1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

This is another strange story that only happens to me. As many of you know I am not just a devoted Redskins fan but a fan of the old time players from back in the late 1930's-50's. Last year a lady tracked me down because I was a Sling'n Sammy Baugh Fan and sent me her Lady's Belt that Sammy had signed for her when she was a young girl back in the 1940's when she worked here at Woodward and Lothrups. That was too cool.

Well, as a fan of the old guys I had tracked down and bought a hard to find Replica or Throwback Jersey from 1945. The jersey has the #45 on it I guess for the year.
[img]http://www.onlinesports.com/images/eff-was-45jf.gif[/img]

It's very nice and costs about $150.00 but I got it on ebay cheaper but still brand new in the bag.

Being the historian that I am I was curious as to who wore the #45 back in 1945. I came up with a guy named Ted Lapka who played for the Redskins in 1943, 1944 and.......1946. What? He was gone in 1945 and I found he had gone over for the end of World War II like other NFL Players did. Heck I found a photo of Ted Lapka in action in a 1946 game against the Packers. Story Over.

Until...last week I got an email from a lady who wrote:
[quote]Hi Mike H. Guess what, while searching the web for info on Ted Lapka, I came across your email on Boasting Rights....(Gotta love Google...) and jeez, you have MY FATHER'S jersey!!!!! Awesome...... My dad is Ted Lapka, #45, Washington Redskins. He's very much alive and living in Olympia Fields, IL. I'm just curious, where did you get his jersey? I have a photo of him in it from back then.

My name is Betsey Cassell (formerly Lapka) and I'd love to hear from one of his fans. He'd love to hear from one of his fans. I've been to several of the Redskins homecomings (long ago) and he's been very instrumental in getting recognition for the past Redskins and support for the alumni fund. I hope to hear from you sometime and maybe he could even autograph it for you. Or if you'd like to sell it, his birthday is coming up....April 20th. It would make his day.[/quote]

I wrote her back to explain that what I have is not her Father's original jersey but a replica. We've written back and forth a couple of times and she gave me her Father's phone number and address and said the old timer would love to talk to a fan and he asked me for Sammy Baugh's mailing address which I have so I gave that to him too.


With his birthday coming up and her not being able to find another jersey like it I packed mine up the other day and mailed it to the old guy. He's like 86 years old and I figured I could put a big smile on his face by putting his old number on one more time.

How Cool Is That?!!?!?!

I asked her to send me some picture of him in the jersey and will give him a call this week after he gets it. She said he would send me some photos of him and Sammy Baugh and the guys to add to my collection of Redskins Memorabilia.

She's emailed me back saying:
[quote]You are so kind. My brother Tom has some amazing photos. He said he'd try to scan them or whatever and send them to you. Thanks again for your kindness. We'll take some current photos of him in it. He's quite a guy. Thanks for the info on Sammy Baugh too.
Dad will appreciate that info also. Cheers, peace and Hail Redskins! Betsey.[/quote]

She went on to say how her Mom met Ted Lapkas:
[quote]She met my Dad while working as a Nurses Aide at some big hospital in DC, and they wheeled him in one afternoon after a game, with a broken leg. One rainy night, after he had been discharged, he returned to the hospital front desk to see if one of the "cute nurses" was there, to see if they would like to go out to dinner. "The Redhead was at the front desk...." Her version is that, "I felt so sorry for him.....hobbling in the rain on crutches...he looked so forlorn....so I took him home to meet Aunt Lanie and Uncle Tom".
And the rest, as they say, is history.[/quote]

When I get some pictures I'll share.

peace and HAIL SKINS
mike

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

This stuff only happens to SBF.

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

[QUOTE=FRPLG;294930]This stuff only happens to SBF.[/QUOTE]

lol
That's what I was saying.

I feel so great being able to let Mr. Lapka put on his old number one more time. As soon as I get a picture of him I'll post it.

peace

~waits to be contacted by Art Monk, Riggins, Gibbs, Sam, Sonny...

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Man, that is AWESOME.

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Very cool, SBF. I'm sure it's nice to make the day of an old-time Redskin -- and a WWII veteran at that! I tip my hat to you, sir!

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

pretty cool Mike...

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

sbf, good stuff and welcome back.

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

This photo is our boy #45 Ted Lapka in action.

