The Minneapolis/St Paul franchise pulled out of the AFL, paving the way for a new city. Oakland, Atlanta, and Miami were said to be the primary cities in the running.

Los Angeles Chargers owner Barron Hilton said the AFL would probably award the franchise in the next three weeks. In an evening session, the Oakland City Council approved a resolution showing their approval of the city’s pursuing a team and authorized mayor Clifford Rishell to create a “Citizens’ Action Committee” to that end.

City council member Don Mulford, who was a leading representative of a group called the Oakland Boosters, traveled to Los Angeles to meet with Barron Hilton and Frank Leahy to discuss stadium concerns.

Oakland mayor Clifford Rishell, California state assemblyman Don Mulford, and members of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce met to prepare for tomorrow’s meeting with Barron Hilton and other Chargers officials. Hilton said Oakland was “almost a unanimous choice” for the last AFL franchise. He also said a decision wouldn’t come until at least the 21st, when the league had its next meeting. Prospective ownership groups would be required to post $25,000 in earnest money. Robert Lurie, a San Francisco-based prospective owner, said he’d prefer that a team be based in that city rather than Oakland. Robert Osborne, an Oakland city council member and area industrialist, said a group made up of “prominent East Bay citizens” headed by insurance magnate George Jacopetti was also interested in backing a team.

Oakland civic leaders, including Mayor Rishell and assemblyman Don Mulford met with Barron Hilton and Frank Leahy of the Los Angeles Chargers to strategize about getting a team for Oakland. Robert Lurie, member of a wealthy San Francisco family, and Ted Harrer, an Oakland industrialist, were the leading contenders to finance a team. Oakland city council member and businessman Robert Osborne and insurance magnate George Jacopetti were also trying to put together a group.

The city of Hayward said they were looking into a plan to build a stadium there, though there weren’t many specifics at this point.

Frank Leahy of the Los Angeles Chargers said the league’s other seven teams would surrender some of their players to a pool from which a new franchise could make selections.

Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Miami were all said to be farther along in their planning than Oakland.

Both the Atlanta and Miami factions were reputed to have posted the $25,000 application fee already, while the Oakland effort was bogging down in contradictory requirements among the principals.

Oakland industrialist Ted Harrer said he wouldn’t be interested in a team unless it played in Oakland right off the bat, while wealthy San Franciscan Robert Lurie said he wouldn’t invest in a team unless it began play in Candlestick Park.

Oakland mayor Clifford Rishell spoke with Glenn Seaborg, a chancellor with the University of California, and was told that the use of Memorial Stadium in Berkeley was a matter best taken up with school president Clark Kerr, who was currently in South Africa.

The city of Oakland had approved a measure to put a $15 million bond issue on the ballot in June to pay for the construction of a stadium.

Jack Rector, an auto dealer on the San Francisco Peninsula, had said he was interested in investing in a Bay Area franchise.

Francis Dunn, Chair of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, suggested that a racetrack at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton could be used as a temporary home for an East Bay team.

Scotty Stirling, in the Tribune, reported that a new and so far, unnamed, group representing San Francisco had thrown their hat in the ring for an AFL franchise.

A group of unnamed people interested in getting an AFL team for Hayward met today to discuss plans. Yet another unidentified group of investors was reportedly joining the fray to land an AFL team for the Bay Area. Insurance man George Jacopetti revealed the existence of the group, consisting of possibly 10 to 12 people, but he apparently wasn’t one of them. The group wanted to represent Oakland, but was apparently okay with the team playing in San Francisco on a temporary basis.

The picture cleared somewhat as it appeared that a group led by Oakland industrialist Ted Harrer was putting together a consortium of up to 20 people to finance a team that would play in the East Bay from the start. Harrer was confident that he could work out a deal with the University of California to use their stadium for the 1960 season. His goal in putting together the consortium was to raise $500,000 to cover the initial costs of running a team, but that none of the money was to be used for stadium construction.

Miami was eliminated from the running for an AFL franchise.

Ted Harrer had reportedly relented on his requirement that a team he invested in would have to play in the East Bay immediately.

Still another group, anonymous for now, had come upon the scene and had conferred with Barron Hilton about applying for a franchise. According to Hilton, the new group was ready to pony up the $25,000 application fee and would countenance playing in San Francisco on a temporary basis, if necessary.

The AFL said the signing rights to the players drafted by the Minneapolis/St. Paul franchise last fall would be transferred to the new team.

Barron Hilton met with two members of the new, still unidentified group looking to land an AFL franchise, to discuss finances.

The members of the latest group to show interest in landing a team were auto dealers Bill Jackson and Ed Goldie, with former Stanford great Ernie Nevers rumored to be their choice for general manager. The group was said to have at least ten other members who were prepared to provide financial backing. Barron Hilton and Oakland mayor Clifford Rishell were looking into whether Ted Harrer's group could be merged with the Jackson/Goldie group.

The investment group headed by Bill Jackson and Ed Goldie posted a $25,000 application fee with the AFL. Their group met with representatives of the Ted Harrer group to explore a merger, but the talks failed over the inability to select a group leader.

The University of California told Oakland officials that Memorial Stadium would not be available for use by a professional football team.

A third investment group, headed by construction magnates Chet Soda and Charles Harney and Oakland city council member Robert Osborne, announced their interest in pursuing an AFL team.

San Francisco mayor George Christopher expressed concern over the advisability of hosting a second professional football team at a local stadium while acknowledging that the decision was not in his hands.

Ted Harrer announced that his investment group would not attend the AFL’s expansion meeting on the 26th. Both the Robert Osborne/Chet Soda group and the Bill Jackson/Ed Goldie group indicated they would appear before the league owners in Dallas.

The Oakland group led by Chet Soda and Robert Osborne and an Atlanta group led by businessman Jack Clay made their pitches to the AFL. No decision was made because the league received late word that a San Francisco group led by George McKeon and Bernard Hagen had requested a hearing, too. Wayne Valley, an East Bay land developer, was also in Dallas as part of the Soda/Osborne group.

Bill Jackson of the Jackson/Ed Goldie group was in Dallas, but did not make a presentation.

The George McKeon/Bernard Hagen group representing San Francisco made their presentation to the AFL owners.

Bill Jackson announced that his group had withdrawn their application for a franchise.

Scotty Stirling of the Tribune identified other members of the Chet Soda/Robert Osborne, Wayne Valley group: contractor Charles Harney, restaurateur Harvey Binns, stockbroker and former Olympic gold-medalist coxswain Don Blessing, and developers Art Beckett and Ed McGah.

AFL commissioner Joe Foss said the San Francisco bid for a franchise was “definitely out.”

An unofficial report out of Dallas said that initial voting among AFL owners leaned toward Atlanta with a 6-1 margin. The league’s bylaws required unanimous approval to enact a decision.

After a month of intrigue and speculation, and the near-certainty that the franchise would go to Atlanta, the American Football League awarded a franchise to Oakland, replacing the abandoned Minneapolis/St Paul franchise. Most sources gave Chargers owner Barron Hilton the lion's share of the credit for persuading his fellow owners to choose Oakland. Of the eight men who pooled their resources to provide financial support for the team, five of them were land developers or contractors: Ed McGah, Art Beckett, Charles Harney, Chet Soda, and Wayne Valley. Stockbroker Don Blessing was part of the group and had achieved the most fame of the group in the sporting world as the gold medal-winning coxswain in rowing eights at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam. Robert Osborne, the owner of a manufacturing firm was also an Oakland City Council member and rounding out the group was restaurateur Harvey Binns.

They had no coaches, no players, and no idea where they might play their games, but they had a team. The AFL said the signing rights to college players drafted by the Minneapolis/St Paul team would be transferred to Oakland, but other AFL teams had already signed some of them in the interim and it was anyone's guess how that mess might be cleaned up.

Franchise awarded by AFL

Art Beckett
Harvey Binns
Don Blessing
Charles Harney
Ed McGah
Robert Osborne
Chet Soda
Wayne Valley

Signing rights assigned by AFL

CJ Alexander HB Southeastern Louisiana (signed by Edmonton, Jan 6)
Jim Andreotti C Northwestern
Pervis Atkins HB New Mexico State
Al Bansavage OL USC
Maxie Baughan C Georgia Tech (signed by the Eagles, Jan 15)
Walter Beach HB Central Michigan
George Blanch HB Texas (signed by the Oilers sometime in January)
Clord Boyette OL Texas Southern (signed by the Oilers sometime in January)
Willie Boykin T Michigan State (signed by the Oilers sometime in January)
George Boynton HB East Texas State
Johnny Brewer E Mississippi
Carmen Cavalli DE Richmond (signed by the Bills sometime in January)
Jim Chastain OL Michigan State (signed by Dallas (AFL), Jan 7)
Fran Curci QB Miami FL (signed by Dallas (AFL), Jan 21)
Carroll Dale E Virginia Tech
Purcell Daniels FB Pepperdine (signed by the Oilers sometime in January)
Don Deskins T Michigan
Leon Dombrowski OL Delaware
Dan Edgington E Florida (signed by Boston sometime in January)
Howard Evans C Houston
Ken Fitch T Kansas
Dale Hackbart QB Wisconsin
Fred Hageman C Kansas
Abner Haynes HB North Texas State (signed by Dallas, Dec 31, 1959, after his rights were traded to them by Minneapolis/St Paul)
Bill Herron E Georgia (signed by the Redskins, Jan 6)
Vin Hogan HB Boston College
Bob Hogue OL Shepherd
Bob Jarus HB Purdue
Earl Kohlhaas G Penn State
Bobby Lackey QB Texas (signed by the Steelers, Jan 11)
Gerald Lambert OL Texas A&I
Neil MacLean FB Wake Forest
Sam McCord QB East Texas State (signed by Minneapolis/St Paul before team's demise, then signed by Oilers sometime in January)
Rich Mostardi HB Kent State
Larry Muff E St Benedict's
Don Norton E Iowa (signed by the Chargers, Jan 12)
Jim O'Brien T Boston College (signed by the Lions, Jan 12)
Jim Otto C Miami FL
Bob Parker OL East Texas State (signed by the Oilers sometime in January)
Charles Pollard E Rice
Tony Polychronis OL Utah
Billy Roland G Georgia (signed by the Redskins, Jan 6)
Dan Sheehan OL Tennessee-Chattanooga
Ray Smith FB UCLA (signed by Saskatchewan, Jan 28)
Wade Smith HB North Carolina
Jerry Stalcup G Wisconsin (signed by the Rams, Jan 2)
Howard Turley E Louisville
John Wilcox T Oregon (signed by the Eagles, Jan 21)
Jim Williams OL North Carolina
Al Witcher E Baylor
Jim Woodard OL Lamar (signed by the Oilers sometime in January)
Silas Woods HB Marquette
Mike Wright T Minnesota

Locals excited. Hilton praised. Foss explains choice. San Francisco says stadiums are available. Osborne says team “great thing for Oakland and the East Bay”. Also says football team must be run by “football men.” 49ers non-committal. Kapp interested, but Soda says team needs to hire “right man to do the talking” first. Former 49er Paul Lowe says he's interested, too. Other teams to provide players. McGah says owners “are pretty loose with a buck.” Soda says none of the owners need team “to make a living.” Binns says team “greatest thing ever to happen to Oakland.” Valley says now they need to find a place to play and hire someone to run the team. McGah says he owns property in Hayward that team could use. Owners issue formal press release. Ward reports his discussions with Soda.

