audiobook Bloody Ground: Black Rifles in Korea by John B. Holway in History

Description

In 2016; after twenty years in St. Louis; the Rams are back in their longtime home. Some call their return to Los Angeles a relocation; but it’s more the restoration of a city landmark.Hollywood’s Team follows the Rams of the 1950s. They were glamorous; glitzy; and most of all; they were exciting. Like the city itself; the Rams were comprised of both big stars and everyday workhorses like John Hock; father of the author―a quiet; humble; and stout offensive guard.They were the first major professional sports team west of the Mississippi River; the first to integrate; even before Jackie Robinson; the first team to reach a million fans; and the first team with a TV contract. The Rams of the 1950s were; in so many ways; the first modern sports franchise.Their roster is a who’s who of the NFL Hall Fame. Names such as quarterback Norm “The Dutchman” Van Brocklin; wide receiver Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch; Bob Waterfield; Tom Fears; defensive back Dick “Night Train” Lane; and linebacker Les Richter. Other notables from the era include a wunderkind public relations man named Pete Rozelle who would go on to become the boy commissioner of the NFL at age thirty-three. Head coach Sid Gillman was an architect of the modern passing game. Owner Dan Reeves was a genius in business; but troubled by alcohol. Heck; even the iconic comedian Bob Hope was a partial owner of the Rams at the time.The Rams were Hollywood’s team. This is their story.