The Raider Logbook

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======January 1, 1961======


=====Transactions=====

**Signed**

[[Clar Appledoorn]], end\\
[[Paul Yanke]], end

**Draft choice signed by NFL team**

[[Pervis Atkins]], halfback, with the Rams

/*
Tribune
17, statistics, Teresa, Lott, Flores, Macon, Crow, Larscheid, Smith, Parilli
*/

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|[[december-31-1960|< Dec 31, 1960]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-2-1961|Jan 2, 1961 >]]|

======January 2, 1961======

In a long-anticipated move, [[Chet Soda]] stepped down as general manager, but said he had no "immediate plans" to sell his share of the team. Head coach [[Eddie Erdelatz]] quickly disavowed any interest in the post, saying he wasn't ready to quit coaching and didn't think a person could do both jobs well at the same time. Assistant general manager [[Bud Hastings]] was thought to have the inside track to be Soda's replacement.

=====Transactions=====

**Resigned**

[[Chet Soda]], general manager

/*
Tribune
41 Soda, Hastings, Erdelatz, Valley, Osborne, Atkins, Fry, Kezar, Feldman, Jorge, Kalmanir, Cody
46 stadium
*/

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|[[january-1-1961|< Jan 1, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-3-1961|Jan 3, 1961 >]]|

======January 3, 1961======

A day after resigning from the general manger's post, [[Chet Soda]] said he thought his successor should be "a real sharp businessman" who would institute a "one hundred percent austerity program for the next two years" to ensure the survival of the team.


=====Transactions=====

**Draft choice signed by NFL team**

[[Joe Rutgens]], tackle, by the Redskins

/*
Tribune
35 Soda
38 Soda, Hastings, Erdelatz
*/

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|[[january-2-1961|< Jan 2, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-4-1961|Jan 4, 1961 >]]|

======January 4, 1961======

According to a report from Scotty Stirling in the //Tribune//, the team had begun a major reorganization at the top following the resignation of general manager and co-owner [[Chet Soda]]. Per the report, [[Ed McGah]], [[Robert Osborne]], and [[Wayne Valley]] had taken more dominant roles, with McGah being installed as interim president and [[Bud Hastings]] named as the interim general manager.

=====Transactions=====

**Promoted**

[[Bud Hastings]], interim general manager\\
[[Ed McGah]], interim team president

**Draft choice signed by NFL team**

[[Myron Pottios]], linebacker, by the Steelers

/*
55 Soda, Valley, Hastings
57 Erdelatz
*/

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|[[january-3-1961|< Jan 3, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-5-1961|Jan 5, 1961 >]]|

======January 5, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

**Draft choices signed by NFL teams**

[[Johnny Brewer]], end, by the Browns\\
[[Bobby Crespino]], end, by the Browns

**Draft choice signed by CFL team**

[[Blayne Jones]], guard, by Montreal

/*
Tribune
47 McGah, Valley, Osborne, Hastings, Crespino, Brewer, Soda, Fleming
*/

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|[[january-4-1961|< Jan 4, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-6-1961|Jan 6, 1961 >]]|

======January 6, 1961======

One of the team's two eighth-round draft picks, fullback [[Tom Watkins]] of Iowa State, turned down Oakland's contract offer and stated his desire to sign with the Browns, who had picked him in the 15th round of the NFL draft..

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|[[january-5-1961|< Jan 5, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-8-1961|Jan 8, 1961 >]]|

======January 7, 1961======

======January 8, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

**Draft choice signed by NFL team**

[[Richard Price]], guard, by the Cowboys

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|[[january-6-1961|< Jan 6, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-9-1961|Jan 9, 1961 >]]|

======January 9, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

**Draft choice signed by CFL team**

[[Dave Grosz]], quarterback, signed by Saskatchewan

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|[[january-8-1961|< Jan 8, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-11-1961|Jan 11, 1961 >]]|

======January 10, 1961======

======January 11, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

**Draft choices signed by NFL teams**

[[Skip Face]], halfback, by the Cowboys\\
[[Lowndes Shingler]], quarterback, by the Cowboys

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|[[january-9-1961|< Jan 9, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-12-1961|Jan 12, 1961 >]]|

======January 12, 1961======

=====News=====

Responding to reports that the team hadn't had much success signing draft picks, player personnel director [[Wes Fry 1|Wes Fry]] hastened to point out that the team had "signed about seven players" and that things were "looking up".

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|[[january-11-1961|< Jan 11, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-14-1961|Jan 14, 1961 >]]|

======January 13, 1961======

======January 14, 1961======

=====News=====

A report appeared in Chicago newspapers that White Sox owner Bill Veeck had bought the Raiders for $175,000 and planned to relocate them to Chicago. Veeck and several Raider officials, including [[Wayne Valley]] and [[Chet Soda]], quickly said the story was nonsense. [[Roger Lapham]] didn't confirm the story, but did say the team was "for sale at the right price".

Newly-installed team president [[Ed McGah]] added that the team had no intention of moving from Oakland, but did admit that some of the owners wanted to sell out. He also said that the team's articles of incorporation required that any sale of stock be approved by the entire board of directors, consisting of the team's owners along with attorney [[William Hayes]].

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|[[january-12-1961|< Jan 12, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-15-1961|Jan 15, 1961 >]]|

======January 15, 1961======

=====News=====

After a contentious seven-hour meeting, and with the in-person mediation of AFL commissioner Joe Foss and two lawyers for the league, the team announced that five of the eight owners had sold their share of the team to the other three. [[Don Blessing]], [[Charles Harney]], [[Chet Soda]], [[Roger Lapham]], and [[Wallace Marsh]] were getting out, leaving [[Ed McGah]], [[Robert Osborne]], and [[Wayne Valley]] in control. Foss said afterward that if the owners couldn't come to an agreement, he was authorized by the league to remove the franchise from their control. Per the agreement, McGah would remain as president, with Valley to become vice-president, and Osborne assuming the role of treasurer.

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|[[january-14-1961|< Jan 14, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-16-1961|Jan 16, 1961 >]]|

======January 16, 1961======

=====News=====

More details emerged from yesterday's major team reorganization. The major sticking point between the two sides was the AFL's anti-trust suit against the NFL which, if the AFL were to win, could get the league's owners upward of $10 million in a settlement. The remaining owners—[[Ed McGah]], [[Robert Osborne]], and [[Wayne Valley]]—objected to the departing owners partaking of a settlement if they were no longer contributing to the legal costs of the action. AFL commissioner Joe Foss said there were four groups, representing three different cities, that were interested in taking over the Raiders franchise if the current owners had been unable to come to an agreement.

=====Transactions=====

The team signed their 15th-round draft pick, receiver [[Bob Coolbaugh]] from Richmond.

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|[[january-15-1961|< Jan 15, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-17-1961|Jan 17, 1961 >]]|

======January 17, 1961======

=====News=====

The team's 18th-round draft pick, Illinois halfback [[Joe Krakoski]], signed with the Redskins.

=====Transactions=====

The team signed their 13th-round draft choice, receiver [[Jerry Burch]] from Georgia Tech. They also signed free agent halfback [[Oneal Cuttery]] from Castlemont High in Oakland and San Jose State

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|[[january-16-1961|< Jan 16, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-19-1961|Jan 19, 1961 >]]|

======January 18, 1961======

======January 19, 1961======

=====News=====

The team's 29th-round draft pick, Indiana tackle [[Ed Morris]], signed with the Browns on or before this date.

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|[[january-17-1961|< Jan 17, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-21-1961|Jan 21, 1961 >]]|

======January 20, 1961======

======January 21, 1961======

=====News=====

The team's 20th-round draft pick, Grambling fullback [[Preston Powell]], signed with the Browns.

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|[[january-19-1961|< Jan 19, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-23-1961|Jan 23, 1961 >]]|

======January 22, 1961======

======January 23, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

Defensive backfield coach [[Ed Cody]] resigned to take a similar position under Jim Sutherland at Washington State University.

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|[[january-21-1961|< Jan 21, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-24-1961|Jan 24, 1961 >]]|

======January 24, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team signed their 21st-round draft pick, quarterback [[Mike Jones]] from San Jose State. They also signed their 23rd-round pick, guard [[Roger Fisher]] from Utah State, and free agent guard [[Arnold Metcalf]] from Oregon Tech.

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|[[january-23-1961|< Jan 23, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-25-1961|Jan 25, 1961 >]]|

======January 25, 1961======

=====News=====

The team's 24th-round pick, Miami(FL) guard [[Jack Novak]], signed with the Packers.

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|[[january-24-1961|< Jan 24, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-27-1961|Jan 27, 1961 >]]|

======January 26, 1961======

======January 27, 1961======

=====News=====

Baseball's American League identified Oakland as a likely site for expansion by 1964, giving more impetus to the city's effort to build a multi-purpose stadium and give the Raiders a place to play in their nominal home.

=====Transactions=====

In their biggest signing of the off-season so far, the team inked their 2nd-round draft pick, halfback [[George Fleming]] out of Washington

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|[[january-25-1961|< Jan 25, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-30-1961|Jan 30, 1961 >]]|

======January 28, 1961======

======January 29, 1961======

======January 30, 1961======

=====News=====

Offensive backfield coach [[Tommy Kalmanir]] revealed that he had been recruited by an NFL team, but decided to stay with the Raiders after they offered him an increase in pay.

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|[[january-27-1961|< Jan 27, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[february-1-1961|Feb 1, 1961 >]]|

======January 31, 1961======

======February 1, 1961======

=====News=====

Offensive line coach [[Ernie Jorge]] announced that he was stepping down from the post, citing his dislike of the "length of the pro season, the number of games, and the traveling." He hadn't been actively coaching the team since suffering a heart attack in late September.

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|[[january-30-1961|< Jan 30, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[february-3-1961|Feb 3, 1961 >]]|

======February 2, 1961======

======February 3, 1961======

=====News=====

There was a rumor circulating that the team was interested in signing former 49ers halfback Hugh McElhenny for the 1962 season. The team was quick to disavow such rumors, saying it would constitute tampering, which was forbidden by AFL rules.

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|[[february-1-1961|< Feb 1, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[february-4-1961|Feb 4, 1961 >]]|

======February 4, 1961======

=====News=====

In an echo of yesterday's story that the team was interested in halfback Hugh McElhenny, today's rumor was that the team was looking to sign former Cal quarterback Joe Kapp. Kapp had been the subject of similar rumors last season, but he was under contract to Calgary in the CFL and the AFL's rule against tampering applied to the CFL as well as the NFL.

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|[[february-3-1961|< Feb 3, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[february-7-1961|Feb 7, 1961 >]]|

======February 5, 1961======

======February 6, 1961======

======February 7, 1961======

=====News=====

Interim general manager [[Bud Hastings]] was working on putting together a preseason schedule and said the team was still committed to playing at Candlestick Park for the 1961 season.

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|[[february-4-1961|< Feb 4, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[february-8-1961|Feb 8, 1961 >]]|

======February 8, 1961======

=====News=====

Former general manager and team co-owner [[Chet Soda]] said that previous reports saying that the team had lost about $400,000, or about $50,000 per owner, last season were overstating the figure. By his calculations, including what he called typical business practices, he had only lost about $15,000 and thought that his fellow owners had lost about the same amount.

The Raiders and the 49ers announced they would compete against each other in a basketball game game scheduled for February 21 on a court in Pleasanton

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|[[february-7-1961|< Feb 7, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[february-10-1961|Feb 10, 1961 >]]|

======February 9, 1961======

======February 10, 1961======

=====News=====

The team's 16th round draft choice, halfback [[Charley Fuller]] of San Francisco State, was signed by the 49ers.

