It's fitting that "Letters to 87: Fans Remember the Legacy of Dwight Clark," the book that honors the life and legacy of the Bay Area icon, launches on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. That's 8/7. No. 87, of course, being the jersey number that Clark wore during his nine NFL seasons playing with the San Francisco 49ers.
Clark is responsible for one of the most memorable plays in sports history, "The Catch." The historic moment launched the iconic dynasty.
The new book by long-time 49ers insider Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area gathers letters from fans sharing their memories of that moment and how it impacted their lives. Those letters were even shared with Clark before his passing on June 4, 2018, at age 61. He had been battling ALS.
Maiocco was kind enough to provide me with an early copy of "Letters to 87." My complete review of the book can be found here. Not only is it a must-add item to any die-hard Niner fan's collection, but it is also a must-have for any fan of football.
"Letters to 87" features several black and white photos by Michael Zagaris and Brad Mangin, many of which have never been seen before. It also features essays by former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr., quarterback Joe Montana, safety Ronnie Lott, KNBR host Brian Murphy, and Dwight's wife, Kelly.
One hundred percent of the book royalties will be donated to the Golden Heart Fund.
"Letters to 87" can be purchased here on Amazon or through other online bookstores. A complete list can be found on the book's official website, Lettersto87.com.
Fans in attendance during Wednesday's training camp practice will also have an opportunity to purchase the book. The team announced last month that August 7 would be Dwight Clark Day.
Maiocco will be on hand to sign copies of the book and a collection of the letters featured within it will be on display in the 49ers Museum.
"The day will feature various activations to continue to honor Clark's lasting legacy," the 49ers announced.
If you can't attend the practice, Maiocco, along with several of Clark's former teammates, will be in attendance at a public launch party for "Letters to 87" at Pete's Tavern in San Francisco. Eric Wright, Dwight Hicks, Steve Bono, Mike Wilson, Ronnie Lott, Mike Shumann, Dwaine Board, and Keena Turner are scheduled to appear.
KNBR's Brian Murphy will MC the event.
Click here for more information on that event, which will run from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
Pete's Tavern
128 King Street
San Francisco, CA, 94107
The idea for "Letters to 87" originated from a podcast interview with Clark in February of 2017, when the former 49ers receiver told Maiocco that he would love to gather the stories from fans surrounding "The Catch."
"I've often thought that if I could get the word out somehow to get the stories, I should put a book together of the stories that these 49er fans lived through at that moment," Clark told Maiocco. "Hopefully, long after I'm gone, 49er fans will still enjoy that play and that year, that team that started it all."