Oakland Tribune

“Man in Street Surprised, Enthusiastic,” Herb Michelson, 1
“Oakland Wins Pro Football Franchise,” Scotty Stirling, 1
“Kapp Interested in QB Job Here,” Ed Schoenfeld, 57
“Owners Expect Costly Fight,” Jack Gallagher, 57
“Knowland Hails Grid Team Here,” 57
“Owners Enthused by AFL Franchise,” 57
“Other Clubs Help Stock Local Team,” 57
“Voters May Get Bid for Playing Site,” 57
“Moment of Triumph,” photo, 57
“Quality of Play Determines Gate,” Wally Willis, 63
“Dramatic Victory for Local Men,” Alan Ward, 63
“Eastbay Citizens Urged to Support Stadium Committee,” 63
“Pro Football Figures,” photo, 63

San Francisco Chronicle

“Who's Got Time to Yawn?,” Art Rosenbaum, p29
“Price Not a Factor in the AFL,” Darrell Wilson, p29
“Oakland Starts Hunt for Players,” Bob Stevens, p29
“Erdelatz 'Interested',” p29
“Oakland Backed by $30 Million”, p30

San Francisco Examiner

“Oakland Lands AFL Team,” Don Selby, p41
“SF Mayor Not Elated Over News,” p41

Boston Globe

“AFL Gives Franchise to Oakland,” UPI, 61

Boston Herald

“Boston Pros to Reveal More Signed Players,” 44
“AFL Gives Eighth Spot to Oakland,” AP, 44

Boston Sunday Advertiser

“19 Proposed Sites Studied by Hub Pros,” 31
“Complete,” photo, 33
“AFL Invites Oakland In,” AP, 33
“Commissioner Foss, Kefauver Agree,” UPI, 33

Buffalo Courier-Express

“American Loop Picks Oakland as 8th Team, AP, 2-C

Dallas Morning News

“AFL Accepts Oakland, Prepares for Battle,” Walter Robertson, 2-1
“Has Someone Gotta Go? Fans Like Texans, But…,” Sam Blair, 2-1
“Pro Teams to Measure the Bigness of Big D,” Charles Burton, 2-2
“New AFL Owners,” photo, 2-4

Denver Post

“Oakland Gets 8th AFL Berth,” AP, 1B
“Sports Diary,” Harry Farrar, 3B
“The 2nd Guess,” Jack Carberry, 4B
“Pro Grid Leagues' Tiff 'Private' War,” AP, 6B

Houston Chronicle

“AFL Tags Oakland, Awaits Battle,” AP, 4-1
“Foss Agrees with Estes,” UPI, 4-1
“Atlanta Grid Boss Disappointed, but 'We're Not Going to Quit Now,'”, UPI, 4-1
“Finish Grid War Looms,” AP, 4-3
“Why American League Loop Is Opening Earlier,” 4-6

Houston Post

“AFL Fills Out with Oakland,” AP, 5-1
“Post Time,” Clark Nealon, 5-2
“Pro Football Prepares for War, and the Battle Will Be in Texas,” AP, 5-3
“Oakland Fans Enthusiastic, but AFL Team 'Better Win,'” AP, 5-3
“Problems Are Many in New Grid League,” Jack Gallagher, 5-3

Los Angeles Examiner

“The War in Dallas,” Melvin Durslag, 2-1
“Oakland in AFL Loop,” UPI, 2-1

Los Angeles Times

“AFL Selects Oakland as Eighth Franchise,” AP, 3-1
”'All Chargers Need Is Winner and We're Set' Says Hilton,“ Jeane Hoffman, 3-9
“49ers Owner Clams Up Over New Franchise,” UPI, 3-9

New York Sunday News

“AFL Awards Its Eighth Franchise to Oakland,” UPI, 110

New York Post

“AFL Wants Peace, But…,” AP, 34
“Atlanta Slated for AFL Spot,” AP, 36

Chet Soda was elected board chair by his fellow owners.

New owners start planning. Osborne calls all speculation about possible hirings “ridiculous.” Giants owner Horace Stoneham says team is welcome to play at Candlestick. SF mayor George Christopher worries about cost. Haywood has thoughts on everything from coach to team song. Sullivan pens uncharacteristically laudatory piece about team leaders.

Oakland Tribune

“Oakland Pro Team Sets First Meeting,” Scotty Stirling, 37
“Erdelatz Tabbed for Oakland Job,” Ray Haywood, 37
“Making Plans,” photo, 39

San Francisco Chronicle

“Brass Meets Today,” Darrell Wilson, p33
“Kapp 'Interested',” Al Moss, p33
“Oakland Bought Team on Phone,” Art Rosenbaum, p33

San Francisco Examiner

“Hilton Threat Clinched AFL Spot for Oakland,” Prescott Sullivan, 4-1
“Oakland Sets Search for GM,” Smiley Farkas, 4-1
“AFL Primed for Grid War,” Harold V Ratliff, 4-5

Pols happy. Newly-elected board chair Soda says GM choice all-important. Local architect says “Candlestick is ideal for football.” Contra Costa County says, “play here!” Sullivan shares random thoughts about players, coaches, and nicknames.

Concord Transcript

“Contra Costa Stadium Site Proposed,” 1

Oakland Tribune

“Solons Voice Joy at Pro Grid Future,” 4
“Experts to Aid Local Grid Club,” Scotty Stirling, 33
“Canadians, AFL to Honor Other's Pacts,” AP, 33
“Statistics Show Bank Top Fielder,” 38
“Contra Costa Bidding for Stadium,” 41

San Francisco Chronicle

“How to Get a Job for Eddie Erdelatz,” Charles McCabe, 23
“Daddy Is Ready for the Villains,” Art Rosenbaum, 29
“Soda Is Oakland AFL Chairman,” 29

San Francisco Examiner

“Snare Drummer Leads Rush for Oakland Jobs,” Prescott Sullivan, 4-1
“Oakland Speeds Plans,” Don Selby, 4-1
“First Meeting,” photo, 4-2

Santa Cruz Sentinel

“Sports in the West,” 11

Everybody in the state but Cal wants the team to play in Berkeley. Osborne says he plans to petition the governor to intervene on the team's behalf. Haywood says the whole town is excited about the new team, including his barber. More stadium chatter. Sullivan has personnel suggestions.

Oakland Tribune

“State Senate Urges UC to OK Pro Play,” 1
“Local Fans Eager to See AFL Club,” Ray Haywood, 41

San Francisco Chronicle

“Cal Stadium Asked for AFL,” Howard Carr
“Who's Gonna Pay for the Goalposts?”, Charles McCabe, 29
“Oakland Can Use a Pappy Waldorf,” Bill Leiser, 40

San Francisco Examiner

“Hustle Guy Joe Arenas Bids for Oakland Job,” Prescott Sullivan, 4-1
“Cal Pressured to 'Host' Pros,” Don Selby, 4-1

Santa Rosa Press Democrat

“New Pitch for UC's Football Plant Made,” 26

City of Oakland pursues stadium plan. Stirling says team has hired former USF AD to help with personnel search, though Soda later denies report. Haywood accuses Cal of being mean. State government weighs in. Hayes hired.

Oakland Tribune

“Amendment to Charter on April Ballot,” 21
“State Senate Also Urges Use of UC Stadium by Oakland Team,” 22
“Cal Needs Good Neighbor Policy,” Ray Haywood, 49
“Pro Grid Club Picks First Official,” Scotty Stirling, 49
“Resolution on UC Stadium Use Held Up,” 49

San Francisco Chronicle

“Most Fans Like Two-Way Football,” Bill Leiser, 40
“UC Urged to Host Oakland AFL Contests, 41

San Francisco Examiner

“Senate Urges Cal Give AFL Home,” 4-1
“N. Mexico Coach in Cal Chase, Don Selby,” 4-1

Hired

William Hayes, lead counsel

Erdelatz front-runner for coach. Haywood continues to complain about Cal decision makers. Osborne says team wants to be “identified with Oakland.” San Leandro wants Cal to allow use of stadium. Ward suggests Calistoga as training site. Selby says Erdelatz offered contract, but no deal made.

Oakland Tribune

“Two Sites Studied for Sports Bowl,” 1
“Erdelatz Sets Pro Post Terms,” Scotty Stirling, 43
“San Leandro C of C Backs Use of Bowl,” 43
“Cal Acts Fast–On Wrong Things, Ray Haywood, 43
“Cal Coach Hunt May Be Ending,” 43
“Stadium Discussion,” photo, 43
“Calistoga Seeks Locals for Drills,” Alan Ward, 44

San Francisco Examiner

“Erdelatz Gets Bid!,” Don Selby, 4-1
“Stadium Site Is Studied,” 4-5

San Mateo Times

“Speaking of Sports,” Jack Bluth, 12

Walnut Creek Sun

“Possibility Looms Here for a Pro Stadium Location,” 13

Cal stadium hearing set for Feb 19. Cal hiring of Levy frees Erdelatz to seek Oakland job.