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|[[february-8-1961|< Feb 8, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[february-11-1961|Feb 11, 1961 >]]|

======February 11, 1961======

=====News=====

Guard [[Tony Polychronis]] out of Utah, who had been drafted by Minneapolis/St. Paul last year as a redshirt, and whose signing rights had been awarded to the Raiders, signed with Toronto of the CFL.

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|[[february-10-1961|< Feb 10, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[february-15-1961|Feb 15, 1961 >]]|

======February 12, 1961======

======February 13, 1961======

======February 14, 1961======

======February 15, 1961======

=====News=====

The team promoted [[Bud Hastings]] to general manager, removing the interim tag that had been in place since [[Chet Soda]] stepped down on January 5.

They also hired former Cardinals assistant [[Bob Maddock]] to coach the offensive line, replacing [[Ernie Jorge]], who resigned on February 1.

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|[[february-11-1961|< Feb 11, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[february-20-1961|Feb 20, 1961 >]]|

======February 16, 1961======

======February 17, 1961======

======February 18, 1961======

======February 19, 1961======

======February 20, 1961======

=====News=====

ABC Television announced that, because of improving television ratings of AFL games over the course of the 1960 season, they were increasing each team's 1961 take from $185,000 to $215,000.

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|[[february-15-1961|< Feb 15, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[february-21-1961|Feb 21, 1961 >]]|

======February 21, 1961======

=====News=====

In the first-ever contest of any kind between the Raiders and the 49ers, the 49ers beat the Raiders in charity basketball contest, 65-48, in Pleasanton. [[George Fields]] led the Raiders in scoring with 14 points.

=====Transactions=====

The team signed three free agents: halfback [[Clive Bullian]] from San Jose State, center [[Harrison Rece]] from Trinity College in Texas, and tackle [[Bob Voight]] from Los Angeles State.

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|[[february-20-1961|< Feb 20, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[february-28-1961|Feb 28, 1961 >]]|

======February 22, 1961======

======February 23, 1961======

======February 24, 1961======

======February 25, 1961======

======February 26, 1961======

======February 27, 1961======

======February 28, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team signed a trio of free agents: California halfback [[Grover Garvin]], Cal Poly end [[John Hardy]], and UC Santa Barbara tackle [[Ray Schaack]]. Hardy was the younger brother of Raiders receiver [[Charlie Hardy]].

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|[[february-21-1961|< Feb 21, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[march-1-1961|Mar 1, 1961 >]]|

======March 1, 1961======

=====News=====

Scotty Stirling of the //Tribune// reported that several players—including [[Wayne Crow]], [[Charlie Hardy]], [[Jack Larscheid]], [[Tom Louderback]], and [[Tony Teresa]]—were unhappy about their 1961 salaries, citing tiny raises or even pay cuts. Stirling said that quarterback [[Tom Flores]], on the other hand, had received a sizable increase over his 1960 pay was happy with his situation.

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|[[february-28-1961|< Feb 28, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[march-4-1961|Mar 4, 1961 >]]|

======March 2, 1961======

======March 3, 1961======

======March 4, 1961======

=====News=====

General manager [[Bud Hastings]] announced the team would open the 1961 preseason by playing the [[Titans|Oilers]] in Honolulu on an as yet unspecified date.

Halfback [[Wayne Crow]], one of the players mentioned by the //Tribune//'s Scotty Stirling as being at odds with the team over his 1961 salary, said he and the team had worked out their differences and he was now happy with the situation.

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|[[march-1-1961|< Mar 1, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[march-9-1961|Mar 9, 1961 >]]|

======March 5, 1961======

======March 6, 1961======

======March 7, 1961======

======March 8, 1961======

======March 9, 1961======

=====News=====

The Raiders and the 49ers announced they would play a basketball game on March 15 in the Oakland Auditorium for charity.

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|[[march-4-1961|< Mar 4, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[march-12-1961|Mar 12, 1961 >]]|

======March 10, 1961======

======March 11, 1961======

======March 12, 1961======

=====News=====

The AFL began to release official stats from the 1960, starting with the rushing numbers. The Raiders finished second in the league as a team with a total of 1,786 net yards, or 127.5 yards per game. [[Tony Teresa]] finished fifth in the league on an individual basis with 608 yards on 139 carries.

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|[[march-9-1961|< Mar 9, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[march-15-1961|Mar 15, 1961 >]]|

======March 13, 1961======

======March 14, 1961======

======March 15, 1961======

=====News=====

In a basketball game played for charity, the 49ers beat the Raiders, 66-44, in the Oakland Auditorium. [[Charlie Hardy]] and [[Jetstream Smith]] shared top scoring honors for the Raiders with eight points each.

The team hired former Cal ticket department employee [[Al Salisbury]] to replace [[Everett Nevin]] as ticket manager.

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|[[march-12-1961|< Mar 12, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[march-16-1961|Mar 16, 1961 >]]|

======March 16, 1961======

=====News=====

The AFL released their official punt return statistics which showed the Raiders dead last in the league with 5.8 yards per return. [[Jack Larscheid]] finished third in the individual rankings at 8.8 yards per return.

Two of the team's draft picks signed with the Vikings: 10th-round pick, tackle [[Ken Petersen]] out of Utah, and 11th-round pick [[Doug Mayberry]] out of Utah State.

=====Transactions=====

The team signed four free agents: defensive back [[Bo Bankston]] out of the University of New Mexico, tackle [[John Freim]] from Adams State in Colorado, end [[Fred Tunnicliffe]] out of UC-Santa Barbara, and tight end [[Charles Moore]] from Northeastern State in Oklahoma. Moore had been in camp with the team last year before being waived in early August.

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|[[march-15-1961|< Mar 15, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[march-19-1961|Mar 19, 1961 >]]|

======March 17, 1961======

======March 18, 1961======

======March 19, 1961======

=====News=====

The AFL released their official pass receiving statistics with the Raiders' [[Billy Lott]] and his 49 catches good for a tie for sixth place.

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|[[march-16-1961|< Mar 16, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[march-20-1961|Mar 20, 1961 >]]|

======March 20, 1961======

=====News=====

The team began their spring season ticket blitz today. The team hoped to sell as many as 15,000 tickets for the 1961 season, pricing them at $28.00 each with no obligation to purchase preseason tickets.

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|[[march-19-1961|< Mar 19, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[march-21-1961|Mar 21, 1961 >]]|

======March 21, 1961======

=====News=====

The AFL released their official kickoff return statistics with the Raiders’ [[Jack Larscheid]] finishing third with a 28.4 yards per return average.

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|[[march-20-1961|< Mar 20, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[april-4-1961|Apr 4, 1961 >]]|

======March 22, 1961======

======March 23, 1961======

======March 24, 1961======

======March 25, 1961======

======March 26, 1961======

======March 27, 1961======

======March 28, 1961======

======March 29, 1961======

======March 30, 1961======

======March 31, 1961======

======April 1, 1961======

======April 2, 1961======

======April 3, 1961======

======April 4, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team traded fullback [[Billy Lott]] and quarterback [[Babe Parilli]] to the Patriots for halfback [[Dick Christy]], fullback [[Alan Miller]], and defensive tackle [[Hal Smith]].

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|[[march-21-1961|< Mar 21, 1961]]     |[[1961 calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[april-7-1961|Apr 7, 1961 >]]|

======April 5, 1961======

======April 6, 1961======

======April 7, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team signed five free agents: halfback [[Bob Cabanyog]] out of Pacific, defensive back [[Ted Cano]] from Washington State, guard [[Tom Cousineau]] from Indiana, halfback [[Herm Urenda]] from Pacific, and defensive lineman [[Dave Williams]] from Sacramento City College. Cousineau had been with the team in training camp last year, but left partway through to take care of a prior commitment.

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|[[april-4-1961|< Apr 4, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[april-9-1961|Apr 9, 1961 >]]|

======April 8, 1961======

======April 9, 1961======

=====News=====

The team hired former Pacific assistant [[George Dickson]] to be their defensive backfield coach.

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|[[april-7-1961|< Apr 7, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[april-28-1961|Apr 28, 1961 >]]|

======April 10, 1961======

======April 11, 1961======

======April 12, 1961======

======April 13, 1961======

======April 14, 1961======

======April 15, 1961======

======April 16, 1961======

======April 17, 1961======

======April 18, 1961======

======April 19, 1961======

======April 20, 1961======

======April 21, 1961======

======April 22, 1961======

======April 23, 1961======

======April 24, 1961======

======April 25, 1961======

======April 26, 1961======

======April 27, 1961======

======April 28, 1961======

=====News=====

The AFL announced their schedule for the 1961 season. The Raiders would open on September 9 on the road against the [[Titans|Oilers]] and close the season on either December 16 or 17, at home against the Oilers.

The Raiders beat the 49ers, 37-36, in roller derby. [[Tom Flores]] led all scorers with 13 points.

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|[[april-7-1961|< Apr 7, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[may-7-1961|May 7, 1961 >]]|

======April 29, 1961======

======April 30, 1961======

======May 1, 1961======

======May 2, 1961======

======May 3, 1961======

======May 4, 1961======

======May 5, 1961======

======May 6, 1961======

======May 7, 1961======

=====News=====

The team's 12th-round draft pick, guard [[Bob Schmitz]] out of Montana state, signed with the Steelers.

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|[[april-28-1961|< April 28, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[may-12-1961|May 12, 1961 >]]|

======May 8, 1961======

======May 9, 1961======

======May 10, 1961======

======May 11, 1961======

======May 12, 1961======

=====News=====

The team's 7th-round draft pick, halfback [[Ray Purdin]] out of Northwestern, signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

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|[[may-7-1961|< May 7, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[may-13-1961|May 13, 1961 >]]|

======May 13, 1961======

=====News=====

In a rematch, the 49ers beat the Raiders, 21-15, in roller derby. [[Wayne Crow]] led all Raiders in scoring with four points.

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|[[may-12-1961|< May 12, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[may-14-1961|May 14, 1961 >]]|

======May 14, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team signed free agent University of New Mexico guard [[Glen Hakes]] on or before this date.


|[[may-13-1961|< May 13, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[may-16-1961|May 16, 1961 >]]|

======May 15, 1961======

======May 16, 1961======

=====News=====

The team announced they would play the [[Chargers]] in a preseason game on August 27, in San Diego, their first appearance in that city.

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|[[may-13-1961|< May 13, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[may-18-1961|May 18, 1961 >]]|

======May 17, 1961======

======May 18, 1961======

=====Injury Updates=====

The team’s 25th-round draft choice, defensive end [[Paul Yanke]] of Northwestern, injured his knee in an alumni game and would be out for the season.	Recently-signed free agent guard [[Glen Hakes]] also injured his knee in an alumni game though his prognosis was yet to be determined.

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|[[may-16-1961|< May 16, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[may-20-1961|May 20, 1961 >]]|

======May 19, 1961======

======May 20, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

Defensive end [[Paul Yanke]], the team’s 25th-round draft pick announced he would no longer pursue a pro football career after injuring his knee two days ago in an alumni game.

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|[[may-18-1961|< May 18, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[may-21-1961|May 21, 1961 >]]|

======May 21, 1961======

=====News=====

At a press conference, general manager [[Bud Hastings]] said the team was in a “sound financial state” and would only improve after a stadium was built in Oakland.

