From a friend (Anna) on another blog:
I am looking for people to participate in an online Farewell to Candlestick party. The purpose is, of course, to hold a going away party for the soon-to-be Great America 49ers. The second purpose is to test out software that I hope will become a significant part of and asset to social media and fan/user interaction. The software is at my.groupol.ogy, but you’ll need a private invitation in order to participate in this multimedia event that will feature videos, Candlestick memories, photos and live chat during the game. If you’d like to participate, please send email to anna@ekage.com). If you cannot attend, please contribute your own Candlestick memories on the “Jon Dowds Revenge” site listed in my blogroll (jondowdsrevenge.wordpress.com). Thanks!
It still hasn’t really sunk in yet. Candlestick Park, Monster Cable Stadium, 3-Com, Shit-hole, The Pigsty, whatever you want to call it, it will forever in my heart be The Stick. Some time soon it will be imploded and forgotten. I can’t even begin to guess at how many baseball and football games I’ve been to at the grand old hole, but I do remember the first game I went to. I was in 2nd grade, and it was 1969.
My mom thought it would be a great idea to take me and all the 2nd grade boys (16 of us) in my class to Bat Day. Bat Day usually fell near my birthday (April 25th), and this game was on the day after. I don’t remember very much about the game, but it was a sunny gorgeous Saturday, we were playing Astros, and all my favorite players were out there. Willie Mays, Bobby Bonds, Willie McCovey, and Juan Marichal. An old guy behind me said “watch that centerfielder for the Astros. Jimmy Wynn. They call him the Toy Cannon.” I don’t know if he did anything that day, but I loved the nickname, and he became a guy whose career I followed as a kid. We were sitting in the upper deck cheapies on the 1st base side. I think we won.
The coolest thing about the game was the bats. Every kid 14 and under got a regulation sized bat. During any rally, all the kids would start pounding the bats on the concrete in rhythm. A sound that I’ll never forget, since there were tons of kids in the stands that day. My mom put up with a lot of kid shennanigans, and I hve no idea how we all got there, but I do remember getting bags of peanuts, those Carnation Malted things with the little wooden spoons, hot dogs, and cokes. We had a lot of fun stacking peanut shells on the hats of the 2 drunk oldsters in front of us who had fallen asleep (passed out?) somewhere around the 6th inning. All in all a greeat day, and my introduction to The Stick. Mom did that for the next couple years, bless her heart, and from then on I went to games every chance I got. Scrounging up money to catch the bus and hit the bleachers for 50 cents, or glomming on to friends who were going.
There’s talk of opening the stadium up some time next year for one last tour, and that is something I will not miss.
If you have any pictures or stories to share about the ol’ shit-hole, let me know . . .
Forty Niners Forever 
chuck- Nice topic. I spent so much time there over the years that most of the good times seem to blend in with family memories. I learned to hate the Dodgers at the stick, I had already hated the Rams but the stick just solidified that even more. And, I think I had just as much fun watching stu Miller pitch as I did Big Daddy. I even had a system where I would be able to get out of the parking lot and through bayview before most people made it to 101. But, to pick a couple of good memories I will go with Mogan’s home run against the dodgers and in 81 the rams kicker missed like 4 field goals and we won. however there are too many good memories to even begin to share.
BLEEP NOSTALGIA! BLEEP THE FALCONS!
unca_chuck says: 31-13 Niners. And yeah, I’m thinking something like 31-13.
12th man says: 37-17 Niners. Well now I’ve found my keyboard muscles I’m feeling salty so I will go with 37-17 NINERS!
rtfirefly says: 26-10 Niners from here through the Super Bowl
Philippinefan says: 34-14 Niners. Okay we have reached the point where its time for some scoring prognostications or wild ass guesses about the Falcons/Niners Monday night. Niners are averaging 27 + points in their last 4 games and we have ATL at home. Ill call that good for 7 more given whats on the line for us. So Niners 34-14 way I see it.
What you got?
we should destroy this team. I’ll say 41-6
Yeah!
And those six points are just stocking stuffer gifts.
WOOF!
Ok Flav got it.
Chuck my first time at the ‘Stick is almost identical to yours. I think it was in 1970, the old man and a couple of his buddies took me to a Giants game…it might even have been the Astros and we sat in the nosebleeds on the 1st base side. It was Bat day, with the full size bats, and the pounding was continuous…it drove the the old guys crazy and they swore never again to a bat day! It was hilarious! We stayed the whole game tho. They got hammered…I was lucky enough to make it home that day…’cuz we drove. That was the norm. Natures way of thinning the population!
