The Legend of the Salsa Cats
The year was 1982, the place was Santa Fe New Mexico. The people of Santa Fe did not have much to cheer for. Economic downturn in the wake of changes made by then-president Ronald Reagan meant that the majority of the town was below the poverty-line. From the dust of the desert storms came a team that gave the people of this small town hope.
The Santa Fe Salsa Cats.
For one brief season, this economically-ravaged city cheered on its semi-professional team to an undefeated season of 11-0. Led by former Navy star Paul Palawsky at quarterback and Terreal Dunbar at receiver, the Salsa Cats had an aerial display par-excellence that had the heads of professional scouts and opposing defenders turning constantly.
Neither Palawsky nor Dunbar ever made it out of Santa Fe – Palawsky runs the deli on 3rd street and Dunbar teaches at Pellegrino Middle School – but for three months, they were the toast of the state.
The year is now 2005 and the Salsa Cats are returning to Santa Fe.
A decision made by owner L. Johnny has seen the death of major sports in Green Bay. Said to be strictly a financial decision, this move actually takes the team to a smaller market, where attendance would need to be greater, per capita, to continue to be a sellout.
“I’m confident that the wonderful people of Santa Fe will support this team,” said L. Johnny in a rare public appearance. Indeed, it was surprising to see the man, rather than his right hand, the always-pity Collins. “Considering how they banded together to support the original Salsa Cats, at a time when thoughts were on how they would find the means to pay their mortgage, this is an opportunity to recapture a kind of magic.”
Magic that Palawsky does not believe that they will find. “You can’t catch lightning in a bottle. And if you could, that lightning is thirteen years old. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll buy a season ticket, but if you believe that they’re just going to come right in and capture the imagination of this town, you’ve got another thing coming.”
Terreal Dunbar has another perspective on it. “My cousin’s boy, LaTarence, is playing for that team. You can bet people around here will come out to support that boy. It’s real good to see they’re coming here. It’s also nice to be recognized by a man like L. Johnny. He’s a real hero in the world of professional football.
While that may be stretching it, you’d have a hard time convincing folk in Santa Fe.
Welcome to the NFL, Santa Fe.
The Santa Fe Salsa Cats.
For one brief season, this economically-ravaged city cheered on its semi-professional team to an undefeated season of 11-0. Led by former Navy star Paul Palawsky at quarterback and Terreal Dunbar at receiver, the Salsa Cats had an aerial display par-excellence that had the heads of professional scouts and opposing defenders turning constantly.
Neither Palawsky nor Dunbar ever made it out of Santa Fe – Palawsky runs the deli on 3rd street and Dunbar teaches at Pellegrino Middle School – but for three months, they were the toast of the state.
The year is now 2005 and the Salsa Cats are returning to Santa Fe.
A decision made by owner L. Johnny has seen the death of major sports in Green Bay. Said to be strictly a financial decision, this move actually takes the team to a smaller market, where attendance would need to be greater, per capita, to continue to be a sellout.
“I’m confident that the wonderful people of Santa Fe will support this team,” said L. Johnny in a rare public appearance. Indeed, it was surprising to see the man, rather than his right hand, the always-pity Collins. “Considering how they banded together to support the original Salsa Cats, at a time when thoughts were on how they would find the means to pay their mortgage, this is an opportunity to recapture a kind of magic.”
Magic that Palawsky does not believe that they will find. “You can’t catch lightning in a bottle. And if you could, that lightning is thirteen years old. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll buy a season ticket, but if you believe that they’re just going to come right in and capture the imagination of this town, you’ve got another thing coming.”
Terreal Dunbar has another perspective on it. “My cousin’s boy, LaTarence, is playing for that team. You can bet people around here will come out to support that boy. It’s real good to see they’re coming here. It’s also nice to be recognized by a man like L. Johnny. He’s a real hero in the world of professional football.
While that may be stretching it, you’d have a hard time convincing folk in Santa Fe.
Welcome to the NFL, Santa Fe.
posted by Liam J. | 11:59 PM
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