1969 AFL Title Game Controversy

[JoeZagorski]

Hey Guys!

Please help me out here. Who was the official who called Otis Taylor's questionable catch along the sideline in the 1969 AFL Title Game a completion? Was that Bob Baur? Also, who was the official who Johnny Robinson ran into in the same game that caused him to get injured ribs? Was that also Bob Baur? Please help me out if you can. Thanks and be sure to have a great time up in Buffalo! I'll be with you guys in spirit!

Sincerely,
Joe Zagorski

[RRMarshall]

I have the NBC TV audio of that famous game (one of my favorites) and I don't believe the official who made the Taylor call was identified. Perhaps the Oakland or Kansas City newspaper game accounts might prove helpful.

I thought Robinson got hurt running into one of the TV cameras near the sideline. I remember Curt Gowdy yelling, "Look Out!" while calling the play. Do you know roughly when the play happened? I can listen to it and see if there are any further details.

[JoeZagorski]

Dear RR,
I don't have the audio of that game, but in the NFL Films highlight film of that game (entitled The Final Showdown), Robinson clearly runs into an official right along the sideline as he was trying to reach an errant toss. A television camera is nowhere near the actual collision (at least not in the NFL Films' footage).

Sincerely,
Joe Zagorski

[Bryan]

Dear RR,
I don't have the audio of that game, but in the NFL Films highlight film of that game (entitled The Final Showdown), Robinson clearly runs into an official right along the sideline as he was trying to reach an errant toss. A television camera is nowhere near the actual collision (at least not in the NFL Films' footage).

Sincerely,
Joe Zagorski

I re-watched The Final Showdown...Robinson impales himself on official #70, who is wearing long sleeves.

The best angle I could get for the Taylor catch was from the America's Game episode. Two officials are involved...#58 is standing in the field and another official is along the sideline behind the play. From a sideline angle, you see #58 pointing at the spot where Taylor "caught" the ball, but you don't see him make a signal. From the endzone angle, we see the other official behind the play initially signal incomplete, and then change his signal to catch made. I'm not sure why the official changed his call, perhaps he saw official #58 call it a catch and wanted solidarity. Regardless, this sideline official is wearing shorter sleeves and a watch, so I would conclude its NOT the same official #70 who impaled Robinson.

I will follow up with my thoughts on the Zapruder film.

[RRMarshall]

Here is the list of officials for the 1969 AFL Championship Game-

Referee Jack Vest # 15
Umpire Paul Trepinski #22
Headlinesman Cal LePore #32
Field Judge Bob Bauer #58
Back Judge Hugh Gamber #70
Line Judge Aaron Wade #65


Hope this helps!!

[JuggernautJ]

I will follow up with my thoughts on the Zapruder film.

And while you're at it please send me $20 to replace the shirt I gigglesnorted coffee all over when I read that joke.

[JoeZagorski]

You paid $20 for a shirt?!? I haven't found a shirt that cheap since the Reagan administration. LOL

[JoeZagorski]

Thanks to all of you guys who chimed in with info. It is much appreciated.

Joe Zagorski