I think I even got one of those Carnation malted shake/ice cream things with the spoons. I thought it would be a shake but it was solid…I remember thinking “what is this?”
But I was hooked ever since, followed players, loved going to the ‘Stick because it didn’t matter who you were, or how old you were…everybody was the same…a fan in the stands…we were all going through the same shit…and FUN….courtesy of Candlestick park and the San Francisco Giants and 49er’s.
That’s awesome, Ninerdog, Every time I have one of those malts, it takes me right back to that first game.
Yeah, I don’t know how my mom did it with 17 boys.
Your mom had 17 boys?
“There was an old lady who lived in a shoe. She had so many kids… her uterus fell out!
Ohhh!” —Dice Clay
Since this is the last game at the ‘Stick, I’ve received special dispensation from Pope Francis to pick the Niners. Lots of close scores in this vicinity, but I’m already on record: 38-14 in favor of the team that played in a dump.
Whaaa? Del Mar calls fer a Niner win? Miracles do happen!
I loved the malts but hated the taste of the blasted wooden sticks!
Since I haven’t seen or heard the Falcons all season, I had to resort to stats perusal.
Run, run, run! Then, once within shooting distance of the EZ, pass, pass, pass!
Really, I don’t know what to expect from Roman in this one; his favorite play is kaput. No Frank behind Miller behind Iaputi. But it should be a safe, avoid injuries game, but it could clinch the playoff berth and avoid any unlikely-but-possible heartbreak in AZ.
Hmm, you got me…
Phil I’m leaning more toward a 14pt victory.
Let’s go 28-14 9ers.
I’m now hoping we land the 5th Seed, since I see no way AZ derails Seattle on their turf.
I think it’s all about matchups. I’d much rather be the 6 seed if it meant playing DET/DAL indoors rather then CHI/GB or PHI in bad weather as the 5.
Sounds like a winner NJ- 14 point win likely
Chuck, I never got the chance to attend a 9er home game at the ‘Stick.
A bucket list item I failed to fulfill.
My Son has been there 3 times and did propose on the Jumbo-Tron, which is OK by me.
He did shoot a video for me of the tailgaters there while he was in College. Can’t recall the game but, I think it was a Montana or Rice Retirement event? Not sure at this point.
Somewhere in my house is an old VHS tape with a couple of taligaters asking, ‘What the hell are you doing in Jersey NJ?’
Good stuff.
Had to be the Montana Retirement game.
12th, one final word regarding the Kaep debate.
I razzed Berger mostly to get him to admit he wants Roman gone.
It’s a Chicken or the Egg debate of sorts.
Is it the OC or the QB?
I’m a huge Kaep fan, I see nothing wrong with his ceiling.
I’ve posted some opinions on his ability to see the entire field etc in recent weeks.
Make no mistake. I love what he brings to the table.
He’s a Spread QB learning to become a more prolific pocket passer.
He has everything you want. Accurate, nimble and fearless.
Let’s not turn this into Kaep bashing on my part. Please.
He’s going to improve, I’m not overly concerned for his short-comings at this point.
We all love our Team.
I think your training wheels analogy fits exactly what I’m trying to describe.
No harm, no foul, no ill will from me regarding Kaep.
Just constructive criticism in some areas that I’ve noticed and look forward to seeing him master.
More than likely he’s being asked to carry out specific functions in order to sharpen his skills.
I’ll call it growing pains and nothing more.
Wooof!
Yeah, I think Kaeperenick’s potential is about as high as anyone in the game right now. While he certainly deserves a little criticism for things that have gone wrong, he most certainly doesn’t deserve all of it. I mean really. Fuck the blogosphere. You had guys throwing him under the bus for the hat, the tats, interviewing skills, or non-skills. Whatever. He caught more shit for things off the field than on. Some of it was absolute bullshit when you throw in the ‘he doesn’t look the part’ aspect. Plus his biological mom coming out of the woodwork when the playoffs hit last year.