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|[[may-20-1961|< May 20, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[may-26-1961|May 26, 1961 >]]|

======May 22, 1961======

======May 23, 1961======

======May 24, 1961======

======May 25, 1961======

======May 26, 1961======

=====News=====

General manager [[Bud Hastings]] said the team was planning to negotiate with Calgary of the Canadian Football League to acquire former University of California quarterback Joe Kapp. Kapp had announced his intent to leave Calgary after the 1961 season.

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|[[may-21-1961|< May 21, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[may-27-1961|May 27, 1961 >]]|

======May 27, 1961======

=====News=====

Following reports that the Raiders were interested in Calgary quarterback Joe Kapp, Calgary general manager Jim Finks said his team had exercised Kapp’s contract option and there would be no negotiations with the Raiders.

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|[[may-26-1961|< May 26, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[may-29-1961|May 29, 1961 >]]|

======May 28, 1961======

======May 29, 1961======

=====News=====

AFL president Milt Woodard revealed that the CFL’s Calgary team had filed tampering charges with the league over the Raiders’ interest in their quarterback Joe Kapp. Woodard’s announcement included the news that the league had exonerated the Raiders of the charges.

=====Transactions=====

The team signed a pair of free agents: end [[Earl Randolph]] out of Arizona State-Flagstaff and tackle [[Julius Varnado]] of San Francisco State.

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|[[may-27-1961|< May 27, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[june-1-1961|Jun 1, 1961 >]]|

======May 30, 1961======

======May 31, 1961======

======June 1, 1961======

=====News=====

The team announced they had finalized their four-game exhibition schedule: Aug 11 vs [[Titans|Oilers]] in Honolulu, Aug 19 vs [[ Broncos]] in Spokane, Aug 27 at [[Chargers]], and Sep 4 vs Broncos in Kezar Stadium. They also announced training camp would open on July 22 in Santa Cruz.

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|[[may-29-1961|< May 29, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[june-7-1961|Jun 7, 1961 >]]|

======June 2, 1961======

======June 3, 1961======

======June 4, 1961======

======June 5, 1961======

======June 6, 1961======

======June 7, 1961======

=====News=====

Scotty Stirling of the //Tribune// reported that Steelers cornerback Fred Williamson was playing out his option with Pittsburgh and said he’d like to play for the Raiders. Williamson had also played with the 49ers and resided in Berkeley. General manager [[Bud Hastings]] said the team would negotiate with Williamson as soon as they were permitted to do so.

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|[[june-1-1961|< Jun 1, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[june-9-1961|Jun 9, 1961 >]]|

======June 8, 1961======

======June 9, 1961======

=====News=====

The AFL awarded the team a pair of 12th-round picks in the 1962 draft as compensation for players who had been drafted by Minneapolis/St. Paul but whose signing rights had not been awarded to the team in March 1960. Those players were halfback [[CJ Alexander]], who had gone to the [[Patriots]], and defensive end [[Jim O’Brien]], who had gone to the [[Bills]].

----

|[[june-7-1961|< Jun 7, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[june-10-1961|Jun 10, 1961 >]]|

======June 10, 1961======

=====News=====

In their third and final rink meeting of the offseason, the Raiders beat the 49ers in roller derby, 11-9.

----

|[[june-9-1961|< Jun 9, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[june-14-1961|Jun 14, 1961 >]]|

======June 11, 1961======

======June 12, 1961======

======June 13, 1961======

======June 14, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team signed a pair of ex-Cal Bears free agents: linebacker [[Dick Carlsen]] and guard [[Jim Green]].

----

|[[june-10-1961|< Jun 10, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[june-17-1961|Jun 17, 1961 >]]|

======June 15, 1961======

======June 16, 1961======

======June 17, 1961======

=====News=====

The Raiders and 49ers took each other on in bowling at Rheem Bowl in Moraga, with the 49ers coming out on top, 2 games to 1.

----

|[[june-14-1961|< Jun 14, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[june-19-1961|Jun 19, 1961 >]]|

======June 18, 1961======

======June 19, 1961======

=====News=====

Team bandleader [[Del Courtney]] announced the formation of a partnership with the Oakland Ballet Company to form a cheerleader/dance troupe to be called the Raiderettes. [[Raoul Pause]] would be the cheorographer, [[Don Ransom]] would design the costumes, and award-winning cheerleader, 15-year-old [[Diane Shelton]], would be the on-field leader of the group.

Two of the team's draft picks signed with the Browns: Iowa State halfback [[Tom Watkins]] (8th round) and Indiana tackle [[Ed Morris]] (29th round).

----

|[[june-17-1961|< Jun 17, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[june-27-1961|Jun 27, 1961 >]]|

======June 20, 1961======

======June 21, 1961======

======June 22, 1961======

======June 23, 1961======

======June 24, 1961======

======June 25, 1961======

======June 26, 1961======

======June 27, 1961======

=====News=====

Ticket manager [[Al Salisbury]] left the team’s employ sometime before this date.

----

|[[june-19-1961|< Jun 19, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[june-28-1961|Jun 28, 1961 >]]|

======June 28, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team’s fourth-round draft pick, Northwestern defensive back [[Elbert Kimbrough]], signed with the Rams.

----

|[[june-27-1961|< Jun 27, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[july-9-1961|Jul 9, 1961 >]]|

======June 29, 1961======

======June 30, 1961======

======July 1, 1961======

======July 2, 1961======

======July 3, 1961======

======July 4, 1961======

======July 5, 1961======

======July 6, 1961======

======July 7, 1961======

======July 8, 1961======

======July 9, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

[[Don Manoukian]] informed the team he was retiring from pro football to pursue a full-time career in pro wrestling.

----

|[[june-28-1961|< Jun 28, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[july-12-1961|Jul 12, 1961 >]]|


======July 10, 1961======

======July 11, 1961======

======July 12, 1961======

=====News=====

The team agreed to contract terms with guard [[John Dittrich]], quarterback [[Tom Flores]], defensive end [[Charley Powell]], and halfback [[Tony Teresa]].

----

|[[july-9-1961|< Jul 9, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[july-14-1961|Jul 14, 1961 >]]|

======July 13, 1961======

======July 14, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

**Trade**

Acquired linebacker [[Al Bansavage]] from the [[Chargers]] for an unspecified future draft pick.

----

|[[july-12-1961|< Jul 12, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[july-21-1961|Jul 21, 1961 >]]|

======July 15, 1961======

======July 16, 1961======

======July 17, 1961======

======July 18, 1961======

======July 19, 1961======

======July 20, 1961======

======July 21, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team signed a pair of free agents: Fresno State quarterback [[Nick Papac]] and New Mexico State halfback [[Ed Whittle]]. Tackle [[Ray Schaack]] told the team he would not report to training camp, preferring to focus on his education.

----

|[[july-14-1961|< Jul 14, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[july-22-1961|Jul 22, 1961 >]]|

======July 22, 1961======

=====News=====

Training camp opened in Santa Cruz with the players lining up for physical exams.

=====Transactions=====

The team waived tackle [[Dalton Truax]] and defensive tackle [[Don Deskins]].

Two players informed the team they were not reporting to training camp: defensive tackle [[Ron Warzeka]] and end [[Fred Tunnicliffe]].

----

|[[july-21-1961|< Jul 21, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[july-24-1961|Jul 24, 1961 >]]|

======July 23, 1961======

======July 24, 1961======

=====News=====

The team conducted its first workout of camp with the coaching staff putting the players through a series of drills.

The coaches shifted halfback [[Nyle McFarlane]] to the defensive secondary.

Bob Brachman of the //Examiner// reported that the team’s owners—[[Ed McGah]], [[Robert Osborne]], and [[Wayne Valley]]—had spent the recent offseason trying to recruit up to 35 investors who would buy a share of the team as limited, non-voting, partners.

=====Injury Updates=====

Tackle [[Paul Oglesby]] reported a serious back problem with the training staff saying he could miss the entire season as a consequence.

Rookie wide receiver [[Jerry Burch]] received a cortisone shot for a hip pointer that was expected to keep him out of practice for an unspecified time.

----

|[[july-22-1961|< Jul 22, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[july-26-1961|Jul 26, 1961 >]]|

======July 25, 1961======

======July 26, 1961======

=====News=====

Center [[Jim Otto]] told the team he planned to play out his option in 1961 and jump to the NFL next year. He cited a salary dispute as the cause with a difference of “several thousand dollars” between each side’s offer.

=====Transactions=====

The team cut five players: running back [[Bo Bankston]], defensive back [[Clive Bullian]], linebacker [[Dick Carlsen]], defensive back [[Grover Garvin]], and defensive back [[Ed Whittle]].

Defensive tackle [[Ramon Armstrong]] informed the team he was retiring from pro football to help out on his father’s ranch in Texas.

=====Injury Updates=====

The team’s medical staff confirmed that tackle [[Paul Oglesby]] had a slipped disc in his back and would be out for the season.

Guard [[Wayne Hawkins]] suffered a slight muscle pull and defensive end [[Charley Powell]] strained a leg muscle, but neither was expected to miss much time.

----

|[[july-24-1961|< Jul 24, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[july-27-1961|Jul 27, 1961 >]]|

======July 27, 1961======

=====News=====

The coaching staff ran the team through a surprise scrimmage, their first of camp. Head coach [[Eddie Erdelatz]] termed it “not too bad a scrimmage for the first time.”

The coaches promoted [[John Harris]] to first-string cornerback.

The //Tribune// reported that up to 18 players were liable to be called up for military service, including five potential starters: tight end [[Doug Asad]], guard [[Wayne Hawkins]], linebacker [[Tom Louderback]], fullback [[Alan Miller]], and tight end [[Gene Prebola]].

=====Transactions=====

The team waived center [[Roger Fisher]], halfback [[Ted Cano]], and receiver [[Charles Moore]].

=====Injury Updates=====

Scotty Stirling of the //Tribune// reported that halfback [[Tony Teresa]] had spent a week and a half in the hospital back in June for back pain. When asked, Teresa said his back was fine in practice, but acted up at night.

Guard [[Jim Green]] broke his nose in practice, but the equipment staff put a different facemask on his helmet, and he wasn’t expected to miss any time.

----

|[[july-26-1961|< Jul 26, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[july-29-1961|Jul 29, 1961 >]]|

======July 28, 1961======

======July 29, 1961======

=====News=====

The staff put the players through their second scrimmage of training camp with head coach [[Eddie Erdelatz]] calling his team’s performance “not bad.”

=====Injury Updates=====

Guard [[Wayne Hawkins]] suffered a mild knee injury.

Guard [[Jim Green]] suffered a shoulder dislocation, but this was apparently a chronic problem and he was only expected to miss a couple of days.

----

|[[july-27-1961|< Jul 27, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[july-30-1961|Jul 30, 1961 >]]|

======July 30, 1961======

=====News=====

It was team photo and timed sprints day so the players were spared practice.

----

|[[july-29-1961|< Jul 29, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[july-31-1961|Jul 31, 1961 >]]|

======July 31, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team released wide receiver [[Earl Randolph]].

Two players left camp voluntarily: linebacker [[Tom Cousineau]], because of stomach ulcers, and guard [[Jim Green]], who said he didn’t think he could make the team.

=====Injury Updates=====

Linebacker [[Tom Louderback]] injured his wrist in practice with a prognosis pending until the medical staff could look at x-rays.

Wide receiver [[Jerry Burch]] was still out with a hip pointer.

Tackle [[John Freim]] injured his ankle, but no estimated time of his return to practice was given.

Quarterback [[Mike Jones]] was dealing with a knee injury that the medical staff thought could be career-ending. Jones tried practicing with a knee brace but it didn’t go well.

Wide receiver [[Clar Appledoorn]] pulled cartilage in his rib cage and his potential return would be evaluated in three to four days.