Oakland Tribune

“UC Regents Will Hear Pro Bid for Stadium,” 13

San Francisco Chronicle

“UC to Meet on Oakland Stadium Bid,” Darrell Wilson, 23

San Francisco Examiner

”'Dee' Flabbergasted by Choice of Coach,” Prescott Sullivan, 3-1
“Cal OK on Pros Dubious,” 3-5

Stirling says report that Erdelatz had signed with team false. Candlestick architect plugs use of stadium for football. Erdelatz and team still talking. Soda refuses to comment on hiring process.

Oakland Tribune

“Site Dispute Slows Action on Stadium,” Dave Hope, 1
“Oakland Pros, Erdelatz Huddle,” Scotty Stirling, 54
“Cal Coach Must Weather Jibes,” Alan Ward, 54
“Shocked 'Old Blues' Decide to Go with Coach Marv Levy,” 60

San Francisco Chronicle

“Out of Cocoon,” 13
“Erdelatz Still No. 1 AFL Bet,” 29

San Francisco Examiner

“Oakland Talk for Erdelatz,” 3-1

The team named Chet Soda general manager and put him at the head of a three-man hiring committee that also included Robert Osborne and Wayne Valley. Soda's position was possibly on an interim basis, but it further enhanced his role as the leading figure of the eight-man ownership group.

Soda appointments.

Oakland Tribune

“Soda GM of Oakland Pros,” Scotty Stirling, 37

Berkeley Gazette

“So We Hear,” Kacy Ward, 11

San Francisco Examiner

“Boom Eddie Erdelatz for New Mexico Job,” Prescott Sullivan, 4-1

To the surprise of no one, the team hired Eddie Erdelatz to be their first head coach. Erdelatz had plenty of local ties having been born and raised in the Bay Area. He attended college at St Mary's, where he starred at end on the team before a couple of freak knee injuries curtailed his career. He had been a defensive assistant with the 49ers under Buck Shaw in the old All-America Conference and was noted for his pioneering use of line stunts. His chief claim to fame came when he became the head coach at Navy in 1950. For the next nine season, he led the Middies from being a sad sack also-ran to becoming a national collegiate power, earning wins in the Sugar and Cotton Bowls. A falling-out with Academy brass led him to resign after the 1958 season. He had been a top candidate for the Cal job earlier in the year, but was passed over for Marv Levy, freeing him up to go pro.

Erdelatz hired.

Oakland Tribune

“Ed Erdelatz Head Coach of Oakland Pros,” 1
“Pros Name Erdelatz Coach,” Scotty Stirling, 37
“Erdelatz One of Top US Coaches,” Ed Schoenfeld, 37
“New Oakland Coach,” photo, 37
“New General Manager,” photo, 37

San Francisco Chronicle

“Soda Picked as General Manager,” Art Rosenbaum, 33

San Francisco Examiner

“Oakland Name Contest Beset by Smart Alecks,” Prescott Sullivan, 4-1
“Soda Gets Bay Grid Position,” 4-1

Alameda Times-Star

“Eddie Erdelatz Named Oakland Pro Football Coach,” 7

San Mateo Times

“Erdelatz Is Oakland Pro Grid Coach,” 20

Hired

Eddie Erdelatz, head coach

The team hired Navy assistant coach and St Mary’s graduate Ernie Jorge to join Eddie Erdelatz’s staff as offensive line coach. Jorge had been a year behind Erdelatz at St Mary's and was on his staff at Navy from 1955 to 1958.

Jorge hired. Ward impressed by owners' acumen. Sullivan approves of Erdelatz. Berkeley city council against use of stadium. Chatter about assistant GM post.

Oakland Tribune

“Berkeley Council Opposes Pro Football in Stadium,” 3
“UC Regents Face Only Specific Issue in Use of Football Stadium”, 18
“Jorge Joins Erdelatz Here,” Jack Gallagher, 45
“Looking Forward,” photo, 45
“Happy with New Job,” photo, 45
“Oakland Owners Pros at Meeting,” Alan Ward, 47

Contra Costa Times

“Is Obtaining 'Oaks' Worth 60,000 People?,” Steve Ames, 15

Palo Alto Times

“Erdelatz Is Coach of Football Team Without Single Player on Its Roster,” Walt Gamage, 33

Redwood City Tribune

“Did Erdelatz Really Rate Oakland Coaching Job Over Post at Berkeley?”, Ed Jacoubowsky, 10
“Erdelatz to Announce Oakland Aides Soon,” 10

San Francisco Chronicle

“Football Child in Acorn Cleats,” Art Rosenbaum, 33
“New Appeal for UC Grid to Be Made,” 33
“Erdelatz Named Oakland Coach,” Art Rosenbaum, 33
“Why Erdelatz Lost Out at Cal,” Bill Leiser, 35

San Francisco Examiner

“Oakland Picks Erdelatz,” Don Selby, 4-1
“Mandate from Public Is Heeded by Oakland Pros,” Prescott Sullivan, 4-1
“Berkeley: 'No Sunday Football'”, 4-1
“McGuire May Go to AFL,” 4-2

San Mateo Times

“Speaking of Sports,” Jack Bluth, 20
“Tough Road Ahead for Ed Erdelatz,” 20

Santa Rosa Press Democrat

“Fairgrounds Golf Waiting End of Rain,” 27

Hired

Ernie Jorge, offensive line coach

Soda wants “football man” for assistant GM. Sullivan talks assistant coaches. Oakland stadium chatter.

Oakland Tribune

“Grid Pros Continuing Search for Assistant GM,” Jack Gallagher, 53

San Francisco Examiner

“Report Erdelatz Eyeing Red Hickey as Grid Aide,” Prescott Sullivan, 4-1
“50,000 Seat Park Urged,” 4-2
“Jorge, Old Aide, Joins Erdelatz,” 4-2

Alameda Times Star

“Erdelatz Happy Man in New Coaching Job,” Jack Hanley, 8

Redwood City Tribune

“Ernie Jorge Erdelatz's First Aide,” 16

San Francisco Chronicle

“Jorge Named to Erdelatz Staff,” Dick Friendlich, 37

San Mateo Times

“Jorge Signs with Oaks,” 27

Erdelatz wants four-man staff. Examiner posits former Dayton coach as assistant.

Oakland Tribune

“Erdelatz Task Ahead,” 18
“Erdelatz May Hire Second Navy Coach, 41
“Football Talk,” photo, 41

San Francisco Chronicle

“Everybody's Going Goofy over Oaks,” Bill Leiser, 31

San Francisco Examiner

”'Phanton' [sic] Coach May Join Erdelatz Staff,” 4-1
“Oakland Name Contest Lures Serious Thinkers,” Prescott Sullivan, 4-1

Erdelatz waxes about challenges, asserts determination. Alameda County proposes Pleasanton for training site. Team moves into offices on Broadway in Oakland.

Oakland Tribune

“Pro Team Faces Unequaled Task,” Scotty Stirling, 57
“Man Who Knows Lauds Marv Levy,” Alan Ward, 59
“'Oaks' Continue Search for Executive; Set Headquarters,” 59
“Faces Big Job,” photo, 59
“It's Erdelatz,” 117

San Francisco Chronicle

“Keep Pros Out of UC Stadium,” 64

San Francisco Examiner

“Stadium Studied,” 43

Haywood shares readers' opinions. Lamar Hunt says team likely to play in Candlestick if Cal stadium unavailable. Sullivan passes along nickname suggestion.

Oakland Tribune

“Hayward Gets Refund on Expenses,” 23
“Interest Great in Local Pros,” Ray Haywood, 37
“AFL Undecided on Allowing Gridders in All-Star Game,” 41

San Francisco Examiner

“Pro Football Has Made Change in Pete Rozelle,” Prescott Sullivan, 4-1

The team announced that ticket prices for the 1960 season would be $4.50 for single-game tickets and $31.50 for a season ticket package.

Oakland Tribune

“Port Board Offers Sites for Stadiums–With Strings,” 2
“Hayward Citizens' Unit Hints Councilman Recall Move,”, 4
“Prices Set for Oakland Grid Games,” 33

San Francisco Chronicle

“Stadium Land Voted to Oakland,” 34

San Francisco Examiner

“Hayward Councilman Out $700 in AFL Campaign,” 4-5
“2 Oakland Stadium Sites OKd,” 4-5

Vallejo Times-Herald

“Keep the Professionals Out,” 10

Haywood muses on the UC Regents upcoming choice.

Oakland Tribune

“Stadium Loan Would Aid UC,” Ray Haywood, 41

San Francisco Examiner

“Season Tickets for Oakland on Sale,” 45
“Oakland Gets Grid Report,” 45

Oakland Tribune

“New Hearing on UC Pro Football,” 6
“Councilman Plans Quiz on Expenses,” 20
“Grid Gear,” photo, 47

Oakland politicians and business leaders put together a “13-point plan” intended to persuade the Cal Board of Regents to let the team make Memorial Stadium their temporary home. They argued that other schools have let pro ball on campus without triggering the end of the world and that Cal was being hidebound and, well, un-neighborly. The board members weren't moved and rejected the proposal by a 21-3 vote.

Oakland Tribune

“Pro Football at UC Gets New Hearing,” Dave Hope, 1
“Top Priority”, 19

San Francisco Chronicle

“Regents to Decide on AFL Bid Today,” Bill Leiser, 32

San Francisco Examiner

“New Bid for UC Stadium,” Bill Mulligan, 56

Oakland Tribune

“UC Stadium Out–Pros Turn to SF,” 10

San Francisco Chronicle

“Oakland Pros Denied Cal Stadium,” 25

San Francisco Examiner

“UC Regents Reject Oakland Pro Bid,” Bob Brachman, 37

Ward reports Soda focused on Candlestick Park.

Oakland Tribune

“Regent Ruling No Shock to Owners,” Alan Ward, 45

Art Beckett was out. He'd been named among the eight men to whom the franchise had been awarded, but he'd never made any public appearances or statements in regard to the team. There was no hint of why he was selling out. Was it money? Disinterest? Incompatibility? Who knows? His association with the team was never mentioned again in the press, even at the time of his death. Taking over his share of the team was Roger Lapham, Jr., an insurance executive whose father had been San Francisco's mayor in the 1940s.

