Giants v. Packers 1962 Bronxite Field Trip

[matt keenan]

Hello to All. Happy New year to all with dreams and needs abundantly fulfilled. The Giants are playing the Packers this weekend for the Division Championship. The last time these teams met for such a title was in 1962, 45 years ago. Guess what, there is a very interesting story or stories lurking around out there about our neighborhood's bus excursion to see that game. Apparently, the game was blocked out on local television and the only way to see it was to go outside the black out zone. I understand that a bus load of folks went away to a hotel to see the game. I also understand that there were some interesting events and stories about this trip which will rival the infamous Hampton Five. Okay, the ball is in your court, let's here from the "gamers" who went on the trip and share the wonderful experience with the rest of us. How was the bus driver, Did the T.V. survive? Anybody over imbibe? Did the bus have a bathroom and where did everyone go upon returning to the Bronx??? And whatever other tidbits can add to the trip. We need a good laugh. Oh, thank you Kay Rogan for the scoop. Have a great day. Love, Peace and Happiness. Matty Keenan

[Kathleen]

When I first read this, I thought my brother Harry would have definitely been part of the trip. But looking at the date more closely, I realized he wasn't old enough (but I'm surprised that stopped him). It just sounds like some other trips he has talked about!!

[Les Sherwood]

Neighborhood Lore/The Infamous Bus Excursion
It is interesting, I was in the process of sending the folowing but I looked at the post by Matt Kenan.
Here are my recollections.
It is roughly 45 years since the Giants and Packers were in playoffs(a life-time for many), on December 30, 1962 in Green Bay. The Giants lost 16-7 (after losing to them in 1961 Championship game 35-10). To say the game to be played on Sunday is important is an understatement to an avid Giant fan.
As you probably recall (more than not likely if under 60), there was a 75 mile TV blackout of local NFL games. Even though the Giants played at Yankee Stadium not 10 miles or so away from Archer Street, if one wanted to watch that game on TV it would involve a long trip. Many of the Cotter’s fraternity were trying to avoid a drive alone.
Some of the senators and other local pundits of governing body of “Cotters” came with he idea that resulted in infamous bus trip to NJ to see the game (not sure who organized it?)
At that time one had to be at least 21 years old to drink in NJ, which of course didn’t stop a bunch of guys like me. Another point to remember it was rare for girls to go into Cotters, and never were any invited on an outing of the “boys”.
Please note some highlights of what I recall or what I heard from others (comments and corrections are appreciated):
We hired a Bus to take us to a motel in NJ. I think Ed Stack was one of the organizers. It must have a later afternoon game as many seemed already on their way on to “oblivion” or still suffering a hangover from prior night.
As the bus arrived at the bar we noticed the driver bought his girlfriend along, probably thinking it would be a nice Sunday drive. The driver and girlfriend were very nice and seemed to be religious. I think we were pretty good going out, at least part of way. Things changed quickly as more beer was consumed and situation became raucous.
Some things that indicated that this would be a very interesting trip: As we went over GW bridge a large sign was unfurled and put on back window of bus that said: “ Go Giant! F… Green Bay; anyone who indicated that they were a Packer fan were berated with words and actions; many in group were quite animated like they were never on a trip; the bus did not have a toilet and it was a long drive requiring use of bottles, etc between pit stops and much of which ended on floor resulting in a beer/urine aroma; the group became more restless to see game.
The driver and girlfriend happened to be black. I don’t think they enjoyed the trip.
After arriving at motel, things continued to deteriorate as Giants were losing, we could not get more beer and some vented their anger and caused damage to motel, e.g., using trash containers as urinals and breaking of TV. Next stop was a local bar where we almost had a major fight. Police were called and we were thrown out and made us get on the bus. Someone said he remembered that the bus was escorted to the GW bridge by State police
By this time most were “fully blotted” and the ride home didn’t look good. Some of the “rougher guys” turned on others with intense ball breaking and various close fights. One of older guys was a special target by taking his fancy hat, throwing it around and filling with beer and urine, and he became very angry and had to be restrained. After threats he got off the bus (some he was “asked”) somewhere in the Bronx. Arriving back at Cotter’s, old Cotter was not too happy about all drunks coming into his bar at about 9PM and I think he closed the bar and many went to Sullivan’s?
I think you can understand why we were held such high esteem by others and considered “the animals from the Bronx”. Most of group was civilized but as you know we had a “tough element”. No names are listed to protect the innocent.
As this is a rough draft please excuse verbosity, and you are welcome to add events or comments, etc.
Th e Strattonpark.com website is great idea and many thanks to those who contributed to making it a reality. However, I would like raise an issue. There were a lot of interesting stories in the beginning. But lately, I think it is too much a vehicle of personal e-mails instead of what I think it should be mainly: memories of interesting events, people etc. What are your thoughts? I think it would be interests to hear some other opinions.

[JohnTell]

Hey Les...man that sounded like a great trip... ...

Too bad I was only 10 yrs old at the time...

Hoping to see you at the upcoming MudBowl and of course at St Anthony's 100th soiree coming up on 5/31/08...


JohnT

[Marion Farrell Cronin]

No, I was not on the Giants-Packers filed trip in 1962 as I was only 4 years old. But I did hear on the news this morning that several bars in the New York area that have the name of "Bradys" are temporarily changing the name to "Mannings" in honor of our team. Hmm, we have a PJ Bradys in Throggs Neck - wonder if they are doing this. Has anyone seen this going on in your neighborhood?