This is December 1st, 1946 at Griffith Stadium in DC.
Redskins vs. Packers
4th Quarter
Pass from Redskins Quarterback Youl [R30] to Lapka [R45]
broken up by Gatewood [P33]
Redskins 7
Packers 30

Look and you can see the ball in the air.
[img]http://www.mikehedrick.com/forum/uploads/20070406_090329_tedlapka1946.jpg[/img]

Close up of Lapka
[img]http://www.mikehedrick.com/forum/uploads/20070406_090309_tedlapka45.jpg[/img]

peace

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Incredible story!

This is the kind of thing that should be submitted to SI or a national publication (if Ted approves or doesn't mind).


WOW!

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

[QUOTE=Buster;294995]Incredible story!

This is the kind of thing that should be submitted to SI or a national publication (if Ted approves or doesn't mind).


WOW![/QUOTE]

I don't know how to do all of that and really did it to hook the ole guy up.

This morning I had an email from his daughter in my Inbox:

[quote]Hi Mike, Yes.....I saw my Dad at Easter, and he was thrilled!!!!! He's written a letter to you and sending some photos and my brother Tom, is making up some good photos to send to you. They were all thrilled. The jersey is really awesome. Thank you so much. Yes, you made an old Redskin grin from ear to ear. And now that we have winter weather again in the Midwest....it's perfect. Feel free to give him a call sometime if you'd like, he'd really appreciate it. He also liked the Bar B Que T shirt. Good luck in all your pools....Cheers, Betsey[/quote]


I'll share the letter and photos with you guys when I get them. If I call him this week I'll ask if I can record the call and maybe get him to do something like saying.......

"This is Ted Lapka from the 1940's Washington Redskins telling you check out thewarpath.net for all your Redskins information." or something. lol

peace and thanks guys for the warm welcome back
mike

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Best part......

[quote][B]you made an old Redskin grin from ear to ear.[/B][/quote]

YES!!!!!!
Thank you Jesus!

peace

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

I got a hand written letter from Mr. Lapka!!!!!!!!
He is thrilled with the jersey and wants to keep it. Heck Yeah!!!

I'll scan the letter as well as a photo he sent and a poor copy of him catching a pass from Sammy Baugh.

~wipes tear from eyes.
This so kicks ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

That's great SBF. This story makes the hair on my neck stand up. :biggthump

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Great story

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Wow that's really neat. I hope to see the pic's of the old guy in your jersey.

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

[QUOTE=GhettoDogAllStars;297235]That's great SBF. This story makes the hair on my neck stand up. :biggthump[/QUOTE]

My wife was cool and didn't laugh as I had tears in my eyes and was chocked up reading the thing. lol

I am SO touched to think that my simple jersey made Mr. Lapka feel so great. He can have the thing as far as I'm concerned.

Woohoooo!!!!!!

I feel like I have connected with the heart of the Redskins in some small way.

peace

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Here you go guys. Meet Ted Lapka!

This is a photo he sent me. It's about 4"x6"
[IMG]http://www.mikehedrick.com/forum/uploads/20070413_083637_tedlapka.jpg[/IMG]

Here is the signed back of the photo.
[IMG]http://www.mikehedrick.com/forum/uploads/20070413_083719_tedlapka_back.jpg[/IMG]

Here is a Football card they must have made up for him.
[IMG]http://www.mikehedrick.com/forum/uploads/20070413_083738_tedlapka_card.jpg[/IMG]

Here is the hand written latter her sent me.
[IMG]http://www.mikehedrick.com/forum/uploads/20070413_083818_tedlapka_letter.jpg[/IMG]

Here is Ted Lapka catching a pass from Sammy Baugh in a 1944 Game where Redskins beat the Giants 28-0
[IMG]http://www.mikehedrick.com/forum/uploads/20070413_083932_tedlapka_pass.jpg[/IMG]

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Awesome Mike. Simply awesome.

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Wow...you made him smile and got some AWESOME memorabilia in return as a bonus.

Do you know why he didn't play in 1945?

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

[QUOTE=Buster;297362]Wow...you made him smile and got some AWESOME memorabilia in return as a bonus.

Do you know why he didn't play in 1945?[/QUOTE]

I think SBF said he went on to serve in WWII in 1945

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Yes, he was serving this Great Nation for a time during WWII.

I can't wait to see a recent picture of him in the jersey. That will be too cool.

