Author Presentation: Connecticut Gridiron by William J. Ryczek

Wallingford Public Library presents William J. Ryczek author of Connecticut Gridiron: Football Minor Leaguers of the 1960s and 1970s (McFarland 2014) on Tuesday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. A reception and book signing will follow the presentation.

Ryczek’s presentation will tell the stories of local gridiron heroes, often men who worked on construction crews during the week and stopped by the diner Sunday morning to talk football. Now in their 60s, 70s and 80s, these men share their stories of a simpler era; the good times, like the Hartford Knights’ 1968 ACFL championship season, and the long bus rides and missed paydays that were as much a part of minor league ball as first downs and interceptions. This narrative history of minor league football teams in Connecticut in the 1960s and 1970s is based on extensive newspaper and periodical research and interviews with nearly 70 former players, broadcasters and journalists. Only a few players—like Marv Hubbard, Lou Piccone and Bob Tucker—made it to the NFL, but many more played for as little as $25 per game in their quest to make it big or just have fun. Wealthy men like Pete Savin and Frank D’Addario owned teams in Hartford and Bridgeport.

Bill Ryczek is a financial professional and Wallingford resident who writes about early baseball, football, the Yankees, and the Mets. His previous books include: Blackguards and Red Stockings, When Johnny Came Sliding Home, The Yankees in the Early 1960s, The Amazin’ Mets, 1962-1969, Crash of the Titans, and Baseball’s First Inning.

This program is free and open to the public however seating is limited. Advance registration is appreciated. Please contact the library at 203-265-6754 or online at wallingfordlibrary.org for more information.