----

|[[july-30-1961|< Jul 30, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-1-1961|Aug 1, 1961 >]]|

======August 1, 1961======

=====News=====

Head coach [[Eddie Erdelatz]] sent a request to the other AFL teams for offensive line help after injuries and retirements left the team with just two guards in camp, [[John Dittrich]] and [[Wayne Hawkins]].

AFL commissioner Joe Foss visited the team and said “we feel Oakland has a real potential” going forward, citing area growth and the city’s progress toward building a stadium.

=====Injury Updates=====

Linebacker [[Tom Louderback]], dealing with a wrist injury suffered yesterday, was able to practice.

Center [[Harrison Rece]] suffered an ankle injury with x-rays showing there was no break.

----

|[[july-31-1961|< Jul 31, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-2-1961|Aug 2, 1961 >]]|

======August 2, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team signed former Michigan halfback [[Jim Pace]]. Pace had been the 49ers first-round pick in 1958, but he was dealing with chronic knee problems. They signed two additional free agents: defensive end [[Jim Toon]], out of North Carolina A&T, and guard [[Roger Meitz]], from USC and San Leandro High School. The team waived quarterback [[Mike Jones]] and defensive end [[John Freim]].

----

|[[august-1-1961|< Aug 1, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-3-1961|Aug 3, 1961 >]]|

======August 3, 1961======

=====News=====

The team agreed to contract terms with center [[Jim Otto]], ending his threat to play out his option and join the NFL next year. They also agreed to terms with linebacker [[Tom Louderback]] and halfback [[Wayne Crow]].

=====Transactions=====

The team invited former UCLA guard [[Dick DeBov]] to camp for a tryout.

=====Injury Updates=====

Halfback [[Jim Pace]], signed yesterday, was held out of practice for treatment of a chronic knee problem.

Wide receiver [[Jerry Burch]] returned to practice after missing several days with a hip pointer.

----

|[[august-2-1961|< Aug 2, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-5-1961|Aug 5, 1961 >]]|

======August 4, 1961======

======August 5, 1961======

=====Injury Updates=====

Halfback [[Tony Teresa]] was admitted to the hospital for treatment of his back problem and was expected to stay overnight.

After returning to practice yesterday, wide receiver [[Jerry Burch]] missed practice again because of his hip injury.

Halfback [[Jim Pace]] continued to be out with a knee problem.

----

|[[august-3-1961|< Aug 3, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-6-1961|Aug 6, 1961 >]]|

======August 6, 1961======

=====News=====

The players enjoyed a day off while the coaching staff traveled to San Diego to scout both the [[Chargers]] and [[Titans|Oilers]] in an exhibition game.

----

|[[august-5-1961|< Aug 5, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-7-1961|Aug 7, 1961 >]]|

======August 7, 1961======

=====News=====

Defensive tackle [[Bob Voight]] left the team temporarily to join his US Army reserve unit for two weeks of training.

Second-round draft choice, halfback [[George Fleming]], reported to the team after having been away for the College All-Star game against the NFL champion Eagles. The coaching staff said they planned to try Fleming out at flanker initially.

=====Injury Updates=====

After receiving cortisone and novocaine injections in his back during an overnight stay in the hospital, halfback [[Tony Teresa]] returned to practice.

----

|[[august-6-1961|< Aug 6, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-8-1961|Aug 8, 1961 >]]|

======August 8, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team waived defensive back [[Nyle McFarlane]] and dismissed guard [[Dick DeBov]] from training camp following an unsuccessful tryout.

----

|[[august-7-1961|< Aug 7, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-9-1961|Aug 9, 1961 >]]|

======August 9, 1961======

=====News=====

Rookie wide receiver [[Bob Coolbaugh]] was tabbed to start in the team’s opening exhibition game against the [[Titans|Oilers]] in Honolulu.

[[Doug Asad]] was named first-string tight end ahead of [[Gene Prebola]].

=====Transactions=====

Halfback [[Jim Pace]] left the team voluntarily after his injured knee didn’t respond adequately to treatment.

----

|[[august-8-1961|< Aug 8, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-10-1961|Aug 10, 1961 >]]|

======August 10, 1961======

=====News=====

The team was en route to Honolulu to take on the [[Titans|Oilers]] in tomorrow’s exhibition opener.

The coaching staff shifted linebacker and placekicker [[Larry Barnes]] to offensive guard.

=====Transactions=====

The team traded tight end [[Gene Prebola]] to the [[Broncos]] in exchange for guard [[Willie Smith]]. They also added former Broncos cornerback [[Frank Bernardi]] as a free agent signing.

----

|[[august-9-1961|< Aug 9, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-11-1961|Aug 11, 1961 >]]|

======August 11, 1961======

=====News=====

In their preseason opener, the Raiders fell to the [[Titans|Oilers]], 35-17, in Honolulu. Oilers halfback Billy Cannon rushed for 149 yards in the win. Raiders quarterback [[Tom Flores]] suffered a concussion in the first half and was replaced by [[Nick Papac]].

=====Injury Updates=====

Linebacker [[Tom Louderback]] suffered a thigh bruise.

Defensive tackle [[Hal Smith]] suffered a slight shoulder injury.

----

|[[august-10-1961|< Aug 10, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-12-1961|Aug 12, 1961 >]]|

======August 12, 1961======

=====News=====

AFL commissioner Joe Foss called the Raiders the “potentially hottest franchise in the league” and said the team would stay in Oakland even if the ownership changed.

----

|[[august-11-1961|< Aug 11, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-13-1961|Aug 13, 1961 >]]|

======August 13, 1961======

=====News=====


The team was en route from Honolulu to Santa Cruz.

Bill Leiser of the //Chronicle// reported that Raiders co-owner [[Robert Osborne]] said he didn’t have “any doubt in the world about having a(n Oakland) stadium for the Raiders in 1964" and added it was his “personal belief it will be ready for 1963”.

----

|[[august-12-1961|< Aug 12, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-14-1961|Aug 14, 1961 >]]|

======August 14, 1961======

=====News=====

Head coach [[Eddie Erdelatz]] said the team might start [[George Fleming]] at flanker against the [[Broncos]] on the 19th in Spokane. He also said they planned to move [[Carmen Cavalli]] from the defensive line to offensive tackle and try new guard [[Willie Smith]] at defensive end. Lastly, the team promoted [[Alan Miller]] to starting fullback over [[Jetstream Smith]].

=====Injury Updates=====

Defensive back [[John Harris]] suffered a head laceration that required five stitches to repair, but he wasn’t expected to miss any time as a result.

----

|[[august-13-1961|< Aug 13, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-15-1961|Aug 15, 1961 >]]|

======August 15, 1961======

=====News=====

Halfback [[Luther Carr]], who was with the team for a cup of coffee last year in training camp, filed suit against the team, claiming medical malpractice related to a back injury he suffered in an exhibition game on August 24 against the [[Bills]]. In the suit, filed with the Alameda County Superior Court, Carr alleged that the team medical staff misdiagnosed the injury that ended his football career and was seeking a total of $258,100, with the $8,100 covering lost salary and the remainder for medical costs and damages. The suit named the team, Providence Hospital, and team doctor [[Kendall Small]] as defendants.

Small responded by saying there were inconsistencies in the suit’s allegations.	General manager [[Bud Hastings]] said that the team hadn’t heard from Carr following his injury until now, that the medical costs were covered by the team’s insurance, and that these complaints were usually handled by the commissioner’s office.

=====Transactions=====

The team traded halfback [[Dick Christy]] to the [[Jets|Titans]] in exchange for tight end [[Dave Ross]].

=====Injury Updates=====

Guard and placekicker [[Larry Barnes]] injured a knee but was able to continue practice.

----

|[[august-14-1961|< Aug 14, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-16-1961|Aug 16, 1961 >]]|

======August 16, 1961======

=====Injury Updates=====

Halfback [[Wayne Crow]] missed practice with an infected foot, but was expected to be back on the field tomorrow.

----

|[[august-15-1961|< Aug 15, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-17-1961|Aug 17, 1961 >]]|

======August 17, 1961======

=====News=====

The coaching staff returned [[Willie Smith]] to guard after trying him out on the defensive line for a few days.

New defensive end [[Jim Toon]] was expected to start on the 19th against [[Broncos|Denver]].

=====Injury Updates=====

Wide receiver [[Jerry Burch]] had finally recovered from his hip pointer and was also expected to play against the Broncos

After injuring his knee a few days ago, guard and placekicker [[Larry Barnes]] was slated to have surgery, which would put him out of commission for anywhere between a month and the entire season. Halfback [[George Fleming]] would take over his kicking duties.

----

|[[august-16-1961|< Aug 16, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-18-1961|Aug 18, 1961 >]]|

======August 18, 1961======

=====News=====

The team was en route to Spokane where they would play the [[Broncos]] tomorrow night.

----

|[[august-17-1961|< Aug 17, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-19-1961|Aug 19, 1961 >]]|

======August 19, 1961======

=====News=====

On a 90-degree night in Spokane, the [[Broncos]] scored 28 second-half points and thumped the Raiders, 48-21. [[Tom Flores]] started at quarterback and completed 12 of 23 passes for 163 yards. His likely backup, [[Nick Papac]], completed 8 of 11 for 99 yards.

----

|[[august-18-1961|< Aug 18, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-21-1961|Aug 21, 1961 >]]|

======August 20, 1961======

======August 21, 1961======

=====News=====

Tight end [[Dave Ross]] reported to the team following his trade from the [[Jets|Titans]] on the 15th.

=====Injury Updates=====

Halfback [[Tony Teresa]] was back in the hospital again for further back treatments.

----

|[[august-19-1961|< Aug 19, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-22-1961|Aug 22, 1961 >]]|

======August 22, 1961======

=====News=====

After a test run at flanker [[George Fleming]] was moved back to halfback behind [[Jack Larscheid]] on the depth chart. [[Herm Urenda]] was tabbed to take the flanker spot.

Former halfback [[Luther Carr]]’s suit against the team for medical malpractice was dismissed without prejudice by the Alameda County Superior Court.

Defensive tackle [[Bob Voight]] rejoined the team after a two-week stint with his army reserve unit.

=====Transactions=====

The team purchased the contract of defensive tackle [[Volney Peters]] from the [[Los Angeles Chargers|Chargers]] for an undisclosed sum.

Tackle [[Francis Morelli]] reported to the team as a "player to be named later" in the [[Dick Christy]]-for-[[Dave Ross]] swap with the [[New York Jets|Titans]] on the 15th.

The team waived cornerback [[Bob Cabanyog]], guard [[Roger Meitz]], and tackle [[Dave Williams]].

----

|[[august-21-1961|< Aug 21, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-23-1961|Aug 23, 1961 >]]|

======August 23, 1961======

=====News=====

Defensive tackle [[Volney Peters]], acquired yesterday from his hometown [[Chargers|San Diego Chargers]], said he wouldn’t report to the Raiders and would retire instead if necessary.

Wide receiver [[Herm Urenda]] was drafted by the US military and ordered to report for duty on September 7. Tight end [[Doug Asad]] was also thought likely to be drafted for service with more details expected to be available within a couple of weeks.

[[George Fields]] moved from defensive tackle to left defensive end ahead of [[Jim Toon]]. [[Bob Voight]] moved in at left defensive tackle, with [[Hal Smith]] taking over the right side. Newcomer [[Frank Bernardi]] was installed as first-string cornerback ahead of [[Eddie Macon]].

=====Transactions=====

The team signed cornerback [[Fred Williamson]] and placed him on the depth chart behind Bernardi. Williamson had played out his option with the Steelers and had then been released by that team.