Thanks guys

There's another guy from back then I will try and contact. His name is Bullet Bill Dudley and yes he is on the Ring of Fame at the Stadium. I think he lives 30 miles south of me in Fredericksburg VA. Stay tuned. lol

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Oh and to add more proof Sammy Baugh is the Greatest Redskin of All Time here is a portion of what the paper said about that game above. Oh and it was in December of 1943 not 1944.


[quote]
One-Man Air Raid
Sixteen* times his percision passes bored
to their marks. Twice he made spectacular
quick kicks, one for 67 yards. Twice he
intercepted passes, running one 38 yards
to set up the third touchdown. Final re-
sult of Sammy Baugh's one-man field day
at Manhatten's Polo Grounds this week:
Washington Redskins 28, New York
Giants 0.

TIME, December 27, 1943[/quote]

* For 199 yards in the air

Hey, I wonder if I can find that issue on ebay or somewhere. huh?

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

I did find the whole story printed at the TIME site. Didn't find a better picture but here is the story guys.


[quote]
One-man Air Raid
Sixteen times his precision passes bored to their marks. Twice he made spectacular quick kicks, one for 67 yards. Twice he intercepted passes, running one 38 yards to set up the third touchdown. Final result of Sammy Baugh's one-man field day at Manhattan's Polo Grounds this week: Washington Redskins 28, New York Giants 0.

Professional football is celebrated for its upsets. This was no exception. Three weeks ago the Giants were just another mediocre club, the Redskins a powerhouse that had won six, lost one, tied one. Then the Giants somehow upset them 14-10. A week later, on power plays and unexpectedly tight pass defense, the Giants smothered the Redskins 31-7. Gamblers made the Giants 8-5 favorites in the playoff for the right to meet Chicago's Bears this Sunday for the National Football League Championship. But the odds ignored a bass-voiced 29-year-old Texan named Samuel Adrian Baugh.

Sammy, a crack football man in all branches, earns $15,000 a year for pitching passes in baseball style.* They are quick, hard, fast and accurate. Most go for only five to 15 yards. Against the Giants. Slingin' Sammy's 16 bull's-eyes were worth only 199 yards. But they set up the first two touchdowns, and four Baugh bullets in a row covered 46 yards for the final score.

As he trotted off the gridiron after last fortnight's upset, Baugh was mobbed on the 50-yard line by autograph hounds.The crowd swelled to a thousand and Sammy scribbled frantically for 30 minutes before policemen rescued him. This week the Redskins coach,Dutch Bergman, took measures to preserve his salary arm. With two minutes left to play, he sent in a substitute, sent Sammy packing to the showers.

The Giants-Redskins playoff drew 42,800 and pushed 1943 pro football attendance to well above 1,100,000, with the championship game still to be played. Only 1941 (with 13 more games) had a higher total. Average attendance this year was 27,000—a quarter more than 1941.

*Baugh tried out at third base for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1938, failed to make the squad.[/quote]
[url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,851993,00.html]One-Man Air Raid | TIME[/url]

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Geez, I didn't know Sammy Baugh played defense too! What a beast!

I knew players from that era regularly played both sides, I just didn't know Sammy did too. I guess I've got some reading to do.

Can you imagine intercepting a pass, and then staying on the field to lead the offense to a touchdown? That must be awesome. It really puts the modern NFL into perspective. Yeah, Manning is a good quarterback -- but that's it. It really diminishes the hype of the modern player.

Thanks Mike!

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Offense, Defense and.....
"Twice he made spectacular quick kicks, one for 67 yards."

60 Minute Man!
NO PLAYER comes close.

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

That is such a cool story. You’re the man Mike! :food-smil You are the only person I can think of that would dig up an old redskin from the 40’s and offer him your jersey! It's really pretty special to think that you could make the old guy’s day with your gift!:headbange The players from that era just don’t get the credit they deserve. My hat goes off to you S.B.F! :httr:

Re: 1940’s Era Redskin Get Jersey Back
 

Thanks bro.
I really don't want ya'll looking at me but maybe reading the storys for the first time. Once you read accounts of games from back then you become a fan of the old guys. Those guys played for bragging rights and a few bucks and maybe just maybe a ring like Ted Lapka, Sammy Baugh and other great Skins have.

My joy is he got a smile but so did a handfull of you guys too.

Hail Skins!!!
peace
mike