All of that has nothing to do with what he’s had to deal with being the starting QB for the 49ers. A job he got through Alex Smith’s injury, and kept, over a slew of controversy. Big kudos go to Alex for not shunning Kappy, and helping him be a better QB. Part of the struggles Kappy is facing could very well be from not having a presence like Alex Smith helping him along the way.
So, for all the shit and turmoil and adjusting Kappy has had to go through, I think he’s doing an outstanding job. 10-4 at this point in the season is about what I figured. And the team is peaking at the right time.
Right on Chuck. Ive called for a SB win and it will be on the basis of Kaepernicks improved play w/ healthy WRs, vastly improved special teams and a rested, healthier D thats been managed far better this year (DL rotation + more depth).
Regarding Kap listen to an evaluation of his play in Tampa, specifically his ability to throw on the run which he did 3X in TB incl. TD to Crabtree and 1st down to Miller:
http://www.49erswebzone.com/podcasts/
Look under “Multimedia” then play first podcast “We’re Not Getting Hot, We’re Getting Better”. Starting at the 38 min. mark for CK. Good analysis (and opinions) backed up by factual examples. Quoting:
“Can Kap do it? Roman inserting new plays = other than smash, sail deep? CK running new plays ‘to perfection’ especially when Things broken. “No” or very few NFL QB should make unless elite QB. A Rodgers closest = side arm throw to MC broken play on a dime, ran right. Only 3 qbs who can do in NFL. 3x in game, throwing on run as good as AR to MC, BM, td to MC. Out of pocket, CK is “fantastic at making those kinds of throws” Good arm.
They talk about D, run game, passing game, etc. Ill post below. No worries on Kaep tho
Exactly Chuck.
We all have opinions, doesn’t mean we’re jumping ship to criticize a particular play or player.
the last series in the SB certainly seemed like an issue for the play calling yet, there was an argument to be made for the lack of a flag for PI on Crabtree.
It’s never a perfect scenario in this game.
Kaep is doing an exceptional job for the most part, especially when the WR situation has been non-existent all year.
I’m with you regarding the stretch run now too.
Being healthy and, gaining momentum in December, is all you can ask for.
Del Mar sez:
“I think it’s all about matchups. I’d much rather be the 6 seed if it meant playing DET/DAL indoors rather then CHI/GB or PHI in bad weather as the 5.”
Agree for sure. We’ll have a better picture after this weekend. Likely we’re going to have our share of bad weather games regardless. And Seattle most certainly- beating them in their place will be huge for us and the most effective way to shut ’em up.
That’s just it Phil.
Seeding will play out as it does.
Chicago would probably be easier than Philly or Carolina.
By today’s records, it’s moot.
Tomorrow it changes again.
Thing is, Carolina or Saints / Philly or Dallas take the Division.
Philly Dallas could come down to the final week.
Certainly agree with Del regarding an indoor venue.
I’d hoped for Dallas and Detroit several weeks ago for that reason alone.
Now? They’re both in desparation mode. Detroit needs help plus 2 wins.
Whatever happens, we must prevail.
Analyzing the Niners Offensive design and play calls:
http://www.49erswebzone.com/podcasts/
Look under “Multimedia” then play first podcast “We’re Not Getting Hot, We’re Getting Better”. Starting at the 18 min. mark for O. Good analysis (and opinions) backed up by factual examples. Quoting:
– Niner core base O passing plays = ‘smash, deep 3+4 vertical routes Kap likes to throw’
– run plays = power run, trap, wham multiple formations
– drag routes again first since AJ left + slants 15 to VD
w/o BM strength is 11 personnel group = best players =MM, Boldin, VD, Crab + FG
21 is next optimum 25%
To 21 min. mark
– running game ++ more sweeps to outside, counter-runs, to weak side. TB overloading strong side, left side- is better
– Offensive creativity = design/scheme + play calls in sequence; EXAMPLE is:
– Red zone run to Boldin = excellent call and set up = by fly sweep + inside runs, Snyder missed block otherwise TD Boldin gets by safety.