Sold share of team

Art Beckett

Purchased share of team

Roger Lapham

The AFL owners announced were coming to town for a league meeting March 3-4. A substantial portion of their agenda would be coming up with a plan to stock the Oakland franchise with players. The team had signing rights to the Minneapolis/St Paul draft picks, but several of those players had been signed by other AFL teams in the meantime and things were bound to get a bit messy.

League meetings in Oakland scheduled for March 3-4. Beckett out yesterday, replaced by Lapham.

Oakland Tribune

“Pro Grid Loop Meets Here,” Scotty Stirling, 47

Oakland native Chris Burford interested in playing at home.

Oakland Tribune

“Oakland Pros Interest Chris,” Scotty Stirling, 62
“Fair Trade,” photo, 62

Oakland Tribune

“Foss to Talk at Banquet Here Thursday,” 36

Cal's Paul Christopulos out as possible assistant GM.

Oakland Tribune

“Cal Move Stalls Local Pro Plans,” Scotty Stirling, 38
“AFL Officials Due Here for Meeting,” 38

The team hired San Jose State assistant Marty Feldman to coach the defensive line.

Hired

Marty Feldman, defensive line coach

AFL officials met in Oakland to discuss a number of league matters, including plans to stock the Oakland team with players. The league officially assigned to the team the contracts of more than a dozen players who had originally been drafted by Minneapolis/St Paul, but had been signed by other AFL teams in the interim between the demise of that franchise and the creation of the Oakland team. Among the players were center Jim Otto and halfback Abner Haynes. Otto would go on to be one of the greatest Raiders of all time and Haynes would be a top back in the first fear years of the league, but not for Oakland.

Dallas owner, Lamar Hunt pointed out that Minneapolis/St Paul had traded the rights to Haynes to Dallas before parting the league and that superseded Oakland's rights. He did concede that Oakland should be compensated by awarding another player to them, or perhaps a choice in next year's draft.

In another unusual situation, Boston University Gene Prebola was on the list, but hadn't been drafted by Minneapolis/St Paul. Some reports at the time seem to indicate that MSP had obtained his signing rights from Houston, the team that had drafted him, but I couldn't find any specific news items to that effect at the time it would have happened.

Contracts awarded to team by AFL

George Blanch, defensive back
Clord Boyette, lineman
Willie Boykin, defensive tackle
Carmen Cavalli, end
Fran Curci, quarterback
Purcell Daniels, fullback
Dan Edgington, end
Abner Haynes, halfback
Sam McCord, quarterback
Don Norton, end
Jim Otto, center
Bob Parker, lineman
Gene Prebola, end
Jim Woodard, defensive lineman

At the league meeting in Oakland, the AFL announced their plan to stock the Oakland team with players from the other seven teams. The league would conduct an allocation draft of five rounds, with Oakland selecting one player from each team during each round. Before the initial round each team would select 11 players that would be immune to selection. After each round, each team would be permitted to add another 11 players to the protected list.

Oakland head coach Eddie Erdelatz said the team would make its first selections on or around March 20, though they could be permitted to make picks as early as March 12.

Teams were assigned territorial rights for television purposes with Oakland’s territory extending north to the Canadian order, east to Missoula, Montana, and Reno, Nevada, and south to San Luis Obispo.

Oakland Tribune

“Oakland Given 35-Player Draft,” Scotty Stirling, 57
“Warming Up,” photo, 57
“Grid Talk,” photo, 57
“Pros Assured of All-Out Support,” 57
“New Sports Group,” photo, 59
“Wismer High on New Pro League,” Alan Ward, 60

Oakland general manager Chet Soda said the team would play five preseason games, none of which would be at home. The team announced it had already received 3,000 applications for season tickets.

Oakland Tribune

“Oakland to Start New AFL Player Draft Next Week,” Scotty Stirling, 13
“Harvey Binns (Left) and Eddie Erdelatz,” photo, 16

Signed

Ed Hino, quarterback

In the first specific news of their preseason schedule, the team announced an August 14 game against the New York Titans to be played somewhere in Northern California.

The team announced it had scheduled four of its five preseason games, with tilts against the Chargers, Bills, Titans, and Patriots on the docket. A fifth game, likely to be against the Texans, had yet to be nailed down.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz, and assistants Ernie Jorge and Marty Feldman, left town on a trip to scout players in advance of the first round of the allocation draft. The team had to have their first set of picks submitted by March 22.

The Oakland City Council voted to place a $13.7 million bond issue on the June ballot to fund the construction of a sports stadium.

The Tribune announced a contest to give the team a nickname. Contestants were required to submit their entries by April 2 and the winner would receive a one-week vacation in Acapulco and a pair of tickets to the home opener.

The team hired former NFL halfback Tommy Kalmanir to join Eddie Erdelatz’s staff as offensive backfield coach.

General manager Chet Soda announced that the team had a “tentative” agreement with the San Francisco Park and Recreation Commission that would allow the team to use Kezar Stadium or Candlestick Park for the 1960 season.

Hired

Tommy Kalmanir, offensive backfield coach

The team announced its colors would be black and orange. The helmets were to be solid black and the home jerseys would be black with white numerals and orange stripes on the sleeves. The pants would be white with black and orange stripes down the side.

The team announced its first pick in the allocation draft, center Ben Donnell from the Chargers.

Eddie Erdelatz said he would not confirm yesterday’s report that the team had acquired center Ben Donnell from the Chargers. The announcement had been attributed to the league office, not the team, and Commissioner Foss also denied the veracity of the report.

Five more players had been selected in the AFL allocation draft, all confirmed, including halfback Joe Cannavino and fullback Billy Lott, who would each earn starting roles in the fall.

Acquired via AFL allocation draft

Joe Cannavino, halfback, from the Bills
Jerry Epps, guard, from the Titans
Marvin Lasater, halfback, from the Texans
Billy Lott, fullback, from the Oilers
Bob Nelson, center, from the Patriots

Hired

Gene Perry, publicity director

The California State Assembly’s Municipal and County Government Committee approved a measure authorizing the use of state-owned tidelands between Lake Merritt and the Oakland Estuary for the construction of a stadium. The measure, previously approved by the state Senate, would next go to the full State Assembly for a vote.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz underwent what was termed a “minor nose operation” at St Mary’s Hospital.

The contest to choose the team’s nickname ended at midnight.

Free agent signing

Jack Larscheid, halfback

The team announced they would be called the Oakland Senors. The name was chosen via a contest sponsored by the Oakland Tribune and the Oakland Junior Chamber of Commerce. Ten thousand entries were submitted with seven of them choosing the name “Senors.” The winning entry was that of Helen Davis, an Oakland police officer, who received a trip for two to Acapulco as her prize. The members of the committee that chose the entry were team general manager Chet Soda, Chamber of Commerce member George Jacopetti, Junior Chamber of Commerce president Hal Price, Oakland City Council member Dan Marovich, and Alameda County Board of Supervisors Chair Francis Dunn.

Other nicknames that reached the finalist stage: Admirals, Lakers, Diablos, Sea Wolves, Metros, Gauchos, Nuggets, Dons, Coasters, Grandees, Sequoias, Missiles, Knights, Redwoods, Jets, Clippers, and Dolphins.

In an evening session, the Oakland City Council voted 4-1 in favor of a measure stating that body’s disapproval of the nickname.

The bill to authorize the use of state land south of Lake Merritt for the construction of a stadium passed in both the State Senate and Assembly and was sent to Governor Pat Brown for signature.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz and nickname contest winner Helen Davis were the guests of honor at a meeting of the Boosters Club at the Lake Merritt Hotel. At the event, three of the team’s owners—Roger Lapham, Robert Osborne, and Harvey Binns—voiced their dislike of the nickname “Senors” and Osborne said it could be changed “within a week.”

Acquired via AFL allocation draft

Alan Goldstein, end, from the Bills

Free agent signing

Tony Teresa, halfback

General manager Chet Soda said the team was negotiating with former University of California quarterback Paul Larson.

General manager Chet Soda said the team was finalizing the contracts of “about 40 more players.”

Tribune columnist Ray Haywood reported that the team had received about 4,000 season ticket applications and that they were “close to signing an assistant general manager.”

Acquired via AFL allocation draft

Ramon Armstrong, guard, from the Titans
Buddy Allen, halfback, from the Patriots

Free agent signing

Jerry Flynn, defensive end

Hired

George Anderson, head trainer

California governor Pat Brown signed a bill granting permission for the construction of a sports stadium on state-owned land near Lake Merritt in Oakland.

The team announced they had dropped the deeply unpopular nickname “Senors” in favor of “Raiders.“ A new set of prizes would be distributed to those who suggested the name, with a duplicate trip to Acapulco awarded to Hayward resident and KGO radio transmitter engineer Kendrick Martin.

Acquired via AFL allocation draft

Don Churchwell, linebacker, from the Oilers
Bob Dougherty, linebacker, from the Oilers
Wayne Hawkins, guard, from the Chargers
Larry Lancaster, tackle, from the Chargers
Dean Philpott, halfback, from the Chargers

Free agent signing

Paul Larson, quarterback

Free agent signing

Ron Beagle, end

The Tribune reported that “close to 5,000” season tickets had been sold.

The Oakland City Council voted to move the stadium bond measure originally scheduled for the June ballot back to November to give that body more time to bolster their arguments to the public.

Hired

Everett Nevin, ticket and operations manager

Free agent signing

Eddie Macon, defensive back

Earliest mention, signing date unknown

John Brown, halfback

The team announced they would open the 1960 preseason with a game against the Texans at Kezar Stadium on July 31.

Four AFL teams, though not the Raiders, announced their regular season schedule, including the Oilers, who would open their season on September 11 against the Raiders at a site yet to be determined.

Prescott Sullivan of the Examiner reported that the team had to change their colors from black and orange to black and gold because the orange conflicted with another, unidentified, team’s colors.

Invited to training camp

Gordon Tovani, kicker

Team co-owner Harvey Binns, citing personal reasons and disagreements with general manager Chet Soda over the running of the team, announced he was selling his share back to the remaining seven members of the ownership group.

