San Diego Chargers History And How They Became Chargers
In 1959, The AFL (American Football League) founder and Texas oil Businessman Lamar Hunt was looking to expand the leagues’ exposure and fan base out west.
He was known the name of Los angeles Hotel tycoon and passionate sports fan, Barron Hilton, as a possible team owner candidate in Los Angeles. Indeed, that is certainly the man behind “the Hilton” hotel Chain we all are familiarized with, and even more significantly to the younger generation, the grandfather of “Paris Hilton!”
In 1960, Hilton was easily convinced by Hunt to start a team the Los Angeles Chargers were born.
The beginning for the Chargers was unpleasant.
They shared the Los Angeles Coliseum with the much more recognized and honored Los Angeles Rams, who featured favorite stars such as John Arnett and Norm Van Brocklin.
The Chargers were just a side show, and drew very very little crowds, averaging just over 13,000 fans a game.
It did not take long to pull the plug, not on the team, but on the place. The Chargers relocated to San Diego in 1961, where they experienced a bigger fan base and much satisfying success.
The Hall of Famer, Sid Gilman was the Chargers first head coach whose unique approach of the passing game as an initial alternative was emulated during the game. He helped shape the game of football into what it is nowadays, passing his style as time passes from Don “Air” Coryell to Norv Turner.
The Chargers were also the first team to put player’s names on the backs of their jerseys until it became compulsory during the Nfl in 1970.
The Chargers American Football League tenure was met with open arms and excellent reward in San Diego. In nine years, they made it to the playoffs seven seasons, and reached the Afl Championship 4 times, winning it in 1963.
What the Chargers have in the NFL Hall of Fame was 8 players and one coach.
What is a Charger? Why were they named that? Whats with the bolt? How come there’s a horse logo?
Numerous fans frequently ask these questions, and it may be harder for a Charger fan to reply questions about name orientation than that of a Cowboy, Bear, or Eagle fan.
There have been many theories through the years. Some very supported by numerous statements and events including:
Rumor 1: Barron Hilton owned a very powerful race horse called “High Voltage,” consequently he termed his team after the horse, and employed a horse as part of the emblem.
Well, even though Hilton did possess a horse named “High Voltage,” it had nothing to do with his teams’ name.
Rumor 2: Hilton owned and operated a credit card company at the time referred to as Carte Blanche credit cards. Several investors and allies to the Chargers were made up of Carte Blanche credit card members, and in his homage to “people who pay on credit,” he named the team “The Chargers.”
Though Hilton did have this company, this is simply a rumor.
Rumor 3: Hilton was generally seen at USC Trojan games. Because of his love of horses, Hilton was known as being part of bringing in a horse to Trojan games. A man dressed up as a Trojan on a horse would Charge down the field, igniting the crowd and the team.
This is all true, However, it had absolutely nothing to do with his Professional ball club.
Rumor 4: Hilton enable the fans vote on a list of names, and the fans were actually the ones who chosen the name “Chargers.”
Fact…Nope, certainly not a chance
Rumor 5: Hiltons’ young team was undecided in its label, therefore many choices were chosen. However when they got the opening kick off in team history 105 yards for a touchdown, Hilton over heard the announcer shouting loudly “The home team is speedy as lightning, Bolting over 100 yards and shocking their stunned opponents.”
Well, its true. The first play in Chargers team history was a kick off taken 105 yards for a touchdown. That play was possibly the most significant start to any franchise ever. It’s still oftenmentioned as the biggest play in team history.
Sadly, this isn’t really the basis for the name either.
Well, the truth is , Hilton was a devoted sports fans who consistently attended games at USC. His most loved part of the game was soon after the Bugle call, where each one in attendance would loudly shout “Charge!!” When asked to pick a team name, he merely added an ” r” at the end of Charge, and and this is why the Chargers were called Chargers!!!!
Yes, that’s it. I’m sorry it wasn’t more glamorous, specifically with the Hilton name attached to it. But, at least the next time you might be at Qualcomm and you hear the Bugle call, you’ll know why you are screaming “CHARGE” at the top of your lungs, and you will also learn why the Chargers are the Chargers!!!
As a victorious billionaire, business person, and innovator, not to mention Paris’ grandfather, Hilton recently stated:
“The most joyful days of my life were the years I was associated with the Chargers!!!”
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