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How the Team was Named San Francisco "Forty-Niners"- The Correct Answer

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It was the Union Pacific "Forty-Niner" Streamliner train that inspired owner Tony Morabito to name his franchise, the "San Francisco Forty-Niners" and later the "49ers". Yes, the name was derived from the 1849 Gold Rush, but indirectly. Morabito frequently rode the Streamliner from San Francisco to Chicago. He was so impressed with the service he received while traveling, he named the team "Forty Niners". This was verified by then 49ers general manager, Lou Spadia and Vic Morabito, Tony's brother. Most 49ers historians fans think it was Allen Sorrell, Morabito's partner in the lumber business, that came up with the name, "Forty Niners". Also, it wasn't until the team joined the NFL in 1950, that the name was changed to "49ers". Note: the team's original colors in 1946 were gold and scarlet, very similar to the trains colors.
  • thl408
  • Moderator
  • Posts: 33,072
the team is named after a train? What, is the owner 5 years old? I can't root for this team anymore. go chefs
  • Mayor
  • Veteran
  • Posts: 1,041
So, Sourdough Sam should actually be a ticket collector?
I thought the team was named after a failed attempt at a 69.
New logo ideas

  • jimrat
  • Veteran
  • Posts: 23,628
Originally posted by smithgdwg:
New logo ideas


Looks like Kittle 😁
Originally posted by Martyjac:
It was the Union Pacific "Forty-Niner" Streamliner train that inspired owner Tony Morabito to name his franchise, the "San Francisco Forty-Niners" and later the "49ers". Yes, the name was derived from the 1849 Gold Rush, but indirectly. Morabito frequently rode the Streamliner from San Francisco to Chicago. He was so impressed with the service he received while traveling, he named the team "Forty Niners". This was verified by then 49ers general manager, Lou Spadia and Vic Morabito, Tony's brother. Most 49ers historians fans think it was Allen Sorrell, Morabito's partner in the lumber business, that came up with the name, "Forty Niners". Also, it wasn't until the team joined the NFL in 1950, that the name was changed to "49ers". Note: the team's original colors in 1946 were gold and scarlet, very similar to the trains colors.

oh, it's not from this?



/s
  • HERN
  • Veteran
  • Posts: 5,444
Some stories are better left untold...
  • DrEll
  • Veteran
  • Posts: 8,027
Thanks. I didn't know.
Originally posted by HERN:
Some stories are better left untold...


So there should be a train on the Niners helmet...

Kyle freight trained the last 2 opponents in the playoffs. When he said he's going to bring back the glory days, didn't think he ment the old days
Bury this thread. Some things are better off in the past.
No wonder they tried to change the logo to a train wreck in the 90s.

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