English soccer superstar Bobby Moore was born in Barking, Essex on April 12th 1941.
Why does a former English soccer Captain belong in “Memories of San Antonio”?
During his illustrious soccer career, Bobby Moore played for the English clubs West Ham United ( 647 games and 10 years as Captain ) and Fulham ( where he played a total of 124 games )
His crowning glory was as the England soccer Captain…a position he held for almost 10 years, and he played for his country in 108 matches. During this time, he led the national side to its only World Cup victory in 1966 when they defeated West Germany 4-2 in the Final at Wembley Stadium.
On loan from Fulham in 1976, Bobby Moore became a member of the San Antonio Thunder in the now-defunct NASL, and wore his customary No. 6 shirt. During his time in the Alamo City, he played in all 24 games for the club, and averaged 87 minutes per game. He scored 1 goal for the team.
One memorable game was when Pele came to town with the New York Cosmos to play the San Antonio Thunder, and faced Bobby Moore for another contest between the two stars. The game at the Alamo Stadium was won by the Thunder 1-0.
Photo: Texas Soccer Journal
According to San Antonio Thunder Coach, Don Batie in the Texas Soccer Journal, while he was here, Bobby Moore actively joined in community activities, including local school soccer clinics, civic speaking engagements, and charitable work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Coach Batie also said,” I have nothing but positive thoughts about Bobby. He still has legs and could play. He was a great team leader and one of the best locker room guys I have ever had. Cannot say enough about him”
He went on,” Bobby could see one, two or three plays ahead on every play. He knew where the ball was going, and would be there waiting for it to get there before anybody else would ever anticipate that. He was that smart as a player and knew the game that well “
What a great tribute.
After previously battling testicular cancer, Bobby Moore died of colon and liver cancer on February 24th 1993 at the age of 51
A true soccer legend, and fondly remembered in San Antonio.
Bobby Moore Trivia:
- During his life, he had the opportunity to meet many famous people. However, he revealed that his biggest thrill came when he met Frank Sinatra.
Photo: The League Magazine
- Bobby Moore was awarded an OBE ( Order of the British Empire ) in the 1967 Queen’s New Year’s Honors list for his services to Association Football.
- Of the 11 players of the victorious England 1966 World Cup winning team, only two – Geoff Hurst and Bobby Charlton – received knighthoods. Sir Alf Ramsey, the manager, was knighted in 1967 in recognition of the World Cup win. There has been a continuous campaign to grant knighthoods to the remaining members of the team in recognition of this historic sporting triumph….including their Captain Bobby Moore.
Sources:
Texas Soccer Journal
British GQ magazine
National Football Museum
ww.britannica.com
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