BLUE VINTAGE
In the heart of Manitoba, where western winds whisper,
Where the echoes of gridiron battles still resonate,
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers stand tall - a storied saga,
A symphony of sweat, courage and fate.
Kenny Ploen, the quarterback with a heart aflame,
His arm a lightning bolt, his legs a tempest’s dance,
He led the charge, weaving magic on frozen fields,
Six Grey Cup appearances, four victories – a hero’s chance.
Ed Kotowich, linchpin of the offensive line,
His blocks carved pathways to glory, unyielding and true
He etched his name in the annals of football lore,
Silent architect of triumphs, under a western sky’s
azure hue.
Indian Jack Jacobs , swift as the northern winds,
His cleats painted with dreams, his spirit unbound,
He danced through defenses, leaving defenders dazed,
In the 50s Grey Cup, his magic crowned.
Bud Grant , mastermind, stoic and wise,
His playbook a tapestry of audacity and grace,
He wove legends from frost-kissed sidelines,
Championing resilience, etching victory’s face.
Leo Lewis , the elusive man, a comet in motion,
His legs carried hope, his heart fueled by pride,
In the frozen breath of November, he soared,
Touchdown pass from Lewis – a city’s joy multiplied.
Frank Rigney , spoken hero of the trenches,
His sweat mingling with the frozen turf,
He battled giants, his resolve unwavering,
In the Grey Cup’s crucible, he found his worth.
Zach Collaros , modern maestro, the conductor,
His arm a symphony, his vision a compass,
He steered the Bombers through tempests and trials,
In 2019, redemption unfurled – a championship chorus.
Mike O’Shea , on-field warrior, now sage,
His veins coursing with Blue and Gold fire,
As player and coach, he bled for his cause,
His legacy etched in resilience, higher yet higher.
12 Grey Cups , a constellation of triumphs,
Each star a memory, each roar a battle cry,
From the frozen tundra to the hearts of the faithful,
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers – a prairie legacy that won’t die.
This poet old enough to remember the triumphs,
older to remember the sorrows; Osborne Stadium
the Old Barn, Milt Stegall, Dunigan, Bubba Brown,
Burgess, Glen & never forgot – HOMEGROWN CHRIS WALBY!
Inscribed in time – now etched in old poet’s rhyme!