The only bright spot in Fresno, Ca. is ESPN 1430 sportstalk radio. Not the National talk show hosts, but, the local guy.

His Name is Tony D'addato and his trusted sidekick, Anthony "Absolutely Ton" Soundgaard.

Tony doesn't need to go National. In fact, Tony and Anthony "so true, tony, so true" Sondgaard only do one hour a day monday thru friday.

But, what an hour.

The reason for this TRIBUTE TO IVORY SULLY is because Tony brings up Ivory Sully all the time.

So he must be a big fan. And since he gives us fresnans so much I thought we give him this webpage.

Tony and Anthony "Ditto tony Ditto" Soundgaard. THANK YOU.



THE GAME AND THE PLAY

The 49ers have faced the Rams 105 times over the years, with the Rams more wins than the Niners.

There are a number of encounters that stand out.   

Like the 1973 whipping by the Rams. The 1990 upset by the Rams. There has been so many great Ram wins.

But one unusual meeting occurred during the strike shortened 1982 season.

Entering the Jan. 2, 1983, season finale against the Los Angeles Rams at Candlestick Park, the 49ers needed just one victory over their rival to qualify for the playoffs a year after winning their first Super Bowl title.    It was Joe Montana vs. Vince Ferragamo. It was Wendell Tyler against the 49ers' defense.

It was Walsh ripping off Sid Gillman's offense against the defensive mind of Ray Malavasi.

But the game was decided by, of all people, the great Ivory Sully.

The Niners grabbed a 20-7 halftime lead after Montana hit Renaldo Nehemiah for a 29-yard touchdown late in the second quarter.  

But Ray Wersching missed the extra point, which seem rather inconsequential at the time.  The 49ers were rolling and they were certain they were playoff-bound.

But those bay area fans and frisco players and coaches forgot about the word CHARACTER.

And the Ram defense had it in spades.

In a bitterly contested second half, the Rams' defense shut down Montana, who was 20-of-38 for 200 yards with two touchdown passes and an interception.

But Montana couldn't work his magic in the second half.    Wendell Tyler pulled the Rams within 20-14 on a 1-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Ferragamo then threw a touchdown pass to George Farmer that put the Rams ahead 21-20 in the fourth quarter.

LISTEN TD

Farmer burns Ronnie Lott

The 49ers put Wersching in a position atone for his missed extra point,

LISTEN TD

but Ivory Sully slipped through to block the field-goal attempt late in the game, ending the 49ers' dreams of making another Super Bowl run. And letting Ray Malavasi go out a winner.

So the one win Rams take down the Super Bowl champions. Ivory Sully sent those fans home cryin.