Sold share of team

Harvey Binns

Free agent signing

Ron Drzewiecki, halfback

Minneapolis/St Paul draft pick signed on or before this date

Don Deskins, tackle
Vin Hogan, defensive back

Free agent signing

Wayne Crow, halfback

Earliest mentions (signing date unknown)

Bill Atkins, guard
Charles Bates, tackle
Lou Byrd, linebacker
Roch Conklin, center
Al Feola, halfback
George Fields, defensive end
Wes Fry, center
Alexander Gardner, halfback
Carl Gordon, halfback
James Hall, halfback
Clark Holden, fullback
Brad Hustad, halfback
Stan Jones, fullback
LC Joyner, defensive back
Charlie Kaaihue, guard
Joe Kominski, tackle
Rich Max, center
Ron Newhouse, halfback
Andrew Pierce, fullback
Chris Plain, tackle
Willis Towne, end

The team released their 1960 regular season schedule with the opener coming at home against the Oilers on September 11 and the finale, also at home, against Denver on December 17.

Hired

Ed Cody, defensive backfield coach

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors issued a formal invitation to the team to use the county fairgrounds in Pleasanton for training camp.

Trade

Sent quarterback Fran Curci to the Texans for offensive lineman Dalton Truax

General manager Chet Soda announced that the team would play its 1960 home games in Kezar Stadium and that the specifics of a deal were being negotiated with the San Francisco Park and Recreation Commission.

Responding to a report that the team would have to train in Southern California because of a lack of suitable dormitory facilities in the Bay Area, general manager Chet Soda said the report was false and that the team was considering a number of sites in the Bay Area and its environs.

Free agent signings

Larry Barnes, linebacker
Don Manoukian, guard

The team released its final preseason schedule with games against the Texans (July 31), Titans (August 12), Chargers (August 19), Bills (August 24), and Patriots (September 4).

The team announced they had sold 6,000 season tickets and expected that number to approach 18,000 overall.

Ray Haywood of the Tribune revealed a communication in which general manager Chet Soda said the team’s initial budget was $925,000 with the following line items: player salaries ($285,000), player equipment ($45,000), training camp expenses ($31,600), player transportation to camp ($13,000), air travel ($60,000), long distance calls ($4,000-$10,000), scouting ($35,000), front office expenses and salaries, including coaches ($140,000). Soda added that the team would need between 30,000 and 32,000 paid attendance per game to break even.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz and assistant Ernie Jorge were unhurt when Erdelatz’s car was rear-ended on a Bay Area freeway.

Trade

Acquired defensive lineman Charley Powell from the Chargers for receiver Don Norton.

The Chronicle reported that the team was looking at possible training camp sites in Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz.

Ticket manager Everett Nevin predicted the team would sell between 10,000 and 12,000 season tickets.

Signed

Tom Flores, quarterback

The AFL signed a broadcast contract with ABC Television that would net the team $225,000 per year of the five-year deal. General manager Chet Soda estimated that the team would reap another $75,000 through a deal with local radio.

Purchased share of team

Wallace Marsh

Signed

Ray Peterson, halfback
Wayne Schneider, halfback

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission approved the team’s use of Kezar Stadium for one year in exchange for ten percent of the gate receipts.

Signed

Joe Barbee, defensive lineman
Clord Boyette, tackle
Dave Holden, tackle
Billy Ray Locklin, tackle
Irv Nikolai, end
Ron Sabal, tackle
Mac Starnes, center

Hired

Del Courtney, musical director

Hired

Frank Hinek, equipment manager

The team announced a deal with KNBC radio to broadcast games for the 1960 season with Bud Foster as the play-by-play announcer. KNBC agreed to pay a sum in the “high five figures” for the rights.

The San Francisco Park and Recreation Commission awarded “professional rights” to play in Kezar Stadium in 1961 to the San Francisco 49ers, meaning the Raiders would have to find a different place to play next season.

The Tribune reported that the team would conduct training camp in Santa Cruz and that camp would start on July 11.

Signed

Alex Bravo, defensive back

The team an agreement to conduct training camp practices at Santa Cruz High School, with players to be housed at the Hotel Palomar.

Hired

Bud Hastings, assistant general manager

Hired

Palmer Whitted, personnel assistant

KNBC radio tabbed local broadcast personality Mel Venter to provide color commentary on Raiders games alongside play-by-play man Bud Foster.

Hired

Kendall Small, team physician

Earliest Mentions (signing date unknown)

Buddy Alliston, linebacker
Tom Cousineau, linebacker
Tommy Davis, linebacker
Bob Fails, wide receiver
Fred Fehn, tackle
Max Fields, halfback
Charlie Hardy, wide receiver
Bob Harrison, guard
Bob Webb, quarterback

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz said he and his staff were going into training camp with a “strict Missouri attitude.” He said that coaches would base their opinions on what they saw and on the grading system they would be installing, not on players’ reputations.

Signed

Sandy Lederman, quarterback
Brad Myers, halfback

The team opened training camp with physical exams and drills. The team had 76 players under contract, but only 75 showed up for camp, as center Bob Nelson was out while he finished his military obligations.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz said he expected to make roster cuts within the first week of training camp.

Earliest mentions (hiring date unknown)

Nola Barron, secretary
Bettina De Dios, public relations assistant
Pat Frye, ticket assistant
Lou Lippi, photographer
Lauri Spyers, secretary
James Van Deusen, assistant trainer

It was photo day on the second day of training camp.

Wayne Crow injured his right ankle during a drill and his return date was uncertain.

Prescott Sullivan of the Examiner reported that the team had sold 8,000 season tickets.

After the coaching staff timed players in a 50-yard dash, the following players graded the fastest: Buddy Allen, Wayne Schneider, LC Joyner, Alex Bravo, John Brown, and Dan Edgington.

The initial depth chart at quarterback was out with the following players on it, in order: Tom Flores, Paul Larson, Bob Webb.

Tony Teresa, who had entered camp as a quarterback hopeful, was shifted to halfback.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz singled out the following players for praise: Buddy Allen, Billy Lott, Chris Plain, Don Manoukian, Don Churchwell, Gene Prebola, Charlie Hardy, Dan Edgington, Alex Bravo, and Eddie Macon.

In injury news, halfback Wayne Crow was back on the field after hurting his ankle on the 11th, defensive lineman Charley Powell pulled an Achilles tendon and was expected to be out for a week, tackle Fred Fehn pulled a muscle and was expected to miss two weeks, halfback Jack Larscheid pulled a hamstring and was expected to miss a week, defensive end Jim Woodard strained his right knee and was expected to miss about three days and end Walt Denny (see below) pulled a hamstring and was expected to miss about three days.

Signed

Walt Denny, end

Did not report to camp

Bill Atkins, guard
Roch Conklin, center
Brad Hustad, halfback
Bob Parker, tackle

Non-roster camp invitees

Curtis Iaukea, tackle
Mose Mastelotto, end

Wayne Crow was switched to the defensive side of the ball to try his hand at cornerback.

In injury news, tight end Irv Nikolai twisted an ankle and was operating at reduced capacity, quarterback Tom Flores pulled a groin muscle but was able to continue to practice, offensive lineman Clord Boyette pulled a muscle and was expected to be out 2-3 days, guard Charlie Kaaihue twisted his left ankle and was expected to be out 2-3 days, and defensive end Jim Woodard reinjured the knee he hurt on the 12th and the team feared he could be out for a number of weeks. Woodard had torn ligaments in the same knee last year.

Hired

Wes Fry, player personnel director

Earliest mention (signing date unknown)

Carl Isaacs, wide receiver

Released

Charles Bates, tackle
Al Feola, halfback
Max Fields, halfback
James Hall, halfback
Ed Hino, quarterback
Stan Jones, halback
Joe Kominski, end
Sandy Lederman, quarterback
Sam McCord, quarterback
Ron Newhouse, quarterback
Andrew Pierce, halfback
Willis Towne, halfback

Dismissed from training camp

Mose Mastelotto, end
Gordon Tovani, end/kicker

Voluntarily left training camp

Tommy Davis, linebacker
Vin Hogan, halfback
Curtis Iaukea, tackle

The team moved a number of players around, moving Billy Lott from halfback to first-string fullback, ahead of Dean Philpott. Ray Peterson took Lott’s spot at halfback ahead of Ron Drzewiecki, and Marvin Lasater moved up to starting safety ahead of Bob Fails.

Earliest mention, signing date unknown

Willie Hudson, tackle

Voluntarily left training camp

Tom Cousineau, guard

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz was planning to hold a scrimmage this week but postponed it, saying the players weren’t ready.

The team held special teams drills with Larry Barnes and Bob Fails emerging as the early possibilities for the placekicking and punting duties. Tony Teresa and Carl Gordon were also contenders for kicking spots.

End Ron Beagle aggravated an old knee injury earlier in the week and the team now feared the problem might end his career.

Defensive end Jim Woodard, whose recent knee injury was thought to possibly keep him out for weeks, was doing well in treatment and could return within a week.

Fullback Brad Myers twisted a knee in practice but wasn’t expected to miss any time.

Voluntarily left training camp

Clark Holden, fullback
Dave Holden, tackle

Voluntarily left training camp

Walt Denny, wide receiver

After several days of two-a-day sessions, the players were given a day off by the coaching staff.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz said he would not impose a curfew, adding “they’re men, not boys, and I treat them as such.”

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz offered praise for the work of a number of players: defensive backs Alex Bravo, Eddie Macon, Tony Teresa, LC Joyner, and John Brown, end Charlie Hardy, tackle Chris Plain, center Jim Otto, guards Don Manoukian and Ron Sabal, and defensive end Carmen Cavalli.

The coaching staff switched halfback John Brown from offense to defense.

Defensive end Charley Powell returned from his Achilles injury suffered on the 12th.

Linebacker Buddy Alliston left practice for an undetermined amount of time with a pulled groin muscle.

Guard Don Manoukian was reported to have pulled his right hamstring.

Halfbacks Fred Fehn and Jack Larscheid were mending well but hadn’t returned to practice.