The team signed former University of Washington fullback [[Jim Jones]]. They also waived [[Charlie Hardy]]’s brother, cornerback [[John Hardy]].

=====Injury Updates=====

Tests confirmed halfback [[Tony Teresa]] had a ruptured disc in his back and was probably out for the year.

----

|[[august-22-1961|< Aug 22, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-24-1961|Aug 24, 1961 >]]|

======August 24, 1961======

=====News=====

Former Raiders halfback [[Luther Carr]] refiled suit against the team for $9,700 in damages and medical expenses over a back injury suffered in training camp in 1960. This came two days after Carr’s previous lawsuit seeking $258,100 was dismissed by the Alameda County Superior Court.

----

|[[august-23-1961|< Aug 23, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-25-1961|Aug 25, 1961 >]]|

======August 25, 1961======

=====Injury Updates=====

Guard/placekicker [[Larry Barnes]] underwent knee surgery and was expected to be out for at least a month.

----

|[[august-24-1961|< Aug 24, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-26-1961|Aug 26, 1961 >]]|

======August 26, 1961======

=====News=====

The team was en route to San Diego for tomorrow’s exhibition game against the [[Chargers]].

----

|[[august-25-1961|< Aug 25, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-27-1961|Aug 27, 1961 >]]|

======August 27, 1961======

=====News=====

The team lost, 35-7, to the [[Chargers]] in an exhibition game in San Diego. The Chargers dominated the first half on both sides of the ball, getting out to a 26-0 lead and holding the Raiders offensive to zero net yards. The big plays came from Paul Lowe, who scored on a 73-yard punt return, and rookie halfback Keith Lincoln, who scored on a 63-yard screen pass from Jack Kemp. The only Raiders score came in the third quarter, a 15-yard [[Tom Flores]] to [[Doug Asad]] pass, after assistant coach [[Tommy Kalmanir]] had taken over playcalling from the press box.

=====Injury Updates=====

The game was extremely physical with several Raiders needing medical assistance. Center [[Jim Otto]] and defensive back [[John Harris]] each suffered pinched nerves in the neck. Linebacker [[Al Bansavage]] suffered a hand injury that was suspected to be a fracture. Backup center [[Harrison Rece]] injured his knee.

And in the most egregious event, Chargers defensive lineman Ernie Ladd removed guard [[John Dittrich]]’s helmet and smacked him with it, cutting open Dittrich’s forehead. It took six stitches to close the wound, but Ladd remained in the game and was only assessed a defensive holding penalty.

=====Transactions=====

The team signed their 19th-round draft pick, halfback [[Charley Fuller]], after his release from the 49ers a week ago.

The team waived defensive end [[Jim Toon]] and fullback [[Oneal Cuttery]].

----

|[[august-26-1961|< Aug 26, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-29-1961|Aug 29, 1961 >]]|

======August 28, 1961======

======August 29, 1961======

=====News=====

After several days of protesting that he would retire rather than report to the Raiders after being traded by the [[Chargers]], defensive tackle [[Volney Peters]] did, in fact, report to the team.

=====Transactions=====

The team acquired former Oregon State guard [[John Cadwell]] from the [[Chiefs|Texans]] in exchange for the Raiders’ 11th-round draft pick in 1962.

Wide receiver [[Herm Urenda]] was placed on the inactive list in advance of his departure for military service on September 7.

=====Injury Updates=====

An examination revealed that linebacker [[Al Bansavage]] had broken his hand against the Chargers on the 27th and would miss an expected four weeks.

----

|[[august-27-1961|< Aug 27, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-30-1961|Aug 30, 1961 >]]|

======August 30, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team waived six players: fullback [[Jetstream Smith]], wide receiver [[Alan Goldstein]], tackle [[Francis Morelli]], wide receiver [[Clar Appledoorn]], guard [[Arnold Metcalf]], and cornerback [[Frank Bernardi]].

Public relations director [[Jack Gallagher]] resigned, for “personal reasons.”

=====Injury Updates=====

Center [[Harrison Rece]], who had suffered a knee injury in the [[Chargers]] game, was placed on injured reserve.

----

|[[august-29-1961|< Aug 29, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[august-31-1961|Aug 31, 1961 >]]|

======August 31, 1961======

=====News=====

The team moved [[Carmen Cavalli]] again, this time from offensive tackle to tight end.

=====Transactions=====

The team acquired a pair of free agents: former North Carolina Central offensive lineman [[Jim Brewington]] and ex-University of Minnesota and New York Giants defensive end [[Jon Jelacic]].

----

|[[august-30-1961|< Aug 30, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-1-1961|Sep 1, 1961 >]]|

======September 1, 1961======

=====News=====

The coaches moved safety [[Wayne Crow]] to the offensive backfield

----

|[[august-31-1961|< Aug 31, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-4-1961|Sep 4, 1961 >]]|

======September 2, 1961======

======September 3, 1961======

======September 4, 1961======

=====News=====

The team won their first game of the preseason beating the [[Broncos]], 49-12, at Candlestick Park. There was no local radio broadcast of the game, as KFRC Radio couldn’t get a sponsor. New halfback [[Charley Fuller]] caught three passes for 61 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Raiders offensive netted 468 total yards and earned a whopping 34 first downs.

----

|[[september-1-1961|< Sep 1, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-5-1961|Sep 5, 1961 >]]|

======September 5, 1961======

=====News=====

The Raiders broke training camp, four days earlier than planned, at least in part because a lack of water at their training facility made the playing surface too hard to practice on.

=====Transactions=====

The team cut five players: tight end [[Carmen Cavalli]], cornerback [[Eddie Macon]], guard [[John Cadwell]], tight end [[Dave Ross]], and tackle [[Julius Varnado]].

----

|[[september-4-1961|< Sep 4, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-7-1961|Sep 7, 1961 >]]|

======September 6, 1961======

======September 7, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team waived guard [[John Dittrich]]. They also signed free agent guard [[Herb Roedel]], out of Marquette, who had recently been cut by the Cowboys.

=====Injury Updates=====

Halfback [[Jack Larscheid]] was listed as doubtful for the season opener against the [[Tennessee Titans|Oilers]] on the 9th because of a leg injury.

Defensive end [[Jon Jelacic]] pulled a hamstring in practice, making his status uncertain for the opener. [[George Fields]] was slated to get the start if Jelacic couldn’t go.

Linebacker [[Al Bansavage]] had the cast removed from his injured wrist, making him available for the Oilers game, if only in spot duty.

----

|[[september-5-1961|< Sep 5, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-8-1961|Sep 8, 1961 >]]|

======September 8, 1961======

=====News=====

The team was en route to Houston for tomorrow’s season opener against the [[Titans|Oilers]].

[[Charley Fuller]] was named starting halfback ahead of [[Wayne Crow]].

----

|[[september-7-1961|< Sep 7, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-9-1961|Sep 9, 1961 >]]|

======September 9, 1961======

=====News=====

The [[Titans|Oilers]] demolished the Raiders, 55-0, in the regular season opener in Houston. The Oilers’ 55 points were a new AFL record. Houston outgained the Raiders in total yards, 482-130.

The game was picketed by the local chapter of the NAACP because of the segregation policy in place at Jeppesen Stadium, the site of the game. The group reached out to the Black players on the team—who, at the time, included [[Jim Brewington]], [[George Fields]], [[George Fleming]], [[Charley Fuller]], [[Charlie Hardy]], [[John Harris]], [[Riley Morris]] and [[Charley Powell]]—urging them not to cross the picket line and play.

General manager [[Bud Hastings]] said the team “was not interested in any outside conflict” and that no telegrams had been sent to the players. Hastings later said that the Black players had “discussed the situation and decided they had come here to play football.” None of the players were quoted directly in the Bay Area press. Each of the players did appear in the game.

The game was played under threat of inundation by Hurricane Carla, a category-three storm that meterologists thought could land on the Texas coast around game time. However, aside from higher than usual wind speeds (20-25 mph), the storm had no impact on the contest.

[[Wayne Crow]] started at halfback ahead of Fuller.

Quarterback [[Tom Flores]] completed just 7 of 21 passes for 59 yards.

=====Injury Updates=====

Center [[Jim Otto]] suffered a concussion in the second quarter and missed the rest of the game.

Halfback [[Jack Larscheid]], thought likely to miss the game because of a leg injury, played after all.

Defensive end [[Jon Jelacic]] was still recovering from a pulled hamstring and did not play.

----

|[[september-8-1961|< Sep 8, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-11-1961|Sep 11, 1961 >]]|

======September 10, 1961======

======September 11, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team signed ex-[[Chargers]] and USC defensive end [[Gary Finneran]]. They also waived fullback [[Jim Jones]].

The team hired former College of the Pacific public relations representative [[Bill Tunnell]] to replace [[Jack Gallagher]] in the same role.

=====Injury Updates=====

Center [[Jim Otto]] was improving after suffering a concussion in the [[Titans|Oilers]] game and was expected to play against the Chargers on the 17th.

----

|[[september-9-1961|< Sep 9, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-13-1961|Sep 13, 1961 >]]|

======September 12, 1961======

======September 13, 1961======

=====News=====

Robert Nahas of Stadium, Inc., reported that an Oakland multi-purpose stadium could be completed as soon as early 1964. As currently envisioned, there would be an open-air facility with a capacity of 55,000 and an indoor arena with a capacity of 13,000.

=====Transactions=====

The team signed former [[Chargers]] cornerback [[Bob Garner]] as a backup for [[Alex Bravo]].

----

|[[september-11-1961|< Sep 11, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-14-1961|Sep 14, 1961 >]]|

======September 14, 1961======

=====News=====

The team shifted [[Wayne Crow]] from halfback to fullback. [[Charley Fuller]] was slated to be the new starting halfback

Newcomer [[Gary Finneran]] was thought likely to start at right defensive end.

[[Willie Smith]] was promoted to start at guard in the recently-released [[John Dittrich]]’s old spot.

=====Transactions=====

The team waived defensive lineman [[George Fields]].

=====Injury Updates=====

Defensive end [[Jon Jelacic]] was still dealing with a pulled hamstring and was expected to see only limited duty, if that, against the [[Chargers]] on the 17th.

----

|[[september-13-1961|< Sep 13, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-15-1961|Sep 15, 1961 >]]|

======September 15, 1961======

=====News=====

The team promoted [[Bob Coolbaugh]] to start at flanker ahead of [[George Fleming]].

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|[[september-14-1961|< Sep 14, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-17-1961|Sep 17, 1961 >]]|

======September 16, 1961======

======September 17, 1961======

=====News=====

For the second week in a row, the Raiders were demolished by an opponent, 44-0, at the hands of the [[Chargers]] in San Diego. The Chargers had five rushing touchdowns and ran up a 30-0 halftime score.

Linebacker [[Riley Morris]] was ejected from the game and fined $100 by the league for fighting Chargers defensive lineman Ron Nery.

=====Injury Updates=====

Also for the second straight week, center [[Jim Otto]] had to leave the game early because of a concussion and he was doubtful for the [[Chiefs|Texans]] game on the 24th.

----

|[[september-15-1961|< Sep 15, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-18-1961|Sep 18, 1961 >]]|

======September 18, 1961======

=====News=====

The owners fired head coach [[Eddie Erdelatz]] and promoted defensive line coach [[Marty Feldman]] to take over in his stead.

Defensive end [[Jon Jelacic]], currently dealing with a hamstring injury, was called up by his US Army reserve unit and was ordered to report by October 1.

