WTFL Wpg. Touch Football League - WTFL

1155 Posts

Just noticed this guy wearing 00 as a number. man why would anyone wear 00?

I asked him if it was because Jim Otto who also wore that number for the Oakland Raiders, was the reason. Both players were centers, so I theorized.....hmmmm "what if???" Not sure if I was right, because his response was definitly not enthusiastic. One of his experienced teammates chimed in though....but I am guessing no one reading this even heard of Jim Otto. Oh well,...... but hey....

For that matter, why does anyone wear the number they have? I noticed one of the girls in the ladies division wears her husbands old number....(# 16) That's kinda cute. Plus another girl where's her Dad's old number (#21)So that's kind of respectful.

I know one guy wears # 11, because his idol was Kenny Ploen.

I bet the stories behind why number's are chosen, are actually quite interesting, and definitely meaningful and significant to many of the players. I know that's why I picked the number I wore.

Anyone care to share?

679 Posts

Jim Otto was definitely 00 and only a true football fan would know who he is.

As I get older, I want to switch to #11 I think. It looks more slimming than #19.

40 Posts

63 was the first number I had when I played Pop Warner football, chosen in honour of Chris Walby. As I moved around the field (DL, FB, MLB), I had to give up 63, but it's always had a place in my heart.

1155 Posts

Yeah me too. In HS I was # 22 (after Miami Dolphins, Mercury Morris.) I played RB and was a darker skin color....OK well Mercury Morris was a good RB, and therefore my hero, (after Winnipeg's Mack Heron, who inspired me to hit the weights). Moris was a good back, fast, elusive....and I was closer to his weight/size, than Czonka or Kiick...yeah those were the days.

Yeah and Marc.....11, would make you look taller.

Then, when you get into your forties you could switch to # 1 and look really thin!!!(That's why I wear the stripes now..I figure all those stripes look like "1"!!, and I need all the help I can get!)

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Not the Dolphins! In the early 70's I would've thought OJ would've been your pick with #32. Of course, looking back on it now you probably made the better selection.

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Well you're actually really really correct!!!! OJ was the very first "poster" I had on my wall (from the Sports Illustrated cover when he won the Hiesman! Him and Joe Willie!!!) But that was almost before playing tackle, just starting 6 man football around then. Yeah OJ was the man. But them big awards would be way out of my league, so I had to shoot for something more hopeful..... being an elusive back was a more realistic hope.

What about guys that wear a number in touchfootball like 54!!! Like who would ever aspire to be a guard or D lineman....(in real football..OK, but) especially in Touch football where everyone can potentially be a star...I'd have thought everyone would be wearing back, receiver and QB numbers...but # 47????

concussions???:)

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Mercury"Cocaine"Morris...SMack Heroin...OJ...wow you aspired to all the criminals...

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Hey look, St.Vitally,

When you're from Elmwood, (that would be the East North End), it's natural. It wasn't easy growing up in the hood, with two working parents, no guidance at home while they were away. Mayhem happening out your front door.....Those dudes were all fast, elusive, able to out run the pigs. What better boyhood icons to look up to????....

Plus,....I didn't think mentioning Judy Garland and Uncle Bob would sell the topic, or take it in the intended direction.

(You forgot Bernie "pffft" Ruoff)hell of a punter, probably still holds records of some kinds?

Damn, now I am thinking about Adele and T's "brownies" and jello!!!

When's Regina?

48 Posts

21 was the number of my favorite Bomber growing up, James Murphy. I was never able to get the number in tackle, but have worn it most every year that I could in touch.

Leslie #21 Anvils

7 Posts

21 is Juran Bolden's no!

1155 Posts

Seaner, Seaner, Seaner.....#21 is Wayne Harmon's old number, and then he gave it up to Murph when he came to the Assassins.

so.....there is really only one #21 (although Bolden was awesome. Couldn't they re-wind the clock and bring him back??)On the flight home from the Grey Cup in TO, I was sittin behind him and the center they traded to Toronto. He was jokin the entire flight home. Damn he was good!

679 Posts

This thread is making me realize how much money I've dropped on jerseys over the years.

Thanks Darrell!

1155 Posts

Hey no one will admit it, but they are kind of rights of passage, (i think) Many of us grew up watching stars, and then went out and played like them(or tried to) The jerseys are the "badges."

My first "jersey" was a # 16 Cleveland Browns jersey. Now I couldn't tell ya who it represented from the 60's but, maybe someone else in cyberland could....and this was in the day when they didn't really even have "team" jerseys. Takin the trip to Gerells in Grand Forks was always more special, as they had some of the cool stuff.

Hey what's with all the WTFL teams having Blue jerseys? It sems everyone but the Anvils and Bandits have Blue?

Isn't there a league rule about colors?

679 Posts

#16 Browns from the 60's would be a Milt Plum or Bill Nelsen jersey. The only Browns jersey that makes any sense to own is a #32.

My first jersey was a silver and black #34. Should be an easy one to guess unless you were sleeping through the late 80's - early 90's.

You are correct there is a new league rule on colours. The rule is that every new jersey must be blue. It makes it easier for the refs when calling penalties as it's always one blue!

YOU'RE MY BOY BLUE!

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I heard of Bill Nelson. Milt Plum?? can't seem to remember him.

# 34 Jim Thorpe! Got that pretty easily.

Speaking of souvenirs, a Milt Steagall video comes out this week. That should be kind cool. The Hall of Fame (dinner for Milt's Induction) is on Tuesday. The league should send a representative. I'm free that night, and since American Idol, Dancing with the Stars and NCIS is a repeat, I could go.

I'll go on the league's behalf. I think a ticket is only $275.00. What do ya think?

679 Posts

I meant 1980's - early 1990's try again.
Thorpe wore #31

For more on Plum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milt_Plum