Hank Bauer

Date of birth:	July 15, 1954 (1954-07-15) (age 55)
Place of birth:	Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Career information
Position(s):	Running back
College:	California Lutheran
NFL Draft:	1977 / Round: free agent
Organizations
As player:
1977-1982	San Diego Chargers
Career highlights and awards
Awards:	Chargers Most Inspirational Player 1978; Chargers Special Teams MVP 1980-1981; NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year. TBS NFL Special Teams Player of the Year. Charger team captain
Honors:	November, 2009 named as one of the 50 Greatest Chargers of Alltime, 50th Anniversary alltime team, voted to 40th Anniversary Alltime Chargers Team. Cal Lutheran Hall Of Fame
Records:	NFL Record 52 special teams tackles in 1981; 21 career touchdowns; scorced 3TDs on 4 carries, but gained just 1 net yard vs New Orleans (9 December 1979)
Playing stats at DatabaseFootball.com

Henry John Bauer (born 15 July 1954 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska ^[1]) was an American football running back.

Out of California Lutheran University, he signed as a free agent in 1976 by the Dallas Cowboys and was cut in training camp. He was picked up in 1977 by the San Diego Chargers and went on to a distinguished playing and broadcasting career entirely in San Diego. Primarily known for rushing in short yardage situations, in one season Bauer had 8 of his 21 career touchdowns on a total of 28 yards rushing. Bauer also developed as a noted media spokesman during his career and went on to TV sportcasting as well as radio.

Bauer holds the NFL single season record for most special teams tackles with 52. Bauer was forced to retire in 1983, after playing six games with a broken neck. He later coached running backs and special teams for the Chargers, then became the sports anchor for KFMB from 1987-2002.

Since 1998 he has been the color commentator for the Chargers radio broadcasts and can be heard on FM105.3 and AM1360 in San Diego. Bauer appeared on the NFL Films production, "Americas Game: Missing Rings" with Dan Fouts and Kellen Winslow. NFL Films produced other "Missing Rings" episodes featuring the Vikings, Bills and Bengals. The Vikings and Bills each made 4 trips the Superbowl without a win.

Bauer appeared and provided commentary in the NFL Films production, "The San Diego Chargers: The Complete History" released on DVD in September, 2009 commemorating their 50th anniversary. The film had its world premiere at the UltraStar Cinemas in Mission Valley at Hazard Center on Sept 09, 2009, selling out all seven theaters at 7:00PM and 9:30PM.

Known for his good mix of engaging banter, humorous remarks and articulate football analysis, Bauer is a sought-after public speaker and participates in as many charity events as his schedule allows. In 1979 represented the NFL on a month long USO trip visiting troops in the Far East, including Japan, Korea, Phillipines, and Hawaii. In 1980 traveled to bases in Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Germany also visiting troops and dependents for the NFL and USO.

Grew up idolizing the great New York Yankee, with his same name. Played in the Orange County All Star Baseball game as a catcher, ironically Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter was his shortstop. They remain good friends!

[edit] References

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