Guard/placekicker [[Larry Barnes]], who was recovering from knee surgery, was arrested by Oakland police and charged with child molestation. After this story appeared, Barnes essentially disappeared from the newspapers. No mention was ever made regarding the resolution of his criminal charges or his removal from the Raiders organization.

=====Transactions=====

The team signed former Michigan State, Eagles, and Cowboys fullback [[Walt Kowalczyk]].

----

|[[september-17-1961|< Sep 17, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-19-1961|Sep 19, 1961 >]]|

======September 19, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team released halfback [[Jack Larscheid]].

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|[[september-18-1961|< Sep 18, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-20-1961|Sep 20, 1961 >]]|

======September 20, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team invited ex-[[Chiefs|Texans]] defensive back [[Johnny Bookman]] for a tryout.

----

|[[september-19-1961|< Sep 19, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-21-1961|Sep 21, 1961 >]]|

======September 21, 1961======

=====News=====

Tight end [[Doug Asad]], thought likely to be drafted by the military soon, said his call-up was unlikely because he was suffering from stomach ulcers.

The team shifted [[Wayne Crow]] to flanker and planned to try [[George Fleming]] in the secondary, just to see how he would do.

=====Injury Updates=====

Halfback [[Tony Teresa]] underwent back surgery at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz.

Head coach [[Marty Feldman]] said center [[Jim Otto]], recovering from concussions in successive weeks, would be able to play against the [[Chiefs|Texans]] on the 24th.

----

|[[september-20-1961|< Sep 20, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-22-1961|Sep 22, 1961 >]]|

======September 22, 1961======

=====News=====

As reported by Scotty Stirling in the //Tribune//, team co-owner [[Wayne Valley]] said the Raiders would likely have to relocate if the attendance at Candlestick Park didn’t improve. Valley said that four different cities, most notably Memphis, had made “solid offers” to entice the team. The Raiders had sold 4,400 season tickets in 1960, the fifth most among the eight teams in the AFL, but in 1961 they were dead last, with just 3,200 season tickets sold. Portland, Spokane, and Seattle were also among the cities suggested to have made offers for the team.

----

|[[september-21-1961|< Sep 21, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-24-1961|Sep 24, 1961 >]]|

======September 23, 1961======

======September 24, 1961======

=====News=====

In [[Marty Feldman]]’s head coaching debut, the Raiders’ offense finally did some scoring, but the team still lost to the [[Chiefs|Texans]], 42-35, at Candlestick Park. After moving both players around in practice during the week, [[Wayne Crow]] played at halfback, with [[George Fleming]] returning to his flanker spot. Late in the game there was an on-field brawl following a late hit on [[Tom Flores]] by Texans linebacker EJ Holub, with Holub getting tossed.

Following [[Wayne Valley]]’s assertion that the team had an offer to move to Memphis, AFL commissioner Joe Foss said the league had no plans to move any of the teams and that he knew nothing about “Memphis having any inside track on a possible franchise.” Foss did say that about ten different groups had shown interest in either acquiring an existing franchise or getting an expansion team, including at least one group from Oakland. He then added that any team relocation would require the approval of the entire league membership.

=====Injury Updates=====

Fullback [[Alan Miller]] suffered a bruised knee during the game, but it wasn’t thought to be serious enough to keep him out of the [[Broncos]] game on October 1.

----

|[[september-22-1961|< Sep 22, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-26-1961|Sep 26, 1961 >]]|

======September 25, 1961======

======September 26, 1961======

=====News=====

Halfback Ray Norton, who had just been waived by the 49ers, said he was interested in playing for the Raiders if another NFL team didn’t pick him up.

The Raiders ticket offense implemented a new plan whereby an adult buying a $2.50 full-price ticket in certain areas of Candlestick Park could bring up to four kids to the game for free. This plan was set to run for the rest of the season.

----

|[[september-24-1961|< Sep 24, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[september-27-1961|Sep 27, 1961 >]]|

======September 27, 1961======

=====News=====

According to the official league statistics, released today, the Raiders were last in both team offense (170.7 yards per game) and team defense (443.3 yards per game).

Head coach [[Marty Feldman]] said the team wasn’t interested in 49ers castoff halfback Ray Norton, saying that while Norton was a “great athlete” with “excellent speed” he wasn’t a good enough blocker or receiver to fit the Raiders’ needs.

The team revised the news regarding defensive end [[Jon Jelacic]]’s military service. Initial reports said Jelacic was required to join his army reserve unit on October 1, but the date was now pushed back to the 15th.

----

|[[september-26-1961|< Sep 26, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-1-1961|Oct 1, 1961 >]]|

======September 28, 1961======

======September 29, 1961======

======September 30, 1961======

======October 1, 1961======

=====News=====

The team won their first game of the season, beating the [[Broncos]], 31-19, at Candlestick Park. [[George Fleming]] kicked a 54-yard field goal to set a new AFL mark for distance. The boot was two yards shy of Bert Rechichar’s NFL record

[[Wayne Crow]] rushed for 107 yards on 16 carries.

The paid home attendance mark of 8,361 set a new team record.


----

|[[september-27-1961|< Sep 27, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-2-1961|Oct 2, 1961 >]]|

======October 2, 1961======

=====News=====

General manager [[Bud Hastings]] resigned to take a job with a Southern California manufacturing firm. The team did not immediately name a successor.

----

|[[october-1-1961|< Oct 1, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-3-1961|Oct 3, 1961 >]]|

======October 3, 1961======

=====News=====

The week’s official AFL stats were released, showing the Raiders still in last place in both team offense and defense (191.3 yds/game on offense, 376.3 yds/game on defense).

Defensive end [[Jon Jelacic]] left the team to join his military unit.

=====Transactions=====

The team signed free agent halfback [[Clem Daniels]] and tackle [[Cliff Roberts]] sometime between September 6 and this date.

----

|[[october-2-1961|< Oct 2, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-9-1961|Oct 9, 1961 >]]|

======October 4, 1961======

======October 5, 1961======

======October 6, 1961======

======October 7, 1961======

======October 8, 1961======

======October 9, 1961======

=====News=====

After days of speculation, [[Wes Fry 1|Wes Fry]] was named acting general manager following the resignation of [[Bud Hastings]]. [[Ed Walls]], a team accountant, was named the new business manager. Fry would continue to head up the player personnel department.

Co-owner [[Robert Osborne]] said recent rumors that the team would move to Portland were “completely unfounded.”

The coaching staff moved tackle [[Jim Brewington]] to the defensive line.

=====Transactions=====

The team activated tackle [[Cliff Roberts]] of Illinois off the taxi squad, taking [[Jon Jelacic]]’s place on the roster.

----

|[[october-3-1961|< Oct 3, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-12-1961|Oct 12, 1961 >]]|

======October 10, 1961======

======October 11, 1961======

======October 12, 1961======

=====News=====

Co-owner [[Robert Osborne]] suffered a mild heart attack.

----

|[[october-9-1961|< Oct 9, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-13-1961|Oct 13, 1961 >]]|

======October 13, 1961======

=====News=====

The team was en route to Denver for the [[Broncos]] game on the 15th.

----

|[[october-12-1961|< Oct 12, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-15-1961|Oct 15, 1961 >]]|

======October 14, 1961======

======October 15, 1961======

=====News=====

The [[Broncos]] came back from a 10-point deficit to beat the Raiders, 27-24, in Denver. Jack Hill kicked a 27-yard field goal with eight seconds left to win it. The Raiders committed five turnovers (two interceptions, three lost fumbles). [[Charley Fuller]] fumbled twice in the fourth quarter on kick returns, leading to two Denver field goals, including the game-winner.

=====Injury Updates=====

Defensive tackle [[Volney Peters]] pulled his right calf muscle and was likely to miss next week’s game against the [[Chargers]].

Guard [[Wayne Hawkins]] experienced significant jaw pain during the game, with an abscessed tooth as the suspected culprit.

----

|[[october-15-1961|< Oct 15, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-17-1961|Oct 17, 1961 >]]|

======October 16, 1961======

======October 17, 1961======

=====News=====

The team named [[Bob Garner]] the primary kick returner, replacing [[Charley Fuller]] who had two critical fumbles on returns in the loss to [[Broncos|Denver]].

----

|[[october-15-1961|< Oct 15, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-19-1961|Oct 19, 1961 >]]|

======October 18, 1961======

======October 19, 1961======

=====Injury Updates=====

Guard [[Wayne Hawkins]], who experienced jaw pain in the [[Broncos]] game thought to be caused by an abscessed tooth, was discovered to have a fractured jaw and would miss the [[Chargers]] game on the 22nd as a result. [[Herb Roedel]] would get the start in his absence.

Defensive tackle [[Volney Peters]] who pulled a calf muscle in the same game was also declared out for the Chargers contest.

----

|[[october-17-1961|< Oct 17, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-22-1961|Oct 22, 1961 >]]|

======October 20, 1961======

======October 21, 1961======

======October 22, 1961======

=====News=====

The [[Chargers]] thumped the Raiders, 41-10, at Candlestick Park. The Chargers led 34-7 at the half. The Raiders committed seven turnovers (3 lost fumbles, 4 interceptions) and had a punt blocked. They also had just 58 total net yards on offense and just 2 rushing yards. The attendance figure of 12,014 was a new Raiders home record.

Co-owner [[Robert Osborne]], who had suffered a mild heart attack on the 12th, left the game during the second quarter saying he felt “slightly sick”.

=====Injury Updates=====

Center [[Jim Otto]] left the game with a bruised back. [[Cliff Roberts]] and [[Tom Louderback]] each took a turn at replacing him, but neither performed well. Louderback suffered a concussion during the game, but kept playing despite feeling groggy for about a quarter.

Tackle [[Willie Smith]] left the game with a knee injury.

Halfback [[Wayne Crow]] injured both his hip and knee, but stayed in the game, as did defensive tackle [[Hal Smith]], who injured his foot.

----

|[[october-19-1961|< Oct 19, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-23-1961|Oct 23, 1961 >]]|

======October 23, 1961======

=====Injury Updates=====

Five players were listed as doubtful for the [[Jets|Titans]] game on the 29th: guard [[Wayne Hawkins]] (jaw), defensive tackle [[Volney Peters]] (calf), center [[Jim Otto]] (back), tackle [[Willie Smith]] (knee), and defensive tackle [[Hal Smith]] (broken bone in foot).

----

|[[october-22-1961|< Oct 22, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-24-1961|Oct 24, 1961 >]]|

======October 24, 1961======

=====News=====

This week’s official AFL stats showed the Raiders in last place in both team offense and defense (202.3 yds/game on offense, 371.5 yds/game on defense).

----

|[[october-23-1961|< Oct 23, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-25-1961|Oct 25, 1961 >]]|

======October 25, 1961======

=====News=====

Co-owner [[Robert Osborne]], who had recently suffered a mild heart attack, then left the [[Chargers]] game on the 22nd early because he wasn’t feeling well, checked into Providence Hospital for tests, with an expected stay of up to two weeks.

----

|[[october-24-1961|< Oct 24, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-26-1961|Oct 26, 1961 >]]|

======October 26, 1961======

=====News=====

The //Tribune// revealed that co-owner [[Robert Osborne]], who had checked into a local hospital yesterday for tests, had had a second heart attack during the [[Chargers]] game on the 22nd and would spend three weeks in the hospital followed by three months of recovery at home.

=====Transactions=====

The team activated fullback [[Clem Daniels]] from the taxi squad. They also waived fullback [[Walt Kowalczyk]].

=====Injury Updates=====

Guard [[Wayne Hawkins]], who had suffered a broken jaw in the [[Denver Broncos|Broncos]] game on the 15th, had been fitted with a new facemask for his helmet and returned to practice.

