June 15, 2008
Evolution of an Oakland Raiders Fan--Thank you Dad!
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Today is a day to celebrate our fathers. There has been one constant in my relationship with my dad and that is our mutual love of the Oakland Raiders. Even during the times over the years that our relationship was strained by various factors, we could always talk about the Raiders. The following is the story of a young child evolving into a Raiders fan and sharing moments with Dad.
Memories are a funny thing. Not an Airplane! belly laugh funny, but more like a Pulp Fiction series of seemingly random bizarre moments that make no sense until you look at the whole thing and realize, "Oh that's why those two yahoos in the diner had something to do with anything" type of funny combined with a Clerks this is real but almost surreal kind of funny. There is no through plot to life, so how can their be any rhyme or reason when it comes to memories. Some moments get frozen in photo quality, whilst others are so out of focus and pixilated they closely resemble a collaboration between Pablo Picasso and Peter Max, but somehow these moments, as well as the unseen spots trapped in the deepest shadow come together to form a photo-mosaic that is the story of life gone by.
This tapestry weaves numerous memories, some printed on top quality archival paper, others have become faded polariods, a few reside in a mental reel of scratchy super 8 movie film. His influence on me colors the motif of the mosaic of moments, which stand tribute to the shared and the love of a father and son. No singular moment dwarfs the others like the Silver and Black TransAm he didn't buy me for my sixteenth birthday, or he never rented me a hooker as a youngster to get that first experience before the zits came. Instead, of these would be focal points, the warmth between a father and son shown in the fleeting moments that follow shed some insight on how I ended up a Raider fan, like my father before me.
The red and whites of the kitchen of my childhood frame this faded mental film. It would make the story better if Silver and Black colors dominated the scene, but red and white was the color scheme of the kitchen I grew up in. Other than the wood veneer of the cabinets, every thing was red or white or both. The white butterflies on red felt adorned the walls and the curtains were red and white stripes. It was daylight outside, and dad told me he was taking me to a Raider game. The year is unknown, but Jimmy Carter was in the white house and people were upset that gas had gone over ONE DOLLAR a gallon. Whilst the year, the opponent, and the final score have long faded to the sands of time I want to say Denver was the opponent, but am so far from certain that I won't. Somewhere in the tapestry there is a Bronco game, but no telling if it was this game. I do remember him saying, "This is a Raider game, so you have to be loud."
Same kitchen. Once again, it was daylight. It may have been the same year or it may have been the following year, I can't be certain. It was before my folks got divorced, I know that much or it would not have been in that kitchen. Once again, dad told me he was taking me to a Raider game. This time his words of wisdom were different, yet the same. "This is a special game, this is a Monday Night Football game so its shown all over the country, so you have to be extra loud." The opponent was the Miami Dolphins, I can't tell you how I remember that, but as sure as I am here typing I KNOW that. Fortunately, with a little research, I can say for certain that this game took place on October 8, 1979 and the Raiders won 13-3. I remember seeing all the TV trucks around the Coliseum and the white and aqua uniforms of the 'Fins.
Maybe it was from one of these games, or maybe it was another one that would come later that isn't related to those two moments. This could even be the missing Denver Bronco game. I remember getting a poster that had a drawing of Mark Van Eeghen and Gene Upshaw with the headline "Moving Van on Highway 63" and asking dad what that meant. If it was from 79, I was six. I didn't know about uniform numbers, and the only highway I knew was Highway 17, which ran from our house in Hayward to the Coliseum. (It has since been redesignated Interstate 880.)
Flash forward to 1980. My folks had divorced and the memories of my dad move to a living room in a townhouse. There was the win over the Chargers to go to Super Bowl XV. The details of the game are fuzzy in my memory, although I could easily look them up, but the key was watching that game on TV with dad. The jubilation of a Raider victory shared between father and son.
Super Bowl XV stands out as a clear point as opposed to the fuzzy moments before. Dad took me to a Super Bowl party with some of his friends from work. Not a big affair, but several Raider fans and a lonely Eagle fan who was a friend of someone or other. (Many years later, the Eagle fan drown in a diving incident.) The memories of the actual game are fuzzy, other than having rewatched the America's Game special on it several times, but the euphoria of a Raider championship shared is a moment that lives in on in all my Thoughts from the Dark Side.
He took me to a game in 81. This time against the Chiefs, and the Raiders lost. The Raiders did a lot of that in 81 including being shut out three games in a row. That is the reason why I hate the Chiefs more than any other team. Little did I know at the time that would be the last Raider game that Dad and I would attend before the Raiders left town and broke my eight year old heart.
