I will always remember Charlie Garner as the guy who wasn't good enough to unseat Hearst. Was so mad he left the Niners for the Raiders, b/c it was around the same time Rice left for the Raiders as well
As for ranking of best 49er RBs, here's the best list:
1. Roger Craig (Superbowl rings + 1st 1000 rush/1000 rec yard + Infamy of 1st WCO RB = HOF RB
)
2. Joe "The Jet" Perry (I wasn't old enough, but my grandfather and dad told me stories about the epicness of his play back in the Kezar days. Part of the "Million Dollar Backfield", HOFer, and only dogged b/c ppl don't remember him)
3. Frank Gore (I'm biased, but he's the complete package. Will pass Perry for overall team leader including AAFL yards next season. Also stayed even when we sucked, which is HUGE brownie points
, and has been rewarded this season
)
4. Ricky Waters (Could've been #1 if he'd stayed in SF after 1994. Instead, will be remembered as a huge stat guy who won't get into the HOF anytime soon. NO WAY he deserves to get in before Craig)
5. Garrison Hearst (Great stats, but not long enough career. He had everything but a title
....poor guy)