Some things seem bigger than life when you're only six years old. Other things, you realize as you get older, just continue to get bigger with each passing year. 1967 still stands out as one of the best years of my life. That was the year the St. Louis Blues entered the National Hockey League. The expansion system back then was not anything like current league expansions. The Original Six, as they were called, could protect virtually all of their players and expose just a few that they weren't that excited about to the expansion draft. The Second Six started off as a group of rather ragtag teams with a strange mix of older players who many considered past their primes and younger guys who either had not reached their potential or were expendable.
1967 was also the start of a love affair that continues to this day; my sister Debbie and the man introduced before games as, "Number five in your program but number one in your hearts, Bob Plager." Debbie fell head over heels in love with Bob Plager the first time she saw him. One of three Plager brothers to play together on the Blues, Bob's antics made him a fan favorite and something about him made him the focus of Debbie's affection. Debbie would yell at pugilistic opponents, whether on television or live at the Arena, warning them that they had better not hurt his face! Her evening would be complete if they showed a close up of Bob during the game; even if he was merely sitting in the penalty box.
Bob Plager visited the St. Louis Blues Hockey School that I attended each summer. He and his brother Barclay demonstrated (with much theatrical embellishment) how to properly drop your stick and gloves before a fight to make sure you wouldn't trip on them. Bob then went on to warn us that we'd better never get into a fight in youth hockey or he would, "find you and kick your butts!" I couldn't wait to get home and rub it in to Debbie that I had actually talked to Bob Plager!!!!
I'm quite sure that Bob Plager has no recollection of that day at the hockey school at Winterland; nor would he recall the thrill he gave a young boy dreaming of playing for the Blues someday merely by taking a moment to talk with him. No, I'm sure Bob Plager wouldn't remember me no matter how hard he tried. Now, Debbie, on the other hand...
Debbie's love affair with Bob continues to this day. He may actually remember Debbie as the one who, as an adult, had him sign her Bob Plager Blues sweater right across the chest - while she was wearing it, of course! He may also remember her as the one who wears that sweater to every Blues Alumni event, waving at him every time he skates by. Yes, Debbie is still in love with Bob.
Debbie still has a partial season ticket package and we text constantly during Blues games. I can count on a text within moments of either John Kelly or Darren Pang mentioning Bob's name on the television broadcast. My phone will light up instantly with, "Did you hear Panger mention BOB PLAGER?" Somehow his name is always in all caps. Debbie insists her phone does that on its own.
Today we celebrate Bob's 70th birthday. Bob Plager continues to be involved with the Blues organization after all these years. He is so closely identified with the organization that you really can't separate the two. Although other men have worn, and continue to wear, the number five sweater; it will always remain tied to Bob Plager.
It's hard to believe that the man we still think of as a young defenseman - who entertained the crowd both with his punishing hip checks and his stunts like coming out for the start of a game with a giant, colorful Afro wig or pom-poms on his skates - is 70 years old. Today he is the elder statesman of St. Louis Hockey history; and still the object of Debbie's affections.
Happy Birthday, Bob!
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