With the Raiders gone, there are several other live sports memories with Dad. He got tickets to Super Bowl XIX. Montana was sure on fire that day. There were other Niner games, along the way regular season and playoffs. (Dad got tickets for about everything through work.) There were more Oakland A's games than I could even try to remember. The non-Raider highlight was being in Windlestick park with Dad for game 4 of the 1989 World Series and seeing the Oakland A's reach the pinnacle of the Baseball world.
The remaining Raider memories become a blur of games on TV. The Super Bowl XVIII win over the Washington Redskins. Marcus Allen rushing for over 100 yards in a game against the Jets. (No clue why that one stands out.) I remember trying to believe in a comeback after halftime in the blowout loss to the Bills in the AFC Championship game. My stepbrother being a Bozworth fan and believing the Seahawks would stop the Raiders. (It wasn't that famous Monday Night game where Bo turned Boz into roadkill, so the outcome I can't recall.)
Then there was one year. I have no clue what year it was, but I remember seeing a Marcus Allen jersey that I wanted and I kept asking him for it for Christmas, or maybe it was my birthday. I didn't get the exact one, but I did get an Allen jersey for one of those days.
By the time the Raiders returned home to Northern California, my dad had moved out of state. We have not watched a game together in close to two decades. However, whenever I am watching the Raiders whether at the HoT or on TV his words echo in the recesses of my head. The Oakland Raiders will always be a connection with Dad. Thank you Dad, for showing me that "Real Men Wear Black" and that "Commitment to Excellence" really means something. Hopefully, you can journey back to California for a visit during the season so we can go to a game. I promise to be loud.
I love you, Dad! Happy Father's Day!
Wishing a happy Father's Day to all fathers of the Raider Nation
Discussion
23 Comments on "Evolution of an Oakland Raiders Fan--Thank you Dad!"
#1
Posted by J. Barr, June 15, 2008 12:26 AM
I can certainly relate to may of these stories of watching football with my dad. The first football game I remember is SBXV when we beat the Eagles. I was five years old. Man was my dad a happy guy. My love for the Raiders started then. We lived in the middle of nowhere in Idaho, so getting games for us meant firing up the generator to power those huge satellite dishes we had back then.
My first live game was at the Coliseum the next year. We beat the Steelers 30-27 on MNF. I wandered away from my uncle while standing in a food line at halftime. I ended up sitting down with a nice old coulple until my mom finally found me in the fourth quarter! My dad died two years later, right before the playoffs started. As I watched that playoff run, ending with the win over the Redskins, I couldn't help thinking that they were doing it for him.
I now have a seven year old son myself, who, to my wife's delight, is now my football companion on Sunday afternoons. A couple of years ago he asked me when we watched the Raiders every week. "They're just going to lose again today dad!" With a couple more years under his belt now, he understand that you stick with your team no matter how poorly they're doing. Being together and enjoying the game means a lot to us, regardless of the outcome. Hopefully we'll all get to enjoy a better outcome more often this season!
Here's to all the dads out there that take the time to have meaningful time with their kids!
Go Raiders
#2
Posted by Joe, June 15, 2008 12:40 AM
I never had a father...So I'm gonna give props to my Mother today.
#3
Posted by So. Cal. Maloso 13, June 15, 2008 7:18 AM
Good story. I grew up in South Central Los Angeles in the 70's and 80's without a father, but I remember having a neighbor named Tony and he introduced me to the game of football and the Raiders. I clearly remember that the first Raiders game that I watched with Tony was that AFC championship game against the chokers in 80', then Super Bowl XV,since then my love for the Raiders has never wavered. Tony use to invite me to his home on sundays to watch football and we alwalys cheered for the Raiders. Tony tought me how to throw and catch football. I played alot of street ball cause in my neighborhood we had no organized sports and if there was, my Mom could not afford to have me play. When I was about 12 my friend Tony moved away....but I remained a Raiders fan and always will.
Now I have an11 year old son Mickey, and for the last 3 years we make those long road trips to Oakland to watch our Beloved Raiders play (we are season ticket holders) I play football with my son and I have instilled a love for the Raiders just like Tony did for me. I have given my son the opportunity to play Pop-Warner this year (his first, he says he wants to sport #37 for Lester Hayes he met Lester last year) and give him the oppurtunity that I didnt get as a kid. We spend alot of time together talking, learning and living football. It amazes me how much he knows about the Raiders, our history our championships our players. I have tought him how to play to the best of my ability.But most importanlty he is a 2nd generation Raiders fan or should I say 3rd as
my friend Tony took on the father role in my life for just that brief few years.
Well the funniest thing happened earlier this year. I am a Union Plumber and I was dispatched to work at this Hospital in Santa Monica California (not to far from L.A.) and I ran into Tony after almost 30 years. It was great to see him again, I thanked him and showed him my Raiders Tattoo on my leg. I told him about my son and how we have season tickets and Tony might go to a game this year with me and my son. He is still a Raiders fan for almost 50 years....imagine that. Well Happy Fathers Day to all the other Raiders Dads....
