50 years and Chargin’!

50 years ago this season, with the birth of the AFL (American Football League), the Chargers were born. The 2009 season will mark the 50th year Anniversary for the Chargers who started out as the Los Angeles Chargers way back when in 1960. In 1961 the Chargers moved to San Diego and reached the AFL playoffs 5 times and the AFL Championship 4 times. After beating the Boston Patriots, yeah, I said “Boston Patriots” in 1963 by a whopping 51-10, the San Diego Chargers had won their first Championship in the AFL. There were over 30,127 in attendance that day at Balboa Stadium. Just before the 1970 season the AFL had merged with the NFL (National Football League) and in 34 years since then, the Chargers had 7 trips to the playoffs and 3 visits in the AFC Championship game. The Chargers faced the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX in 1994 and fell 49-26. The Chargers overall record remains 314-347-11 (.467). The Chargers have 1 coach and 5 players enshrined in the Pro Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio: wide receiver Lance Alworth (1962-1970), quarterback Dan Fouts (1973-1987), head coach/GM Sid Gillman (1960-69, 1971) wide receiver Charlie Joiner, now the wide receivers coach (1976-1986), offensive lineman Ron Mix (1960-69) and tight end Kellen Winslow (1979-1987) With the return of Shawne Merriman on defense and LT looking healthy in the preseason, the San Diego Chargers are turning out to be a force to reckon with in the 2009 season. The Chargers are quickly becoming preseason favorites with a rock solid lineup, especially after Darren Sproles stepping up his game last season and clutch plays by Antonio Gates! Single tickets for the Chargers home games officially go on sale starting next Friday, July 17th. “Relive 50 years of great Chargers memories and experience new ones,” said Jim Steeg, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Chargers. “We’ve set aside a limited number of tickets for each game and we expect them to go quickly. We have a very exciting home schedule!” Tickets to all Chargers home games will be available at www.Chargers.com, the Chargers Ticket Office at Qualcomm Stadium Gate C, by calling TicketMaster at (1-800-745-3000), online at www.ticketmaster.com, and at all TicketMaster outlets. Season Tickets for all 10 Chargers home games, including preseason, are available now by calling 1-877-Chargers or logging onto www.Chargers.com. The Ticket Office at Qualcomm Stadium Gate C is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This could be a great season for the Chargers! Do you think year they can make a Super Bowl appearance? I do! View photos from the Chargers 50th year celebration. Check out how the Chargers have evolved visually throughout the years.