Louis_Spadia

Louis Spadia

Louis Spadia

American football player


Louis G. Spadia (January 11, 1921 – February 17, 2013) was an American football executive who was the general manager of the San Francisco 49ers from 1948 to 1976. He was also the founder of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

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Early life and education

Louis Spadia was born on January 11, 1921, in San Francisco, California. He went to Mission High School. He played baseball and was a star Second Baseman.[1] He wanted to be a Major League Baseball player but couldn't because of being drafted into World War II.[1]

Professional career

San Francisco 49ers

Instead of becoming a baseball player, he worked as a special assistant and ticket manager for the San Francisco 49ers in their inaugural season. In 1947, he was their equipment manager and was promoted in 1948 to be a business manager.[2] He also took over as general manager for John Blackinger in 1948 and remained in the role through 1976.[3][4] In 1967, he also became the team's president.[2] He retired after 1976.

Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame

In 1979, he became the founder of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.[2] He served as the president and CEO until 2003. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.[5][2]

Death

Spadia died on February 17, 2013, at the age of 92.[2][6]


References

  1. "Louis Spadia Obituary – (2013) – San Francisco, CA". Legacy.com. San Francisco Chronicle. Feb 2013. Archived from the original on Apr 18, 2024.
  2. "Lou Spadia Passes Away at 92". 49ers. Feb 19, 2013. Archived from the original on Dec 16, 2023.
  3. Baldwin, Doug (May 8, 1948). "Doug-Outs". The Salinas Californian. p. 16. Archived from the original on Apr 5, 2024 via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  4. "Louis Spadia Football Executive Record". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on Dec 16, 2023.
  5. "Lou Spadia". Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on Apr 15, 2021.

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