Dick Plasman with 1948 Chicago Cardinals Players Frank Liebel and Bob Ravensberg
The Page from the 1948 Sportfolio highlights a conversation between Dick Plasman, the end coach for the St. Louis Cardinals, and two of his new wingmen, Frank Liebel and Bob Ravensberg. Liebel, previously a member of the New York Giants, was acquired in a trade, while Ravensberg is noted as a seasoned professional hailing from Erie, Pennsylvania. The article emphasizes Ravensberg's recent success, having starred at Indiana University the previous year. The context of this exchange occurs during a period when the Cardinals were retooling their roster for the upcoming NFL season, showcasing the team's strategy to enhance their offensive capabilities with the addition of experienced players. As professional football was gaining popularity post-World War II, the dynamics of team composition were critical for success, and the fate of teams often hinged on such trades and player acquisitions.