Signed

Tom Louderback, linebacker

Voluntarily left training camp

George Blanch, halfback
Marvin Lasater, halfback

The team held its first scrimmage with head coach Eddie Erdelatz calling his team’s performance “not bad.” Among those who received individual praise from Erdelatz were: quarterbacks Tom Flores and Paul Larson, receiver Charlie Hardy, tight end Gene Prebola, defensive end Carmen Cavalli, and cornerback Eddie Macon.

Third-string quarterback Bob Webb suffered a severe knee injury in the scrimmage. Trainer George Anderson speculated that he might have torn cartilage, but that a firm diagnosis would have to wait until he was examined by a doctor.

AFL commissioner Joe Foss was in town to visit the team and said Oakland’s training facilities were on par with those of the other teams he had visited so far. The league's supervisor of officials, Bob Austin, was also in town to advise coaches and players on league rules.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz promoted LC Joyner to a starting role in the secondary, replacing the recently departed Marvin Lasater. He also put newcomer Tom Louderback in at middle linebacker and moved Larry Barnes to left defensive end. Brad Myers was moved from second-string right halfback to second-string fullback.

Released

Clord Boyette, tackle
Purcell Daniels, halfback
Wes Fry, center
Willie Hudson, tackle
Rich Max, tackle

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz moved Tony Teresa from the secondary to the offensive backfield to get Teresa “experience in a number of positions.”

Quarterback Bob Webb was expected to be able to return to action within a few days after suffering a knee injury staff initially thought could have ended his season.

Linebacker Tom Louderback and defensive end Larry Barnes suffered “slight shoulder bruises” in practice.

Halfback Jack Larscheid returned to practice for the first time after injuring a hamstring on the 12th.

The team held its final scrimmage before its first preseason game on the 31st against the Texans. Head coach Eddie Erdelatz called his team’s performance “just fair.” In particular, he praised the efforts of halfbacks Buddy Allen and Tony Teresa, guards Wayne Hawkins and Ron Sabal, center Jim Otto, and cornerback Joe Cannavino.

Owners Chet Soda, Don Blessing, Wayne Valley, and Ed McGah were in attendance and voiced their collective approval of the performance.

The team sent defensive end Jim Woodard home to Jacksonville, Texas, to recuperate from a severe knee injury he suffered early in camp. His return for the 1960 season was in doubt.

Waived

Carl Gordon, halfback
Wayne Schneider, halfback

The team held its last two-a-day practice of training camp.

Bob Brachman of the Examiner reported that, by arrangement of the AFL, the Raiders had first dibs on any player released by the 49ers and half the players released by the Redskins.

Defensive end Larry Barnes missed practice with a stomach bug.

First-string quarterback Tom Flores pulled his right calf muscle during a practice drill and his status for the game against the Texans on the 31st was uncertain.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz said guards Charlie Kaaihue and Don Manoukian, defensive end Charley Powell, and quarterback Bob Webb would sit out the Texans game to nurse injuries.

Hired

Stan Easterling, public address announcer

Third-string quarterback Bob Webb was back on the practice field after suffering what was thought to be a serious knee injury several days ago.

Public relations director Gene Perry said the Raiders had sold more than 20,000 tickets for the Texans game (other sources reported the total sales at 15,000).

Quarterback Tom Flores’ status for the Texans game on the 31st was upgraded to probable after his pulled right calf muscle responded well to treatment.

Middle linebacker Tom Louderback bruised a shoulder in practice and was listed as doubtful for the Texans game.

Defensive tackle Bob Harrison was reported to have an unspecified injury and was also expected to miss the game.

The team moved Charlie Hardy back to the starting left end position ahead of Alan Goldstein.

Receiver Ron Beagle, who had been out since early in camp with a knee injury, returned to his Cincinnati home to recover.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz named three captains for the Texans game: quarterbacks Tom Flores and Paul Larson, and linebacker Bob Dougherty. He also named Larry Barnes the team’s placekicker.

Guards Don Manoukian and Charlie Kaaihue, initially expected to miss the game, were deemed to have recovered from injuries well enough to play, though neither would start.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz said every Raider player in uniform would see action against the Texans.

The team conducted a quick “20 minute run-through of signals” in advance of tomorrow’s game.

In the team’s first ever game the Raiders fell to the Texans, 20-13, at Kezar Stadium.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz reported that there were no injuries and that he was proud of the team in defeat.

General manager Chet Soda was disappointed with the attendance figure of about 12,000 after the team had reported sales of over 20,000 prior to the game.

Tom Flores started at quarterback and went most of the way, completing 14 of 25 passes for 151 yards and one interception.

At Kezar Stadium

1 OAK Buddy Allen 2 run (Larry Barnes kick)
2 DAL Chris Burford 5 pass from Cotton Davidson (Johnny Robinson pass from Cotton Davidson)
3 DAL Jack Spikes 3 run (run failed)
4 OAK Buddy Allen 1 run (run failed)
4 DAL Jack Spikes 4 run (pass failed)

Signed

John Harris, halfback

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz put his team through an unscheduled scrimmage.

The coaching staff moved Ron Sabal from guard to tackle and promoted Don Manoukian to Sabal’s guard spot. They staff also moved Brad Myers to make room for Jim Varnado (see below) at fullback.

Middle linebacker Tom Louderback and defensive end Charley Powell were in football gear for the first time since their recent injuries, but neither participated in the scrimmage.

Signed

Charles Moore, end
Jim Varnado, fullback

Invited to training camp

Gil Ane, guard

Waived

Willie Boykin, tackle
Bob Fails, defensive back
Alexander Gardner, halfback
Bob Harrison, guard
Ray Peterson, halfback

The team resumed two-a-day practices.

Guard Gil Ane, added to the team yesterday, left camp temporarily to return to his Oregon home to care for his daughter who was battling pneumonia.

The team announced their final preseason game against the Patriots, originally scheduled for September 4, had been moved up to August 28.

The current roster listed neither defensive lineman Jim Woodard, nor receiver Ron Beagle, both of whom had been sent home to recover from injuries.

Defensive end Charley Powell practiced for the first time in more than a week.

Waived

Lou Byrd, guard
Fred Fehn, tackle
Jim Varnado, fullback

The team returned to one-a-day practices. Head coach Eddie Erdelatz installed a blitzing package to aid his defense’s backfield pressure.

Cornerback Alex Bravo and receiver Charlie Hardy each sat out practice with muscle pulls. Both were expected to return to action by the 8th.

The team held a touch football scrimmage with Tom Flores’ Gold Squad defeating Paul Larson’s Blues, 15-3.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz and his assistant coaches flew to Los Angeles after practice to scout the Titans in their game against the Chargers.

The AFL clarified a ruling giving the team the right of first refusal on all players cut by the 49ers and half the players cut by the Redskins by saying it only applied to players that hadn’t been drafted by other AFL teams.

The Raiders moved Chris Plain from left tackle to right tackle and moved Joe Barbee from the defensive line to the offensive line to back up Plain. Don Manoukian, now back from injury took over at left guard with Wayne Hawkins switching to right guard. Brad Myers was shifted to right halfback behind Tony Teresa.

The Raiders reported that they were free of serious injuries for the first time since training camp opened.

The team held a night practice in advance of their game against the Titans on the 13th that had an 8pm start time.

Guard Gil Ane, who had been absent from camp to care for his sick daughter, rejoined the team.

Third-string quarterback Bob Webb reinjured his knee during practice and was likely to miss the Titans game. Receiver Carl Isaacs also suffered a knee injury at practice.

In other injury news, tackle Chris Plain was out with a sprained right ankle and defensive back LC Joyner was out with a pulled leg muscle.

Signed

Bobby Newman, quarterback

The Raiders recovered from a seven-point halftime deficit to beat the Titans, 23-17, in a night game at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento. The win was the first in franchise history.

Don Manoukian returned to right guard after recovering from a pulled muscle with Ron Sabal moving back to left tackle.

Chris Plain injured a leg in the first quarter and did not return.

Fullback Billy Lott suffered a jammed neck in the third quarter and left the game.

At Hughes Stadium

1 OAK Tony Teresa 28 pass from Tom Flores (Larry Barnes kick)
1 NY Bill Shockley 7 pass from Dick Jamieson (Bill Shockley kick)
2 NY Pete Hart 1 run (Bill Shockley kick)
2 NY Bill Shockley 22 field goal
2 OAK Larry Barnes 35 field goal
4 OAK Jack Larscheid 29 run (Larry Barnes kick)
4 OAK Dean Philpott 8 run (kick failed)

Jack Gallagher of the Tribune reported that tackle Chris Plain and fullback Billy Lott, both injured in the Titans game, would likely be available against the Chargers on the 19th.

Purchased contract

Babe Parilli, quarterback, from the Ottawa Rough Riders

Signed

Luther Carr, halfback

Waived

John Brown, halfback
Bobby Newman, quarterback

Dismissed from training camp

Gil Ane, guard

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz said the team would carry just two quarterbacks on the roster during the regular season.

Placed on injured reserve

Chris Plain, tackle

Waived

Carl Isaacs, wide receiver
Bob Webb, quarterback

On a chilly, fog-bound Friday night in Kezar Stadium, the team lost to the Chargers, 24-17.

Tight end Gene Prebola pulled a hamstring during the game and was expected to miss the rest of the preseason.

Fullback Billy Lott bruised a shoulder in the third quarter and sat out the rest of the game

Defensive end Carmen Cavalli suffered a broken nose

At Kezar Stadium

1 LA Henry Wallace 15 field goal
1 OAK Larry Barnes 29 field goal
1 OAK Brad Myers 4 pass from Tom Flores (Larry Barnes kick)
2 LA Paul Lowe 43 pass from Jack Kemp (Henry Wallace kick)
2 OAK Lott 6 run (Larry Barnes kick)
3 LA Howie Ferguson 1 run (Ben Donnell kick)
3 LA Howie Ferguson 9 run (Ben Donnell kick)

Waived

Bob Nelson, center

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz made some lineup changes, shifting Alan Goldstein to tight end to take the place of the injured Gene Prebola and Tony Teresa to flanker in Goldstein’s spot. Jack Larscheid moved up to the first team at halfback in place of Teresa

Trainer George Anderson updated tight end Gene Prebola’s status, saying he would be out for the Bills game on the 24th, but that his return was possible against the Patriots on the 28th. He added that the injuries to Carmen Cavalli and Billy Lott were not expected to keep them from playing against the Bills.

