I have mentioned in the past how neat I think it was that professional football was not as big of a production as it is today. The simpler times allowed for greater fan interaction, which I believe, helped develop lifelong admiration for AFL players from the people who cheered them each week.
I found this video on YouTube, and thought that it really helped illustrate the AFL’s humble beginnings. This appears to be a home movie taken by a Patriots fan in 1960. I find it fascinating that fans could get so close to the team, even during practice. I have heard similar stories of kids visiting Chargers practices at Sunset Park in La Mesa, but this video is proof. It is also neat to see everyone lining up to take a team photo, the final results of which are below.
The 1960 Boston Patriots
Not only was the AFL the cat’s meow, but the music was FAR better in those days too, instrumental/otherwise. Progress? variously (emphasis on the NFL) = phooey!
: )
This is really neat. As one of the kids who used to hang around Sunset Park to watch the Chargers, this brings back memories.
Absolutely a better time. I’m 55 and I still remember meeting the Bills Joe O’Donnell when he came to my house to bail hay. No ego, no bling, just a member of the community who happened to play for my beloved Bills!
Great post! The video and photo were obviously taken in late fall. The majority of the inaugural season has past and there is a look of satisfaction at the task that has been nearly completed and eager anticipation at what will be accomplished in the future. Wonderful memory of Lou Saban and the Patriot gang.
Great clip of the original Patriots. In an early part of the film several Patriot players were practicing in gold pants. I wonder if they were “hand-me-downs” from Boston College. Then Pats’ assistant coach Mike Holovak had previously been the head coach at B.C. The original Pats operated on a shoe string.
They sure looked like a happy group of guys.
My cousin Tom Greene was the punter and backup QB for that Patriots team. Love to get a copy of that photo.
Hi Sam
I do have the team photo and if you would like a copy let me know.
My dad was on the original team.
Sam,
Hope you are doing well. I was hoping that you could help me with the place of birth of Tom Greene. The Patriots Hall of Fame has completed an interactive display on the 3rd floor of every Patriots player but we do not know the town of birth for Tom Greene. He are the stats we have on him. Born on Jan 1, 1938. 6’1″ and 190 Holy Cross Crusader. 10 games/2 started as QB of the Boston Patriots in 1960. Longest completion was a 31 yard pass to Jerry Green in their 28-24 win over the Titans on 09-17-60. Longest reception was a 31 yard pass from Butch Songin in that same game. Longest run was 21 yards in 13-0 loss to Buffalo on 09-23-60. Longest punt was 66 yards in 27-14 loss to Oak on 10-16-60. Returned a kickoff by Ben Agajanian 3 yards on 10-28-60. Thanks, Bob Hyldburg twitter:bobthestatman email: burgs@rcn.com
Isn’t it amazing that the difference in NFL players today is that they do their very best to avoid the fans, not to mention how many are criminals.. What a game!!
Great video 🙂
I love that music, too.
If you check out the 1961 Fleer Patriot cards you can see they were taken at this field. GREAT retro video Todd.
I WAS ON THAT TEAM #86(TE). THAT WAS TAKEN AT OUR PRACTICE FIELD, EMMERSON PLAYGROUND IN CONCORD, MASS. BRINGS BACK SOME GREAT MEMORIES OF A GREAT TIME IN MY LIFE. THANKS FOR SHARING IT!!!
Hi Oscar Lofton
My Dad played on that team as well. He was number 51 in the picture in the back row but his number ended up being 54 through the season. His name was Bill Brown from Syracuse. He only played that one year because he ended up getting a coaching job. He didn’t make much at all for being on the team. My dad passed away in 1989 (last position was offensive line coach for Hofstra University) so I didn’t get to ask him too much about his time with the Patriots. I was wondering if you had any stories locker room, traveling etc or memories of my dad and/or of the team at all. I’m trying to compile information for my kids so that they don’t just have stats and photos of their grandpa but actual stories behind it to give it more of a personal meaning to it. I was so happy to see this video but unfortunately it is somewhat blurry and hard to see. I do have a NFL film from that year that shows the team from start to finish and puts the spotlight on certain players such as Gino C. I would love to post but not sure about copyright issues. I do have my dad’s card as well as the team photo that appears above. I have the first game program but not much else. I’ve also been trying to find any game films to see my dad playing but I can’t find any.
Thanks for any information.
Jenn,
Hope you are doing well. We just completed an interactive computer display of everyone who has played for the Boston /New England Patriots since 1960. it is on the 3rd Floor of the Patriots Hall of Fame. here is what we have for Bill Brown. #54 Linebacker. Born on April 25, 1936 in Mount Kisko, NY. Played in 14 games/10 started in 1960. Had an 8 yard return of a pass by Al Dorow in the Patriots 28-24 win over the NY Titans on 09-17-60. Bill sacked Tom Flores in the PATS 34-28 win over the Raiders on 11-04-60. Syracuse Orangeman. Is there any other information that we should add to this bio? Thanks, Bob Hyldburg Patriots Historian email: burgs@rcn.com twitter:bobthestatman Go PATS!!
Oscar,
Hope you are doing well. If you are ever in the Foxboro area you must check out the new Patriots Hall of Fame interactive All Time Roster computer display on the 3rd floor. Here is what we have on your fine career with the Boston Patriots. #86 Oscar Lofton. Born on April 2, 1938 in McCall Creek MS. 6’6″ and 218 pounds. Tight End 1960. 14 games played/6 started. Caught 1 TD pass from Tom Greene and 3 TD’s from Ed “Butch” Songin. Longest reception was a 39 yard TD from a pass by Butch Songin in your 37-21 loss to Houston on 12-18-60. Is there anything else you would like to have us add to your bio? Thanks very much. Bob Hyldburg/Patriots Historian email:burgs@rcn.com twitter:bobthestaman