Center [[Jim Otto]], who had suffered a bruised back in the Chargers game was back at practice, but his availability for the [[New York Jets|Titans]] game on the 29th was still in question.

Defensive tackle [[Volney Peters]], recovering from a calf injury, was expected to play, though to a limited extent.

Defensive tackle [[Hal Smith]], with a broken bone in his foot, was placed on injured reserve and would definitely miss the game.

----

|[[october-25-1961|< Oct 25, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-27-1961|Oct 27, 1961 >]]|

======October 27, 1961======

=====Transactions======

The team signed recent [[Patriots]] castoff, defensive tackle [[Harry Jagielski]].

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|[[october-26-1961|< Oct 26, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-28-1961|Oct 28, 1961 >]]|

======October 28, 1961======

=====Injury Updates=====

Guard [[Wayne Hawkins]], still trying to return from a broken jaw, was ruled out for tomorrow’s game against the [[Jets|Titans]]. Center [[Jim Otto]] (back) and tackle [[Willie Smith]] (knee) were listed as questionable.

----

|[[october-27-1961|< Oct 27, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-29-1961|Oct 29, 1961 >]]|

======October 29, 1961======

=====News=====

On a windy day at Candlestick Park, the [[Jets|Titans]] beat the Raiders 14-6. The winds were steady at 25 mph with gusts reportedly as high at 60 mph. Quarterback [[Tom Flores]] completed just 8 of 26 passes for 67 yards, with 2 interceptions.

=====Injury Updates=====

Guard [[Wayne Hawkins]] (jaw) and tackle [[Willie Smith]] (knee) both sat the game out.

Center [[Jim Otto]] (back) had recovered enough to play.

----

|[[october-28-1961|< Oct 28, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[october-31-1961|Oct 31, 1961 >]]|

======October 30, 1961======

======October 31, 1961======

=====Injury Updates=====

Guard [[Wayne Hawkins]], healing from a broken jaw, was expected to be able to play against the [[Bills]] on November 5. Tackle [[Willie Smith]] (knee) was still listed as questionable.

----

|[[october-29-1961|< Oct 29, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-1-1961|Nov 1, 1961 >]]|

======November 1, 1961======

=====News=====

Co-owner [[Ed McGah]] said the team couldn’t continue to operate at current attendance levels, but said the owners would sell rather than move the team themselves. He added that the team had lost $327,000 in 1960, were on track to lose more than $400,000 in 1961, and could only continue to wait for a new stadium if losses were no more than half that amount

Fellow owner [[Wayne Valley]] said 1961 losses would be closer to $450,000 and that the team had to have an Oakland stadium for the 1962, but that the team wouldn’t pay to have one built.

AFL executive Milt Woodard said the league believed in Oakland if they could play there, but that several other cities—Atlanta, Chicago, Memphis, San Antonio—had shown interest in getting a team.

----

|[[october-31-1961|< Oct 31, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-2-1961|Nov 2, 1961 >]]|

======November 2, 1961======

=====News=====

Co-owner [[Robert Osborne]], still in the hospital recovering from a pair of heart attacks, said he was “flabbergasted” by his fellow owners [[Ed McGah]] and [[Wayne Valley]]  when they said the team couldn’t continue to operate in San Francisco at current attendance rates and without an Oakland stadium. Osborne said his holdings in the team were larger than those of the other two and that he was willing to stay in San Francisco while waiting for an Oakland stadium to be ready in 1963.

Following Osborne’s statement, McGah met with him and when Osborne admitted he couldn’t go it alone, agreed that McGah’s and Valley’s statements were essentially correct. Later that day, team representatives met “informally” with Oakland city leaders and said that the team had to have a plan in place by November 23 for the team to be able to play in Oakland in 1962 or the owners would have to look for buyers.

----

|[[november-1-1961|< Nov 1, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-3-1961|Nov 3, 1961 >]]|

======November 3, 1961======

=====News=====

The team was en route to Buffalo for the [[Bills]] game on the 5th.

=====Injury Updates=====

Tackle [[Willie Smith]] and his injured knee were cleared for play against the Bills.

----

|[[november-2-1961|< Nov 2, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-5-1961|Nov 5, 1961 >]]|

======November 4, 1961======

======November 5, 1961======

=====News=====

The Raiders beat the [[Bills]], 31-22, in Buffalo for their second win of the season. Oakland’s first offensive play of the game was an 85-yard touchdown pass from [[Tom Flores]] to [[Charley Fuller]]. The Raiders trailed at the half, but scored 17 second-half points to get the win.

Flores completed 14 of 24 passes for 271 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions.

The game was not broadcast by radio back in the Bay Area as KFRC Radio couldn’t get a sponsor.

=====Injury Updates=====

Linebacker [[Tom Louderback]] left the game for a time with an unspecified head injury, but returned late in the contest.

Wide receiver [[Charlie Hardy]] left the game in the fourth quarter after a hard hit from behind.

----

|[[november-3-1961|< Nov 3, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-6-1961|Nov 6, 1961 >]]|

======November 6, 1961======

=====News=====

Co-owner [[Robert Osborne]] returned home after a two-week hospital stay during which he underwent tests and treatment following a pair of heart attacks.

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|[[november-5-1961|< Nov 5, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-8-1961|Nov 8, 1961 >]]|

======November 7, 1961======

======November 8, 1961======

=====News=====

A 28-member citizens’ committee formed by Oakland mayor John Houlihan presented a plan to move and improve Exposition Field, near 8th and Fallon, giving the Raiders a place to play in 1962. The presentation included a plan, already in the works, to move the stadium across the street at a cost of $89,000, and to increase the seating to 20,000 at a cost of an additional $194,000. The Raiders would pay $45,000 in rent during their two seasons of occupancy. The committee was scheduled to meet again on the 15th to take up the matter further.

----

|[[november-6-1961|< Nov 6, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-11-1961|Nov 11, 1961 >]]|

======November 9, 1961======

======November 10, 1961======

======November 11, 1961======

=====News=====

The [[Jets|Titans]] beat the Raiders, 23-12, in New York. Bill Mathis led the way for the Titans with 127 yards rushing on 20 carries and two touchdowns. Each team committed six turnovers.

Quarterback [[Tom Flores]] was spelled late by [[Nick Papac]] after throwing three interceptions.

=====Injury Updates=====

Defensive tackle [[Volney Peters]] re-injured his left calf in the second quarter and the injury was expected to keep him out of the lineup an additional two weeks.

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|[[november-8-1961|< Nov 8, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-14-1961|Nov 14, 1961 >]]|

======November 12, 1961======

======November 13, 1961======

======November 14, 1961======

=====News=====

San Jose city manager Dutch Hamann said he was “quietly, unofficially” looking to bring the Raiders to his city. He said he had not talked directly with the team’s owners, but suggested that either San Jose State’s Spartan Stadium or the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds would be suitable playing sites.

----

|[[november-11-1961|< Nov 11, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-16-1961|Nov 16, 1961 >]]|

======November 15, 1961======

======November 16, 1961======

=====News=====

The Oakland city council approved a plan to relocate and expand Exposition Field at an estimated cost of $340,000. The expansion would increase the stadium’s attendance to 23,100 and was projected to be complete by August 1962, in time for the Raiders to play there next season. The Raiders would be on the hook to sign a two-year lease, paying $2,500 per game or 10% of the gross ticket sales, and would pay for the construction of a press box.

----

|[[november-14-1961|< Nov 14, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-17-1961|Nov 17, 1961 >]]|

======November 17, 1961======

=====News=====

The [[Patriots]] beat the Raiders, 20-17, on a Friday night in Boston, aided by a freak play. The Raiders led 17-13 in the fourth quarter, when [[Wayne Crow]]’s punt from the Oakland end zone struck the goal post and bounced back into the end zone where Boston’s Leroy Moore recovered it for a touchdown.

Center [[Jim Otto]] came down with the flu but played the game anyway.

=====Injury Updates=====

Quarterback [[Tom Flores]] suffered a hip injury early on, but stayed in the game.

----

|[[november-16-1961|< Nov 16, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-21-1961|Nov 21, 1961 >]]|

======November 18, 1961======

======November 19, 1961======

======November 20, 1961======

======November 21, 1961======

=====News=====

In a revelation that generated an immediate scandalized reaction by the NFL and by college coaches, AFL commissioner Joe Foss said he had learned that the league’s owners had conducted a secret “poll” of college players in the past week, two weeks in advance of the official December 2 draft date. Foss said he had no prior knowledge of the affair and added that he would approve no contracts dated prior to the draft date.

Raiders co-owner [[Robert Osborne]] denied wrongdoing, saying the team was doing “everything legally possible” to get players. General manager [[Wes Fry 1|Wes Fry]] claimed to have no knowledge of the illicit draft.

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|[[november-17-1961|< Nov 17, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-22-1961|Nov 22, 1961 >]]|

======November 22, 1961======

=====News=====

AFL commissioner Joe Foss announced he had officially voided all transactions associated with the owners’ sneak draft of the previous week. The //Tribune// reported that the Raiders had selected six players, headed by North Carolina State quarterback Roman Gabriel. Co-owner [[Robert Osborne]] said the team had begun to negotiate with some of the players on the list and reasserted that the team had done nothing wrong.

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|[[november-21-1961|< Nov 21, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-23-1961|Nov 23, 1961 >]]|

======November 23, 1961======

=====News=====

The Oakland city council recommended that the new, improved Exposition Field be named Frank Youell Field in recognition of the retiring council member who worked to bring the project to fruition.

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|[[november-22-1961|< Nov 22, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-24-1961|Nov 24, 1961 >]]|

======November 24, 1961======

=====Injury Updates=====

Wide receiver [[Charlie Hardy]] injured his knee in practice and the team designated him “extremely doubtful” for the [[Chiefs|Texans]] game on the 26th. [[Jerry Burch]] would get his first start in Hardy’s place.

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|[[november-23-1961|< Nov 23, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-26-1961|Nov 26, 1961 >]]|

======November 25, 1961======

======November 26, 1961======

=====News=====

The [[Chiefs|Texans]] beat the Raiders, 43-11, in Dallas. Quarterback [[Tom Flores]] came down sick the night before the game, but played in the first half until the game was considered out of reach. [[Nick Papac]] came in to relieve Flores and threw three interceptions.

=====Injury Update=====

Receiver [[Charley Fuller]] injured his leg sometime during the previous week and missed the game. Receiver [[Charlie Hardy]] also missed the game with a knee injury. Defensive back [[Bob Garner]] suffered a muscle pull, but stayed in the game.

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|[[november-24-1961|< Nov 24, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-29-1961|Nov 29, 1961 >]]|

======November 27, 1961======

======November 28, 1961======

======November 29, 1961======

=====Injury Updates=====

Receivers [[Charley Fuller]] (muscle pull in leg) and [[Charlie Hardy]] (knee) were both deemed doubtful for the [[Bills]] game on December 3.

Defensive tackle [[Volney Peters]] was expected to be able to go after reinjuring his calf muscle against the [[Jets|Titans]] on the 11th.

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|[[november-26-1961|< Nov 26, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[november-30-1961|Nov 30, 1961 >]]|

======November 30, 1961======

=====News=====

The //Examiner// published a sensational story that head coach [[Marty Feldman]] and his staff issued an ultimatum to the team that they would quit en masse unless the team allocated $100,000 by 6 pm on December 2 toward the acquisition of new players. Both Feldman and general manager [[Wes Fry 1|Wes Fry]] denounced the story as a fabrication. Fry added that Feldman “has been doing a fine job” and the team expected to re-sign him for 1962.

