Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Photo Gallery - 1962 Training Camp

The Green Bay Press-Gazette recently posted a photo gallery of the Packers' 1962 training camp.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr (15) calls signals as training camp begins on the practice field across from new City Stadium in mid-July 1962. From left, the players include fullback Jim Taylor (31), receiver Boyd Dowler (86), tackle Forrest Gregg (75) and linebacker Nelson Toburen (61). Press-Gazette archives
Looks like they're playing in a cornfield. I love it.

One of the first things I noticed is that nobody's wearing game pants. All of the players are in plain football pants, with nary a Braisher stripe to be found. Lots of classic "GB" caps on the coaches, though:

Green Bay Packers players hit a blocking sled with three coaches aboard as training camp begins on the practice field across from new City Stadium in mid-July 1962. From left on the sled are coach Vince Lombardi, defensive line coach Phil Bengtson and receivers coach Tom Fears. Press-Gazette archives
Of course, no training camp would be complete without a pic of the man himself. Cap and all.

Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, at left center in white T-shirt, watches as center-linebacker Ken Iman (53) tackles rookie halfback Roger Holdinsky, center, during a drill as training camp begins on the practice field across from new City Stadium in mid-July 1962. Quarterback John Roach (10) is at left. Press-Gazette archives
What's #72 wearing? That's a good question, and one that needs its own post.

Green Bay Packers rookie receiver Oscar Donahue (89) goes through a drilll as training camp begins on the team's practice field across the street from new City Stadium in mid-July 1962. Coach Vince Lombardi watches at right. Press-Gazette archives
Just as today, the camp was well-attended by Packer Backers:

Fans watch as Green Bay Packers training camp begins on the practice field across from new City Stadium in mid-July 1962. Press-Gazette archives
I love the large sans-serif numbers:

Green Bay Packers defensive backs Don Ellersick (48) and John Symank (27) run on a rain-soaked practice field across the street from new City Stadium during training camp on July 20, 1962. Press-Gazette archives
I could definitely see those making a comeback the next time the Packers feel like tweaking their uniforms.

Check out the rest here. There's a lot to like in this gallery, and we'll be taking a look at more over the next couple days. Starting with what #72 is wearing.

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