The Raiders revealed that quarterback Tom Flores had suffered a blow to his shoulder in the Chargers game and that the resulting injury was likely to keep him out of the remaining two preseason games.

Waived

Irv Nikolai, tight end

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz said Paul Larson and Babe Parilli would share time at quarterback in tomorrow’s game against the Bills in the absence of the injured Tom Flores.

The team announced that, following the upcoming road trip, they would begin holding practices on fields at the Oakland Naval Air Station, marking the end of training camp at Santa Cruz.

Invited to training camp

Severn Hayes, halfback

The Raiders jumped out to a 23-0 lead early in the second quarter against the Bills, then held on to win, 26-21, in Buffalo.

In the absence of quarterback Tom Flores, who was out with a shoulder injury, Babe Parilli started at quarterback but completed just 3 of 10 passes for 82 yards and two interceptions.

Paul Larson, in relief of Parilli, made his second appearance of the preseason and completed 3 of 13 passes for 38 yards and an interception.

At War Memorial Stadium

1 OAK Jack Larscheid 53 pass from Babe Parilli (Larry Barnes kick)
1 OAK Ron Drzewiecki 14 pass from Babe Parilli (kick failed)
1 OAK Babe Parilli 9 run (Larry Barnes kick)
2 OAK Larry Barnes 27 field goal
2 BUF Dick Brubaker 28 pass from Tommy O'Connell (Bill Atkins kick)
3 OAK Larry Barnes 42 field goal
3 BUF Elbert Dubenion 69 pass from Tommy O'Connell (Bill Atkins kick)
3 BUF Tommy O'Connell 1 run (Bill Atkins kick)

The Raiders announced that both fullback Dean Philpott and defensive back John Harris were likely to miss the Patriots game because of knee sprains.

• Quarterback Tom Flores said his injured shoulder was feeling better but his head coach, Eddie Erdelatz, said it was still unlikely that he would play tomorrow against the Patriots.

The game was tied at 14 at the half, but the Patriots scored twice in the third quarter to beat the Raiders, 28-14, in Boston in the preseason finale for both teams. The Raiders finished the preseason with a 2-3 record.

Babe Parilli played the entire game at quarterback, completing 21 of 36 passes for 210 yards and no interceptions.

Three players suffered significant injuries in the game: defensive end Charley Powell (knee), halfback Luther Carr (ribs), and defensive back Wayne Crow (ribs).

At Alumni Field

1 BOS Walt Livingston 3 run (Gino Cappelletti kick)
1 OAK Billy Lott 42 run (Larry Barnes kick)
2 BOS Tommy Greene 3 run (Gino Cappelletti kick)
2 OAK Jack Larscheid 21 run (Larry Barnes kick)
4 BOS Mike Long 25 pass from Butch Songin (Gino Cappelletti kick)
4 BOS Jim Colclough 29 pass from Butch Songin (Gino Cappelletti kick)

Placed on injured reserve

Ron Drzewiecki, running back
Dean Philpott, running back

Waived

Jerry Epps, guard
Jerry Flynn, defensive end
Charles Moore, wide receiver

Ray Haywood of the Tribune reported that the team would not be giving local favorite halfback Severn Hayes a tryout, as previously reported, because it would require freeing up a roster spot to accommodate him, something they were not willing to do.

Tryout invitation revoked

Severn Hayes, halfback

Trade

Buddy Alliston, linebacker, to the Broncos for an eighth-round pick in the 1961 draft

Waived

Larry Lancaster, tackle

Claimed off waivers

Jetstream Smith, fullback, from the Chargers

Waived

Dan Edgington, end
John Harris, halfback
Brad Myers, halfback
Mac Starnes, center

Scotty Stirling of the Tribune reported that quarterback Tom Flores was fully healed from the bruised shoulder he suffered against the Chargers on August 19 and would started against the Oilers in the regular season opener on the 11th.

Signed

John Harris, defensive back, exact date unknown
Ron Warzeka, defensive tackle

Claimed off waivers

Paul Oglesby, tackle, from the Oilers

The city of Oakland threw a parade formally welcoming the Raiders coaches and players to Oakland. The city also removed a bond measure from the November ballot that, if it had passed, would have funded the building of a multi-purpose stadium in the city. It was removed because the city council thought it was unlikely to pass. George Jacopetti, the head of the stadium committee, said the effort would shift to looking for private financing.

Waived

Buddy Allen, halfback

The players enjoyed a day off to rest before tomorrow’s regular season opener against the Oilers.

The Raiders took a 14-7 lead in the third quarter, but the Oilers charged back with 30 second half points to win, 37-22, in the first-ever regular season game for both franchises.

Tom Flores started the game at quarterback for the Raiders and went most of the way, completing 13 of 28 passes for 232 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Defensive end Carmen Cavalli reinjured his ankle on the first play of the game and did not return.

Halfback Luther Carr sat out the entire game with a pinched nerve in his leg.

Defensive back Alex Bravo missed at least part of the game with an unspecified lower body injury.

At Kezar Stadium

1 HTN Charley Hennigan 43 pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick)
2 OAK Tony Teresa 13 pass from Tom Flores (Larry Barnes kick)
3 OAK Eddie Macon 42 interception return (Larry Barnes kick)
3 HTN Bill Groman 32 pass from George Blanda (bad snap on try)
3 HTN John Carson 3 pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick)
4 HTN George Blanda 18 field goal
4 HTN Dave Smith 8 run (George Blanda kick)
4 OAK Jack Larscheid 46 pass from Tom Flores (Jetstream Smith from Tom Flores)
4 HTN John Carson 11 pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick)

Head coaches - Lou Rymkus, Eddie Erdelatz
Starting QBs - George Blanda, Tom Flores

The team shifted its practice location from the Oakland Naval Air Reserve Station to the Alameda Naval Air Station because the Alameda station had better facilities.

Examiner columnist Prescott Sullivan reported that there was a heated disagreement between Robert Osborne and another, unnamed, owner over the low attendance (12,703) at yesterday’s game.

The team asked for, and received, permission to lower the ticket prices for west end zone seats from $4.50 to $2.50 for adults and $0.50 for kids under the age fo 12. Seats in the east end zone were already priced at $2.50 and all other seats would still cost $4.50. The price change was authorized only for the Texans game on the 16th and the stadium authority would revisit the move afterward.

Yesterday’s heated exchange between owners prompted an “emergency meeting” of the stockholders with one of the owners reportedly having voiced his desire to sell off his share of the team.

The team reported that recently signed defensive tackle Glenn Holtzman had not shown up for practice and they surmised that he might have chosen to quit football altogether.

Tackle Paul Oglesby, signed at the same time as Holtzman, reported to the team.

A Kezar Stadium official reported that, of the 12,703 in attendance at the Oilers game, only 8,620 of those paid their way in.

Multiple sources reported that the team had acquired linebacker Riley Morris off waivers from the Chargers, but the team had not confirmed the transaction.

Waived

Joe Barbee, defensive tackle
Luther Carr, halfback
Don Churchwell, tackle
Paul Larson, quarterback

Claimed off waivers

Doug Asad, tight end, from the Oilers
Al Hoisington, wide receiver, from the Texans

Signed

Nyle McFarlane, running back

Bruce Lee of the Chronicle reported that Texans owner and AFL founder Lamar Hunt was “alarmed” at the poor attendance at Oakland home games so far.

Line coach Ernie Jorge said the team had things “patched up” and that the Raiders “would make a lot better showing” tomorrow night against the Texans.

Team owner and general manager Chet Soda received the gift of a new 1960 Cadillac automobile from the other seven owners to show their appreciation of his efforts on the team's behalf.

The Texans jumped out to a 10-0 first quarter lead and dominated the Raiders throughout in a 34-16 win on a Friday night in Kezar Stadium. Despite the loss, head coach Eddie Erdelatz said it was a “real good team effort” and that his team was much improved over their performance against the Oilers.

Babe Parilli came in for ineffective starting quarterback Tom Flores late in the first quarter and played fairly well, completing 16 of 28 passes for 174 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Ron Warzeka started the game at defensive right tackle in place of Don Deskins.

The Examiner reported a rumor, denied by the principals, that the team had reorganized their front office, expanding the duties of assistant general manager Bud Hastings.

At Kezar Stadium

1 DAL Jack Spikes 28 field goal
1 DAL Max Boydston 17 pass from Cotton Davidson (Jack Spikes kick)
2 OAK Tony Teresa 41 pass from Babe Parilli (Larry Barnes kick)
2 DAL Jack Spikes 15 run (Jack Spikes kick)
2 OAK Larry Barnes 33 field goal
3 DAL Jack Spikes 17 field goal
4 DAL Johnny Robinson 25 pass from Cotton Davidson (Jack Spikes kick)
4 DAL Johnny Robinson 5 run (Jack Spikes kick)
4 OAK Jetstream Smith 11 pass from Babe Parilli (pass failed)

Head coaches - Hank Stram, Eddie Erdelatz
Starting QBs - Cotton Davidson, Tom Flores

Tackle Dalton Truax pulled a muscle in his right leg in practice but was expected to be back in time for the Oilers game on the 25th.

Defensive end Ron Warzeka, who had injured his right ankle against the Texans missed practice, but the team expected him to be ready to go against the Oilers, too.

Claimed off waivers

Riley Morris, linebacker, from the Chargers

Signed

Bill Striegel, defensive tackle

Waived

Billy Ray Locklin, linebacker

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz shifted Tony Teresa from flanker to left halfback and moved Alan Goldstein from split end to flanker.

According to the Tribune, the team had essentially given up on defensive end Glenn Holtzman joining the team after they had claimed him off waivers last week.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz said that, despite speculation in the press to the contrary, quarterback Tom Flores and fullback Billy Lott were still going to start against the Oilers on the 25th. That speculation suggested that Babe Parilli and Jetstream Smith had played their way into starting roles. Erdelatz also said he hoped to use the newly-acquired Bill Striegel on the offensive rather than the defensive line, which is where he had played with the Cowboys.

