Sunday, May 19, 2013

Setting Records

The lads celebrate putting one in the back of the net in April.
 
 
The 1978 Dips raced to a 5-0 record, outscoring opponents 11-2 along the way. Bare in mind the 1977 Dips only scored 31 goals all season. Even while playing a man short, as they did in Tulsa on April 27, the new grit Dips found a way to win.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Starting Off Strong

The 1978 Dips opened in Veterans Stadium against the Fury. Gordon Bradley's debut would not disappoint those who worried about a carry over from the lamentable '77 campaign.




Bill Irwin reckless in the box.

Down for the count...

...momentarily.

Photo Courtesy  www.nasljerseys.com

Photo Courtesy  www.nasljerseys.com

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

The 1978 Campaign

It boggles my mind to think about it, but this summer marks the 35th anniversary of Gordon Bradley's first year as the Dips head coach, which was promoted as "The New Deal" to the fan base. A sense of excitement was palpable as new faces and a fresh attitude surrounded the new coach with the deep, deliberate British accent. Over the next few months we will revisit that summer.




One of three team pictures of the 78 Diplomats. The second came in a poster from the team, and a third appeared in a fan publication.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Goldfinger

Eric Martin was a fixture in goal for the Dips until he broke his leg in an indoor game early in 1978. As noted in the 1977 media guide, his nickname was "Goldfinger," although he declined to say how he obtained it or what meaning it had. As many athletes do, Martin made the transition to coach after his unfortunate injury.
Photo from nasljerseys.com
 
 

Monday, February 18, 2013

The Diplomats: UN in Shorts

John Schulz of the Washington Star wrote an interesting piece about the 1980 Dips that rates as one of my favorites.
 


Saturday, December 15, 2012

Space Limitations

Watching the Nats Steve Lombardozzi this past summer, or rather his name on the back of his jersey, brought back memories of Ane Mihailovich in the summer of 1978. So, how to go from a four syllable name into four letters? By the start of the 1979 season the Dips found the answer.