Monday, June 28, 2010

San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers finished in 3rd place with an 8-5-1 record in 1967. In 1968, they improved slightly to 9-5, but still finished in 3rd place. Among all the mediocrity were 2 future Hall-of-Famers: Lance Alworth and Ron Mix.

I had Garrison, Frazier, Mix, and Redman in 1968. The others (as with all the 2nd-series cards) were acquired in the 1980s.


#63 John Hadl - Hadl was drafted by the Chargers in 1962, and became the starting QB as a rookie when Jack Kemp was 1st sidelined by an injury, then Kemp was lost to the Buffalo Bills in a botched waiver move. After losing the starting job to veteran Tobin Rote in 1963, John regained the position in 1964 and held it through the 1972 season. He later played for the Rams, Packers, and Oilers, retiring after the 1977 season. Hadl (#21) was the last QB to wear a jersey number higher than #19.


#141 Brad Hubbert - Brad played for the Chargers from 1967-70, and was their starting fullback in 1967 and 1969. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie.

#193 Lance Alworth - Alworth was one of the all-time top receivers in the AFL. He led the league in receptions in '66, '68, and '69, in receiving yards in '65, '66, and '68, and in touchdowns in '64, '65, and '66. Although drafted by the Raiders in 1962, he began his career with the Chargers that season, and was San Diego's starting flanker from 1963-70. He also played for the Cowboys in 1971 and 1972, appearing in Super Bowl VI. A seven-time Pro Bowler, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978.


#36 Gary Garrison - Gary looks more like a star from 77 Sunset Strip than a football player here. Drafted by the Eagles in 1965, Garrison was the Chargers' starting split end from 1966-75, and finished his career in 1977 with the Oilers.


#11 Willie Frazier - After 2 seasons (1964-65) as the Oilers' tight end, Willie started for the Chargers from 1966-70. In 1971 and 1972, he played for the Oilers and Chiefs. After missing 2 seasons, he returned in 1975 to play 5 games with the Oilers.


#89 Ron Mix - Ron played all 10 seasons for the Chargers in the AFL (1960-69). He made first-team all-pro in his first 9 seasons as the Chargers' starting right offensive tackle (right guard in 1962). After missing the 1970 season, he finished up with the Raiders in 1971. Mix was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.


#115 Rick Redman - Redman was drafted by both the Chargers and Eagles in 1965, but played his entire career (1965-73) with the Chargers. Early on, he was the team's starting middle linebacker, but moved outside for his final 3 seasons. He was also the team's punter for his first 3 seasons.


#167 "Speedy" Duncan - Duncan played for the Chargers from 1964-70, and was the team's primary kick and punt returner. He was also the starting right cornerback from 1965-69. Speedy later played for the Redskins from 1971-74, primarily as a kick and punt returner.


Also see the 1971 and 1972 Chargers.


Next time: Denver Broncos
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