Tackle Dalton Truax was expected to be out for the Oilers game with newcomer Paul Oglesby taking his place on the line.

Erdelatz had come down with laryngitis, reducing his voice to a whisper.

Offensive line coach Ernie Jorge suffered a heart attack late in the evening and was sent to Peninsula Hospital in Burlingame for treatment. He was responding well, but his recovery was expected to take at least two months and he would not be with the team during that time.

The Chronicle reported that head coach Eddie Erdelatz was considering starting Babe Parilli over Tom Flores at quarterback in the Oilers game on the 25th. He also planned, according to the story, to start new arrivals Riley Morris at linebacker and Bill Striegel at tackle.

Signed

Bob Keyes, halfback

Waived

LC Joyner, defensive back

The team was en route to Houston for the start of a three-game road trip featuring contests against the Oilers, Broncos, and Texans.

The Raiders reported that only two players were at less than full strength: tackle Dalton Truax with a pulled muscle and defensive lineman Ron Warzeka with a sprained ankle. Both were expected to be able to play during the road trip.

The team held a light practice on the University of Houston campus in preparation for tomorrow’s game. During the drills, head coach Eddie Erdelatz broke his right big toe when quarterback Babe Parilli stepped on it during a play demonstration.

The Raiders beat the Oilers, 14-13, in Houston, for the franchise’s first-ever regular season win.

Babe Parilli started the game at quarterback but was spelled by Flores in the second half after completing 7 of 15 passes for 57 yards. Flores completed 7 of 10 passes for an identical 57 yards and a touchdown

The game was picketed by Black activists who were protesting the segregated seating policy in place at Jeppesen Stadium.

The team dedicated the win to offensive line coach Ernie Jorge, who had suffered a heart attack on the 23rd and was back in a Bay Area hospital recuperating.

At Jeppesen Stadium

1 OAK Jetstream Smith 3 run (Larry Barnes kick)
2 HTN John Carson 8 pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick)
2 HTN George Blanda 36 field goal
3 HTN George Blanda 10 field goal
4 OAK Gene Prebola 14 pass from Tom Flores (Larry Barnes kick)

Head coaches - Eddie Erdelatz, Lou Rymkus
Starting QBs - Babe Parilli, George Blanda

The team flew from Houston to Denver in advance of the game against the Broncos on October 2. Head coach Eddie Erdelatz complained that the Broncos had not provided the team with film of their most recent game as required by league rules.

The AFL named quarterback Tom Flores the league’s offensive player of the week for his performance in the team’s 14-13 win over the Oilers.

Signed

John Dittrich, guard

Waived

Bill Striegel, tackle

San Francisco mayor George Christopher proclaimed the week of October 9-16 to be “Raider Week in San Francisco” highlighted by an October 10 rally in Union Square.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz said Tom Flores would start at quarterback against the Broncos and that fullback Jetstream Smith would see an increase in his playing time.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz said the newcomers, halfback Bob Keyes and guard John Dittrich, would see action against the Broncos tomorrow.

The team reported that tackle Dalton Truax and defensive tackle Ron Warzeka had recovered enough from recent injuries to play as well.

Despite moving the ball well against the Broncos defense, the Raiders committed five turnovers and lost, 31-14, in Denver.

Receiver Charlie Hardy suffered a “slight” concussion during the game.

Center Jim Otto sustained a chest injury and “popped” his knee.

At Bears Stadium

1 DEN Gene Mingo 17 field goal
1 OAK Jetstream Smith 1 run (Larry Barnes kick)
2 DEN Lionel Taylor 12 pass from Frank Tripucka (Gene Mingo kick)
2 DEN Lionel Taylor 20 pass from Frank Tripucka (Gene Mingo kick)
2 DEN Bill Yelverton 20 interception return (Gene Mingo kick)
3 OAK Billy Lott 2 run (Larry Barnes kick)
3 DEN Dave Rolle 57 run (Gene Mingo kick)

Head coaches - Eddie Erdelatz, Frank Filchock
Starting QBs - Tom Flores, Frank Tripucka

The team traveled from Denver to Dallas in advance of the game against the Texans on the 9th.

Halfback Tony Teresa injured his back in practice leaving his availability for the Texans game on the 9th in doubt.

Trainer George Anderson said halfback Tony Teresa’s injury might not keep him out of tomorrow’s game against the Texans, but that if he did play, he would be limited in his performance. If Teresa couldn’t go, Jack Larscheid would take his place in the starting lineup

Flanker Nyle McFarlane had suffered a dislocated shoulder sometime during the past few days and his status for the game was also unknown.

Jetstream Smith’s 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the second half sparked a 20-point quarter and the Raiders held on from there to beat the Texans, 20-19, in Dallas.

Tony Teresa, still laboring with a back injury, played sparingly.

Linebacker Riley Morris suffered a severely bruised back during the game. He took ill and was given oxygen on the flight home in reaction to an injection given by a doctor treating him. He was rushed to the hospital by ambulance when the flight touched down in the Bay Area, but was released shortly after to recuperate at home.

Other players suffering injuries during the game were tight end Gene Prebola (pulled muscle) and wide receiver Charlie Hardy (bruised quadriceps).

At Cotton Bowl

2 DAL Dave Webster 80 interception return (Jack Spikes kick)
3 OAK Jetstream Smith 98 kickoff return (Larry Barnes kick)
3 OAK Alan Goldstein 8 pass from Tony Teresa (Larry Barnes kick)
3 OAK Alan Goldstein 16 run (kick blocked)
4 DAL Bo Dickinson 1 run (kick blocked)
4 DAL Max Boydston 6 pass from Cotton Davidson (run failed)

Head coaches - Eddie Erdelatz, Hank Stram
Starting QBs - Tom Flores, Cotton Davidson

The team was the honored guest at a rally in Union Square to kick off “Raider Week in San Francisco.”

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz called Tom Flores and Babe Parilli “the best one-two quarterback combination in football.” He added that he couldn’t choose between them and didn’t plan to going forward

Hired

Jack Gallagher, public relations director

The team reported that halfback Tony Teresa was still experiencing significant pain from torn cartilage in his back and might see limited duty against the Patriots on the 16th.

Flanker Nyle McFarlane, tight end Gene Prebola, and wide receiver Charlie Hardy were still recovering from their injuries but were all expected to be able to play in the Patriots game.

Prescott Sullivan of the Examiner reported that head coach Eddie Erdelatz had denied a story going round that he was “fed up” with the team. Sullivan also said that ticket agent Everett Nevin was no longer drawing a salary, but was working on commission and that the front office had fired three members of the administrative staff.

The team said linebacker Riley Morris was “doubtful” to play against the Patriots on the 16th because of his back injury.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz said linebacker Riley Morris would miss tomorrow’s game against the Patriots because of his back injury and that Larry Barnes would take his place in the starting lineup. He added that Jack Larscheid would start at halfback in place of Tony Teresa, who was dealing with his own back problems, but that Teresa was still expected to get some playing time.

Halfback Jack Larscheid, playing in place of the injured Tony Teresa, ran 87 yards for a touchdown on the second play from scrimmage and led the Raiders to a convincing 27-14 win over the Patriots at Kezar Stadium.

Despite earlier reports that suggested he wouldn’t, linebacker Riley Morris started the game while still nursing a back injury.

At Kezar Stadium

1 OAK Jack Larscheid 87 run (Larry Barnes kick)
1 BOS Alan Miller 2 run (kick blocked)
2 OAK Gene Prebola 36 pass from Tom Flores (Larry Barnes kick)
2 OAK Al Hoisington 10 pass from Tom Flores (Larry Barnes kick)
3 BOS Butch Songin 1 run (Cappelletti run)
4 OAK Billy Lott 40 run (kick blocked)

Head coaches - Lou Saban, Eddie Erdelatz
Starting QBs - Butch Songin, Tom Flores

Citing low attendance and financial losses in excess of what they expected prior to the season, team partners Don Blessing and Ed McGah said they would like to cut ticket prices to boost sales. Fellow partner and general manager Chet Soda disagreed, saying they already had some discounts in place and that improving the product on the field was the key to improving attendance.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz was diagnosed with a stomach ulcer and was taking medication for the condition.

Fullback Billy Lott pulled a hamstring muscle in practice.

Wide receiver Al Hoisington was hit in the eye by a Babe Parilli pass in practice, giving him a livid bruise.

All three were expected to be on board the plane for the trip to Buffalo on the 20th that would mark the start of a three-game road trip.

Head oach Eddie Erdelatz named Tom Flores the team’s starting quarterback for the rest of the season with Babe Parilli ready to go if Flores’ game was “off.”

The team left for Buffalo to start a three-game road trip that would also include stops in New York and Boston. The Tribune reported that Tony Teresa would make his first start in two weeks against the Bills and that Jetstream Smith would get the nod at fullback, replacing the injured Billy Lott. The Chronicle, on the other hand, reported that Lott was “apparently fully recovered” and would be in the starting lineup.

Updating news from yesterday, the Tribune reported that fullback Billy Lott had recovered from his back injury more quickly than expected, but that Jetstream Smith would still start against the Bills tomorrow.

Signed

Billy Reynolds, halfback

Waived

Bob Keyes, halfback

On a cold, wet afternoon in Buffalo, the Raiders suffered their worst defeat of the season, going down 38-9 to the Bills.

Halfback Tony Teresa, expected to be back at full strength after recovering from a back injury, had come down with the flu and didn’t see much action after all.

At War Memorial Stadium

1 BUF Wray Carlton 38 pass from Johnny Green (Bill Atkins kick)
1 BUF Wray Carlton 23 pass from Johnny Green (Bill Atkins kick)
2 BUF Elbert Dubenion 55 pass from Johnny Green (Bill Atkins kick)
2 OAK Jetstream Smith 1 run (Larry Barnes kick)
2 BUF Wray Carlton 32 pass from Johnny Green (Bill Atkins kick)
3 BUF Joe Hergert 26 field goal
4 BUF Johnny Green 1 run (Bill Atkins kick)
4 OAK Safety, center snap through end zone

Head coaches - Eddie Erdelatz, Buster Ramsey
Starting QBs - Tom Flores, Johnny Green

The team traveled to New York where they would play the Titans in a night game on the 28th.