1997 every 2 weeks-delayed 7 times from eye surgeries. Lost over 25 lbs by walking 5 vs. 3 miles EVERY DAY from 7/7/2010-now below 185.
Driven in all 50 states/49 twice( WIFE HAS BEEN IN ALL 50 TWICE) since marriage of angelic/adorable mate on 4/26/1969 ( 3 Alaska 1995/1999-drove 8811 miles in 20 days in May of 2004) (2 via Norway)(6 via Germany since 1999-total of 13 countries). 4/4-4/19/2011 ,flew into Paris for 3 nights then out of Frankfurt. Finally got a rental that could go 132 M.P.H. as well as re-climbing as in 12/2004, 530’ tallest steeple in Europe of 768 steeps 30 ‘ wide plus 9/14-9/25, 4044 mile trek back to only 9 th visit to S.E. Utah and adding # 39 of hiked in 58 of National Parks in S.E. Colorado. Wife has taken 8 tours since 1999-Israel/Egypt/Greece/Italy/Croatia, Danube River. Even both daughter’s to Italy-youngest on 2 others. Youngest and wife have had a FANTASTIC 11/2-11/14 to Israel and Petra, Jordan. Climbed all 800 steps…
