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.

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

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

Highlites: Diplomats vs Fury, 1978, RFK Stadium

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuU2jYRrnB4&list=PLEFA3EC2B1BEDCE43&index=12

The Man Who Bill Replaced

This summer Bill shared his story about becoming the Dips Man in the Stands. He replaced "Big Mike" Ayers, who is pictured.

Politics Lears It's Ugly Head

As we enter the homestretch of the 2012 election season one issue concerning many is immigration. The 1977 Diplomats suffered with this plight in the form of bureaucracy from the Feds long before there were any watch lists from DOHS (right click and select "Open link in new window" for easier reading).