M.I.A. (or “Bomber Nation Starts Anew”)
by H.F. Salisbury
Bomber Nation. Celebrating its 80th year of history. Like any pro sports franchise, there have been ups and downs. Just as many excuses as well. Actually the excuses to downs ratio is usually about 3:1.
Of late, I’ve had a surprising number of people who know me ask why I have not written any Angry Bomber Fan columns yet. Apparently people really look forward to my rants. Although they may not know my real name, they know me by my nom de plume H.F. Salisbury.
Well sorry I’ve been M.I.A. folks. Lots on the go. Just like the Bombers I’ve got excuses as well. Been to Montreal, Minneapolis, Mexico, surfing, gigging, a little competition known as the world cup (or English Football you prefer) captured my attention, family commitments, new job, etc…. Trust me, I got a million of ‘em. Now before you start whispering “negative opportunistic fair weather fan” let me reassure you, I’ve been a Bomber fan all my life and as I repeatedly indicate every year at this time, I will remain angry until we hoist the Grey Cup again.
Lyle Bower was once quoted as saying that “Blue Bomber football does not last four quarters, it lasts a lifetime.” Big Bad Lyle (or the Great Goatee if you prefer) is now out in Cowtown putting his, ahem, stamp on that football club. Guess a lifetime varies depending on the person. When you consider his legacy in Winnipeg, perhaps a more representative phrase would be that he’s putting his boots to that organization. However, that’s another column.
For the record, I always liked that “lifetime” phrase. I’m celebrating my 40th birthday this year and for me a lifetime is just that, a lifetime. I could never switch allegiances no matter how many disappointing Bomber games I’ve seen. I’ve been a dedicated fan for a long time going back to the days when I’d go to the games and sit on my dad’s lap and consider a successful game based on the number of treats from concessions I got.
As I have “matured” (yes the quotes are important here), success had more to do with the final score than treats. Besides, the concessions are exactly the same now as when I first started going about 30+ years ago. Same steamed hotdogs, stale Styrofoamesque popcorn, etc… nothing has really changed.
But every year has its promise of glory right!!! When I said that the final result was important, what I really meant was that a win is a win even when it is ugly. Our defense could give up 1000 yards in a single game for a total of 60 points against but if the final score was a 61 – 60 win by the Blue; well, there won’t be any Crappy Honker award given that week. You see “they don’t put pictures on trophies” as my grandfather used to say.
Each year around this time, all of us in Bomber Nation get the urge to tune the radio to 680am and listen to radio commentary by our friends Bob, Mitch, et all. We look forward, when allowed, to ask the coach questions on the call in show. We want the latest on the team and hope that we hear some exciting player signings.
When we first listen to C-Job after our cranky winter slumber, most listeners first reaction is something like this…. Wow, they are still playing that “Rotten Rudy Roto-Rooter commercial” (seriously, C-Job, you need a new sales team getting new advertising clients). After that, the season radio narrative usually goes like this:
Week 1 sees us hopeful and willing to buy into how deep the organizations depth chart is based on paper and paper alone. By Week 5, we are somehow content that the Blue is 3 – 2 (NOTE: this is usually spelled 2 – 3). By Week 10 we are saying things like “hey, we are 5 – 5 and in a three way tie for second so we can still make the playoffs.” By Week 15 it’s either “maybe we should bring back Westwood” OR “We just need a new coach.” By Week 20, we have years of pent up frustration to unload and spend our time wondering why our last Grey Cup win was 20 years ago.
Could this year may be different? I’m assuming I’ll still be angry in the Spring due to what would then be a 21 year cup drought. However, this year we have some notable players and schemes. For example, for the first time in ages we may even have depth at the quarterback position. The O-Line should hold. Defense seems solid. A good running back, check. Yes I know the Special Teams needs to get it together fast (See Crappy Honker Award column). Kicker and punter are at least healthy and neither is named Westwood (bonus point).
I think we will build on our last year’s record and can at least start moving towards being a legitimate contender for; at minimum, the Easter Conference representative in the big game. Only time will tell. Right now we are 1-1 (should be 2-0) and heading into Week 3 to face Hamilton. Important game. Blue know it. Guess there’s only one thing to say now….
GO BOMBERS GO!!!