#4
Posted by Raider Blues, June 15, 2008 7:58 AM
My Dad bought me a Raider vest when I was 6 in '76. Been a fan ever since.
#5
Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: Evolution of an Oakland Raiders Fan–Thank you Dad! | The RaiderCast, June 15, 2008 8:28 AM
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
#6
Posted by Pastor Mando, June 15, 2008 10:08 AM
Awesome tribute to your father Patrick, today is a day to celebrate our fathers, I'd love to share and pay tribute to my father, Froylian Leon, Here's the funny thing my dad did not like sports he's one those old-timers from the country-side (El Rancho) born in Mexico, all my father knew was "Work! he made sure to pass that on to all his kids.
As a child I clearly remember the dream I had of one day playing for the Oakland Raiders, I would say to my father "Hey dad! I want to play football? He would always say no, "you have to work? It's just the way it was with some families in the Barrio, for years during the summer months we would travel to Glory, California to pick crops, it was my fathers way of making sure that we continued attending school, it worked? my brother's and sister's and myself hated when the school year end and loved when summer ended that meant school would start again, no more picking crops! Up to this day we thank our father for that time in our lives, It really build a strong character and work ethic in everyone of us.
My football dream? Well I would just gaze form a distance as I saw my friends walking by the house, going to football practice, frustration was an understatement, in my freshman year in High School, I made the choice to play some ball, Here's the funny thing I had to lie, to my parents and coach's along with the doctors that gave my approval to play ball? I forged my father's signature, on the release forms! It took several years to tell my parents about this stunt, They never knew I played for 3-years? regardless my dream of playing for the Silver & Black was just a dream?
The Raider tradition started with myself, when the Raiders moved to Los Angeles, I was quick to purchase season ticket's, as I reflect on the day we received them by mail, the expression on my boys face, "Wow Dad! which one is mine! My son is now 28-years of age, it's amazing the evolution of fatherhood the tradition of being in the Raider family, how it's passed on to the next generation now my grandkids sport the Raider gear today.
The passion that run through my veins for the Silver & Black was something else! In 1983 we started the Orange County Boosters, for 18-years I was club president, the stories I could share are many, seeing the game of life played out through the Raider Nation, the good, bad and the ugly? the passion of many had taken it's tow on many lives, soon the good Lord got my attention, in such a powerful way, that life changed, a funny thing happened the Lord put it my heart to continue the passion? I look back at that dream I had as child of being a player? 38-years later Nation Ministry is born, a place where the Raider Nation, can come and rest upon God's word? "Pastor Mando" never in my dreams, Knowing that at one point in my life I was like the"Pancho Villa! of fans? here's the cool thing, when there's change in ones life, my father several months ago, asked when are you going to Oakland again, I want to join you guys when you evangelize at the stadium, "Wow! it took several years but it sure seems that my Dad now likes sports! Thank You Lord, "Happy Father's Day, Raider Nation...
Pastor Mando
www.nationministry.com
#7
Posted by Rob Calonge, June 15, 2008 10:32 AM
Patrick, this is a great tribute to your dad, and look at the great stories that we're getting so far. The bond between father (or father-figure) and son is a strange one.
My Dad and I have no common teams. He is a Dolphins fan, and the first time I remember watching the Raiders it was to sit down and root against his Dolphins. I guess it was the competitor in me, but there was something about the silver and black uniforms that got my attention. With the Raiders losing and the game on the line, Stabler threw a 30 or so yard pass to Branch who took it another 40 yards untouched for a game winning touchdown. My dad gave me the freedom to be a fan of whatever team and I can honestly say that he never resented the fact that his own son didn't share any of his teams.
Even when our relationship was strained at times, the one thing we could always find common ground with was the latest news of the day in sports. Sometimes, we had nothing to say to each other except, "So what do you think about that game the other night?"
I often hear about how sports don't mean anything or that they aren't that important, and I guess in the big scheme of things they aren't. For me, they are a big part of my life because they've always been the common bond I could share with my dad, even when we didn't see eye to eye about anything else. I'm lucky enough to be able to have loved ones that I can now return the favor to, but it will never be the same with anyone else.
Happy father's day to everyone.
#8
Posted by Mad Road Dog, June 15, 2008 11:08 AM
My families love for the Raiders began with me when I first saw them on TV in 1963. My loyalty and enthusiasm quickly converted my father from the Rams to the Raiders. The rest of the family followed suit when they heard my dad and I howling and cheering the George Blanda engineered wins during his years with the Raiders. We would gather around the TV every Sunday for the excitement of the game. I did not realize then how special it was to have that common bond not only with my dad but with the entire family. It was even more special when my son came of age and the three of us watched the games together. My dad is gone now but we shared three Superbowl wins together. My son and I share season tickets together now and my grandson is already wearing S&B baby clothes. Great times have made great memories thanks to the Oakland Raiders. Happy father's day to all those Raider fathers.
