The WINDBREAKERS; South San Francisco’s Semi-Pro Football Team from the 1940’s
Did you know South City had a Semi-Pro Football Team back in the 1940’s? Great history to enjoy!
1946 according to ALDO DiTOMASI, 3 time SSFHS Blanket Award Recipient, shares a brief history:
A group of Alumni returning from the WWII in 1946 got together and started playing against the HS kids. They use to practice after work by the old tennis courts at Orange Memorial Park and the city moved lights in so they could practice 5 nights a week and play games on Sunday.
They played all over, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, San Jose and as a Semi Pro Team they were contacted by the SF 49er’s and asked if they wanted to be their Farm Team and play in Kezar Stadium. But appears the rent was too high for the Windbreakers. ROBBIE BARBETTI was the best man on the team according to ALDO and Robbie went on to try out for the 49ers.
The City Council acknowledged this team in 2009 with Certificates of Recognition and were given to: ALDO DiTOMASI, LYDIA BARBETTI, DORIS DEZORDO, ROBBIE HUERTA, BERTHA ISKRA, PATRICK NUTINI, FLORENCE AIVA, JOHN PETROFF, ALBERT BOYDO, SAM NICOLOPOLOUS and MANOLO SCOVEL.
Photo courtesy of HEATHER MANN, Granddaughter of ROBERT BARBETTI
My father was a player coach on the Windbreakers : Ben Bramble. He also obtained a sponsor and became the,” Sea. and Ski Tanners, “They played in San Francisco in 56 and 57 to teams all over including inmates at San Quentin.
My grandfather played for the team as well! Quick note, his name is spelled Albert Boido 😉
My father’s name is misspelled, it should be Patrick Nutini. He played guard next to his brother Roy who was a tackle – and alongside Joe Iskra and Laz Avelar.
Thank you Mark, edit made.
Hey Mark, My father is Roy Nutini.
Your article does not mention coach Ben Bramble who led the team Nor did you mention that Jim Otto played as did Coach Flores of the Raiders Both of these played when the team got a sponsor and were called the Sea and Ski Tanners They also played in San Quentin and Arizona
Blaine,
Thank you for this additional information, it is greatly appreciated.
-Ed
Sir, these were great men. A lot of them worked at Bethlehem steel. So they were instrumental in the War effort. Dad , was a WW 2 Bomber Pilot. He said the Hunt Brothers in Kansas City ended their pursuit of NFL farm team when they formed the AFL.