=====Injury Updates=====

Halfback [[Wayne Crow]] injured his knee and [[George Fleming]] would take his place in the [[Bills]] game on December 3.

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|[[november-29-1961|< Nov 29, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-2-1961|Dec 2, 1961 >]]|

======December 1, 1961======

======December 2, 1961======

=====News=====

The AFL conducted the authorized version of its college draft today. The Raiders, with the worst record in the league at 2-9, had the first overall pick and chose North Carolina State quarterback [[Roman Gabriel]]. Gabriel said he had no preference between the NFL and the AFL and would pick the team that gave him the best deal.

With their second round pick, the Raiders chose Arkansas halfback [[Lance Alworth]] who had been selected by the [[Chargers]] in the clandestine draft in mid-November.

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|[[november-30-1961|< Nov 30, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-3-1961|Dec 3, 1961 >]]|

======December 3, 1961======

=====News=====

The [[Bills]] beat the Raiders, 26-21, at Candlestick Park. The Raiders kept it close throughout and had a chance to take the lead late, but a promising drive was snuffed by sacks of quarterback [[Tom Flores]] by Buffalo defensive end LaVerne Torczon on consecutive plays.

Flores left the game briefly during the second quarter after he lost one of his contact lenses.

=====Injury Updates=====

Halfback [[Wayne Crow]] sat out the game with a knee injury. [[George Fleming]] started in his place.

Receivers [[Charley Fuller]] (leg muscle) and [[Charlie Hardy]] (knee) both missed the game.

Defensive tackle [[Volney Peters]] re-aggravated his pulled calf muscle and left the game in the first half.

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|[[december-2-1961|< Dec 2, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-7-1961|Dec 7, 1961 >]]|

======December 4, 1961======

======December 5, 1961======

======December 6, 1961======

======December 7, 1961======

=====News=====

The //Chronicle// reported that a “Raider source” said the team had offered their 1st-round draft pick, quarterback [[Roman Gabriel]] “about $18,500” to sign with the team. Per the story, the Rams, the NFL team who drafted him, had offered $5,000 less than the Raiders.

=====Transactions=====

The team signed a pair of their draft picks, both from the University of Houston: 6th-round pick, linebacker [[Dan Birdwell]] (also chosen by the Lions in the 5th round), and 7th-round pick, tackle [[Jim Norris]] (chosen by the Rams in the 10th round).

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|[[december-3-1961|< Dec 3, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-8-1961|Dec 8, 1961 >]]|

======December 8, 1961======

=====News=====

The coaching staff said [[Clem Daniels]] could expect to see increased playing time, at both halfback and fullback, in tomorrow’s game against the [[Patriots]].

=====Injury Updates=====

[[Wayne Crow]] (knee) was expected to sit the game out.

Defensive tackle [[Hal Smith]] was slated to return to the lineup after having missed the last six games with a broken bone in his foot.

Defensive tackle [[Volney Peters]] was officially designated out for the rest of the season with a chronic calf muscle problem.

Receiver [[Charley Fuller]] had reportedly been making good progress in his return from a pulled thigh muscle, but he was now thought to be out for tomorrow’s game.

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|[[december-7-1961|< Dec 7, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-9-1961|Dec 9, 1961 >]]|

======December 9, 1961======

=====News=====

The [[Patriots]] beat the Raiders, 35-21, at Candlestick Park. Former Raider quarterback [[Babe Parilli]] threw three touchdown passes against his old team.

The Patriots outgained the Raiders in net yards rushing, 207 to 27, and earned 29 first downs to the Raiders’ 14.

Line coach [[Bob Maddock]] was not with the team during the game as he was on a tour scouting college players.

49ers receiver RC “Alley Oop” Owens, who was playing out his option and was rumored to be interested in joining the Raiders, attended the game as a guest of former owner [[Harvey Binns]].

=====Injury Updates=====

Receivers [[Charlie Hardy]] and [[Charley Fuller]], whose status for the game was in doubt because of injury, each played in the game.

Halfback [[Wayne Crow]], dealing with a knee injury, entered the game only to punt.

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|[[december-8-1961|< Dec 8, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-11-1961|Dec 11, 1961 >]]|

======December 10, 1961======

======December 11, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team signed their 8th-round draft pick, defensive end [[Ferrell Yarbrough]] out of Northwestern State. Yarborough had also been selected by the Steelers in the 18th round of the NFL draft.

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|[[december-10-1961|< Dec 10, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-12-1961|Dec 12, 1961 >]]|

======December 12, 1961======

=====News=====

The team’s 3rd-round draft pick, center/linebacker [[Ed Pine]] out of Utah, signed with the 49ers, who had drafted him in the 2nd round of the NFL draft.

According to the league’s official stats released today, the Raiders were still last in both team offense (233.0 yds/game) and team defense (356.5 yards/game).

The team's eighth-round draft pick, Oklahoma State halfback [[Jim Dillard]], signed with the Calgary Stampeders.

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|[[december-11-1961|< Dec 11, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-13-1961|Dec 13, 1961 >]]|

======December 13, 1961======

=====News=====

The team’s first-round pick, North Carolina State quarterback [[Roman Gabriel]], signed with the Rams.

=====Injury Updates=====

Wide receiver [[Charlie Hardy]] had recovered from his recent knee injury and was cleared for full duty in the season finale against the [[Titans|Oilers]] on the 17th. Receiver [[Charley Fuller]] (leg) and halfback [[Wayne Crow]] (knee) were also healthy enough to play in the game.

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|[[december-12-1961|< Dec 12, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-14-1961|Dec 14, 1961 >]]|

======December 14, 1961======

=====News=====

Scotty Stirling of the //Tribune// reported that quarterback [[Roman Gabriel]] had turned down a contract offer from the Raiders for three years and $95,000 to play with the Rams. Stirling also reported that the Raiders had offered him in trade to the [[Chiefs|Texans]], who offered him a four-year deal good for $170,000, and Gabriel turned that down as well. He also reported that the winning deal from the Rams had included $50,000 in salary and benefits.

=====Transactions=====

The team signed their 3rd-round redshirt pick from the 1961 draft, defensive lineman [[Joe Novsek]] out of the University of Tulsa. The Colts had also selected him as a redshirt pick last year, in the 4th round.

The team signed free agent guard/linebacker [[Joel Walenta]], also from Tulsa.

=====Injury Updates=====

Cornerback [[Bob Garner]] pulled a muscle in practice and would miss the [[Titans|Oilers]] game on the 17th. Receiver [[Charley Fuller]], who also pulled a muscle on the same play, was questionable for the game.

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|[[december-13-1961|< Dec 13, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-15-1961|Dec 15, 1961 >]]|

======December 15, 1961======

=====News=====

The //Tribune//’s George Ross reported that quarterback [[Roman Gabriel]] had refuted yesterday’s report from Scotty Stirling in the same paper wherein Stirling said the Raiders had offered Gabriel $95,000 over three years. Gabriel said “it was nothing like $95,000” and the //Raleigh News and Observer// said the offer was actually only $50,000 over three years.

The team’s 14th-round choice of the 1961 draft, Utah State tackle [[Clark Miller]], a redshirt pick, was signed by the 49ers.

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|[[december-14-1961|< Dec 14, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-16-1961|Dec 16, 1961 >]]|

======December 16, 1961======

=====News=====

The //Tribune// reported that team offered wide receiver RC Owens “far in excess” of $15,000 to play for them in 1962. General manager [[Wes Fry 1|Wes Fry]] would not confirm the report.

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|[[december-15-1961|< Dec 15, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-17-1961|Dec 17, 1961 >]]|

======December 17, 1961======

=====News=====

The Raiders fell to the [[Titans|Oilers]], 47-16, in the season finale at Candlestick Park. The reported attendance was 4,821 in the team’s last game there before moving to Frank Youell Field next year. The Oilers gained 522 net yards on offense and quarterback George Blanda threw for four touchdowns.

Houston scored 26 points in the second quarter to take a 26-9 halftime lead.

Three Raiders were selected by the league’s coaches to appear in the AFL All-Star Game next month: center [[Jim Otto]], fullback [[Alan Miller]], and cornerback [[Fred Williamson]].

The team's 12th-round draft pick, University of Washington guard [[Jim Skaggs]], signed with the Eagles.


=====Injury Updates=====

Cornerback [[Bob Garner]], battling a muscle pull suffered in practice, saw only brief action in the game.

Wide receiver [[Charlie Hardy]] left the game in the second quarter because of injury.

Receiver [[Charley Fuller]] missed the second half because of injury.

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|[[december-16-1961|< Dec 16, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-19-1961|Dec 19, 1961 >]]|

======December 18, 1961======

======December 19, 1961======

=====News=====

United Press International announced their All-AFL team and it included a pair of Raiders: center [[Jim Otto]] on the first team and cornerback [[Fred Williamson]] on the second team.

Per the league’s official year-end statistics, quarterback [[Tom Flores]] finished second in passing.

Halfback [[Luther Carr]], who had initiated a pair of lawsuits against the team, alleging malpractice and breach of contract in regard to a back injury he suffered in a preseason game last year against the [[Buffalo Bills|Bills]], settled for $4,050 in back wages.

=====Transactions=====

The team signed their 23rd-round draft pick, guard [[Elvin Basham]] out of Kansas.

The team hired former Oakland Spring Garden and Home Show manager, [[Jack Hennessy]] as their community relations director.

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|[[december-17-1961|< Dec 17, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-20-1961|Dec 20, 1961 >]]|

======December 20, 1961======

=====News=====

The coaches’ All-AFL team was announced with center [[Jim Otto]] getting the first-team honors and cornerback [[Fred Williamson]] getting named to the second team.

=====Transactions=====

The team signed Florida A&M halfback [[Gene White]], one of the their picks in the spring redshirt draft.

The team’s 18th-round pick, running back [[Jim Vollenweider]] out of the University of Miami, Florida, signed with the 49ers.

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|[[december-19-1961|< Dec 19, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-22-1961|Dec 22, 1961 >]]|

======December 21, 1961======

======December 22, 1961======

=====News=====

The Associated Press named center [[Jim Otto]] first team All-AFL, the only Raider player chosen.

General manager [[Wes Fry 1|Wes Fry]] confirmed that the team had made an offer to wide receiver RC Owens, but didn’t specify the figure.

Fry also gave details on what the team included in each year of its three-year contract offer to quarterback [[Roman Gabriel]]: $20,000 salary, $5,000 personal services, and $5,000 salary from an off-season job, with a $5,000 signing bonus.

The team's fourth-round draft pick, University of Washington tackle [[John Meyers]], signed with the Rams.

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|[[december-20-1961|< Dec 20, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-23-1961|Dec 23, 1961 >]]|

======December 23, 1961======

=====Transactions=====

The team signed their 24th-round draft pick, cornerback [[Mickey Bruce]] from the University of Oregon. They also signed free agent wide receiver [[Joe Borich]] out of Utah.

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|[[december-22-1961|< Dec 22, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[december-29-1961|Dec 29, 1961 >]]|

======December 24, 1961======

======December 25, 1961======

======December 26, 1961======

======December 27, 1961======

======December 28, 1961======

======December 29, 1961======

=====News=====

The team’s 19th round draft pick, Whitworth quarterback [[Dennis Spurlock]], signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

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|[[december-23-1961|< Dec 23, 1961]]     |[[1961_calendar|Back to Calendar]]     |[[january-2-1962|Jan 2, 1962 >]]|

======December 30, 1961======

======December 31, 1961======
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