#9
Posted by Patrick Patterson, June 15, 2008 11:16 AM
Great stories, everyone.
Thank you all for sharing them.
#10
Posted by Al Davis, June 15, 2008 11:52 AM
My dad took my to my first game at the colisium... it was bo jacksons last game.. i was only 5 and cant remember anything but i know i was there.
#11
Posted by LDizzle, June 15, 2008 2:09 PM
Aw look at Patrick as a kid! I just wanna pinch your cheeks Patrick. I bet you got a lot of that huh? Ok now I will read the article.
#12
Posted by LDizzle, June 15, 2008 2:26 PM
I did not have a father around. Patrick, If you were speaking this instead of typing it, I could hear your voice crack at the end. It is obvious just how much it would mean to you to go to a Raider game with your dad again. It would mean a great deal to me as well. My father died and my step father was never a sports fan. My love for the Raiders came from my cousin of whom I looked up to as a kid. But even he was not a big sports fan. I will never forget a few years ago when my mom said to me "How exactly did you become such a huge sports fan?".
Thanks for the heartfelt words Patrick. It is good to hear that you cherish the moments with your dad so much. Moments are fleeting and we should create them as much as we possibly can. Happy Fathers day.
#13
Posted by Pastor Mando, June 15, 2008 3:28 PM
That's right "JOE" you give the Lord praise for your Mother, there's so many folks like you Joe, that did not have that role model of fatherhood in their life, you cherish those moments of Mom being there for you 24-7 there's countless women and men around this world that have played the role of Fatherhood and Motherhood! to their children because of situations beyond there control, a tribute of praise goes out to all that have had the double duty as parents. Have a blessed day, Raider Nation!
Pastor Mando
www.nationministry.com
#14
Posted by c martinez, June 15, 2008 3:37 PM
happy fathers day! the picture of patrick is from my home town of santa cruz, my dad was a very important part of my life and watching the raiders since he passed away reminds me of sunday mornings with him. miss you pops! Go raiders!
#18
Posted by section116row11seats12and13, June 15, 2008 10:55 PM
My dad is 74, and I'm 38 with a b-day comming. I'm a season ticket holder and take my dad to numerous games my mom to some and my brothers to others!
This article is something that can be hard to describe but I hear your words and your heart is felt through fanhood! My dad and I have been going since well before I can really remember 73 against the Dolphins I think Blanda is all I really remember. Then last year we're both blazen the #2 of JR and the tears do still come to the eyes at the national anthium and the colors brought in proudly by the Marines! I say Happy Fathers day today tomorrow My dad will be out to spend the day with his 2 year old grandson who is just like him in everyway and before we go to the store to buy the ribeyes to grill we will have our Monday sitdown shortly after the hugs and coffee!
I tell him about some wake job Pat-hetics fan I chased across 2 sites and a loser Jill's fan that claimed the Raiders got killed by common opponets of the Bill's! My dad will tell me that's not so and resite the games with Denver, Miami Cleveland and the Jaguars! With scores for both teams and how 1 win out of 4 doesn't beat 3 out of 4 with any math!
I then show him my RC Raider painted Chrome and Black #2 Helicoptor I spnt all week on! He'll laugh and tell me how it can't go as far or as fast as JR'S rockets to Carter or Walker!
God I'm lucky to have him and even luckier to have my son have him as a father!
Dad I love ya'
#19
Posted by Jeff Little, June 16, 2008 12:37 AM
Patrick, great tribute to your dad. Happy Father's day to all!
#20
Posted by silver&black88, June 16, 2008 9:39 AM
my dad groomed me into a raider fan. i was a bill fan, living about an hr outta buffalo but i changed once i saw gannon and rice and brown on the same team. i've been a member of the nation for about 8 years now which is kind big since i am 17.
#21
Posted by Mike, June 16, 2008 2:46 PM
Hey, Patrick! It's your Dad. Thank YOU for the kind words. I also enjoyed the reader comments.
If we go to another Raider game together sometime, maybe I should impersonate Freddie. Should get some good seats, huh?
#22
Posted by Run DMC, June 16, 2008 5:46 PM
The evolution starts with me but transfered My dad was a dolphin fan and took me to a raider phin game...got caught up in the atmosphere made me love the raiders and even converted him into a hardcore fan now from me on its going to be silver and black blood
#23
Posted by Patrick Patterson, June 25, 2008 11:23 PM
Dad, will just have to get you a #25 authentic throwback and gob stick-um all over it.
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