-Zone read, samurai block, block LB scraping over top
– true zone read outside to LMJ unblocked DT 21 yds
to 38 min mark
BTW Im posting this as a “Reply” as Chucks spam filter is hungry….see if this works
Analyzing the Niners Offensive design and play calls:
http://www.49erswebzone.com/podcasts/
Look under “Multimedia” then play first podcast “We’re Not Getting Hot, We’re Getting Better”. Starting at the 18 min. mark for O. Good analysis (and opinions) backed up by factual examples. Quoting:
– Niner core base O passing plays = ‘smash, deep 3+4 vertical routes Kap likes to throw’
– run plays = power run, trap, wham multiple formations
– drag routes again first since AJ left + slants 15 to VD
w/o BM strength is 11 personnel group = best players =MM, Boldin, VD, Crab + FG
21 is next optimum 25%
To 21 min. mark
– running game ++ more sweeps to outside, counter-runs, to weak side. TB overloading strong side, left side- is better
– Offensive creativity = design/scheme + play calls in sequence; EXAMPLE is:
– Red zone run to Boldin = excellent call and set up = by fly sweep + inside runs, Snyder missed block otherwise TD Boldin gets by safety.
-Zone read, samurai block, block LB scraping over top
– true zone read outside to LMJ unblocked DT 21 yds
to 38 min mark
Spam filter on rampage Chuck…
Can’t criticize CK7 now? He’s made plenty of bad decisions, on the field, too. I got plenty of shit on here for talking about his potential and things he did well, when it was Alex Smith we weren’t “allowed” to criticize. Now the bandwagoners have jumped and you better have jumped with them. Not before and not after. Ridiculous!
CK7 makes mistakes on and off the field despite front runners insisting on what is right to bring up. Some folks aren’t all that enamored with all the ink on their ‘face of the franchise’. That’s their opinion if they’re still allowed to have one. Others didn’t take too kindly to being rudely dismissed by the Johnny come lately QB on the team they’ve supported for decades sporting another team’s headgear. That one includes yours truly.
I see him make bad decisions on the field and some are bad habits and others are rookie mistakes that maybe he should be over by now. Nobody’s perfect and coaches and QBs are gonna hear it when they screw up, despite the PC police.
My point is he’s been burned by the media re the tats,so now maybe he’s not so forthcoming with the media. You do what you must, NoFear. We’ve all said he’s still learning. Truth is he’s at what, 25 starts?
And who’s saying we can’t criticize?
NF, for me it’s not a question of can the QB be criticized. Of course he can and if he deserves it he should be. It is a question of perspective. The reason I put up an “I object” post is that Kap had been taking heat almost all season and again on the Tampa game.
That kid played pretty much lights out and maybe missed on 3 possible plays but made some incredible plays. It’s hard for me to read a number of “Debbie downer” posts about his supposed shortcomings on the back of that performance.
That is my opinion and I voiced it.
I don’t give a damn about the tats or headphones. I do care about the hat and the surly interviews. He is the face of the franchise, he represents the SF49ERS at the hallowed QB position. In my opinion he is doing that well on the field and poorly off it and yes off it is important too. Be a professional.
I place a much larger percentage of the blame for the O not playing up to it’s potential on the scheme. Specifically asking the QB to play largely from the pocket, during a time when the WR position was very thin, and not creating plays that could bail the kid out when the intended guy was not open, which happened time after time. No hot reads, no slants, not asking the WR to turn their heads in the route they were running that were just decoy routes in case Kap was running for his life, giving at least a chance for him to make a play.
NJ, I have seen a lot of your posts in praise of Kap. I Know you are not a hater. But for me, the stuff you and Bull**it were posting was a crock based on the Tampa game. Akin to looking through a telescope from the wrong end. A lack of perspective.
Also, there were a lot of posters making statements about how our team has no chance, Squawks are unbeatable at home, etc, etc. Horseshit. This team is a top 4 team from any perspective and is capable of beating anybody, anywhere just like last year. In fact I think this team is playing better football now than they were last year so buck up 9er fans!
12th I didn’t specifically target anything on the Kaep performance in TB.
Not my style to roll out constant criticism on a per play basis.
My opinions have been of the general variety.
Rushing reads and locking onto primary targets as the main focus.
Again, I wouldn’t consider myself a Debbie Downer.
I see a high ceiling for Kaep. No doubt he’ll make us proud.
I reserve the right to have criticisms from time to time.
I intend no malice.
All is well NJ
Ok guys pick your poison: Seattle loss keeping the possibility of a division win, a bye and home field throughout open but the possibility of the Cards overtaking the Niners for second in the division or a Cards loss closing the door to a Niner division win but putting the Niners in the playoffs and eliminating the possibility for the Cards to take second in the division?
Decisions, decisions.