Blue and Gold: 75 Years of Blue Bomber Glory

Theresa Paltzat is the Smart Search librarian at the Edmonton Public
Library.

Blue and Gold is a commemorative, photo-filled book celebrating the
Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ first 75 years as a football team. Editor Bob
Irving is the Winnipeg radio broadcaster who has been the play-by-play
voice of the Bombers since 1974. The contributors, including journalists
and people directly involved with the team, share their Blue Bomber
memories and what the team has meant to them.

Starting with the early history of the team in the 1930s, there are
images of early football collectible cards and a copy of an early player
contract (which is quite interesting in light of recent sports
contracts). Profiles of important players follow. An unexpected delight
are the profiles of individuals like Vicki Czarnecki, who worked in the
Blue Bomber office for 37 years.

For the fan who enjoys statistics, Blue and Gold includes the
Bombers’ all-time records from 1930 to 2004, and the Bombers’
playoff and Grey Cup records complete with dates and opponents.
Presidents, managers, and coaches—and the team’s win–loss records
under each of those individuals—are also included. The book concludes
with pages dedicated to corporations that have supported the football
club over the years.

This attractive book with its many glossy photos is an excellent choice
for Blue Bomber fans as well as fans of Canadian football. The
contributors’ anecdotes about memorable games and favourite players
provide an appealing personal touch.