By Brian Snelgrove
He epitomized the tough, no-holds-barred philosophy of the Tiger-Cats in the trenches in the 1960’s.
Angelo Mosca was lured to Canada by Hamilton head coach Jim Trimble following an outstanding career at Notre Dame. The Philadelphia Eagles were interested but “the money was better in Canada,” says Mosca. “About the only thing I knew about Canada at that time is that the Maple Leafs and Canadiens played hockey.”
He joined the Ticats in 1958 and but for a two year tenure with Ottawa (1960-61) would stay with the Tabbies until 1972. He appeared in nine Grey Cups during his 15 year CFL career and was on the winning side five times. He was named an Eastern all-star at Defensive Tackle on five occasions and twice (1963 and 1970) was selected all-Canadian. He was the Eastern nominee for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Lineman award in 1963 (losing out to Tom Brown of B.C.). Mosca was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 1987.
“The City of Hamilton was unbelievable, the fans really embraced us,” says Mosca of playing for Hamilton in the 1960’s. “There must have been 25,000 fans in front of the old Royal Connaught Hotel sending us off to the 1967 Grey Cup.” That team Mosca calls the “best I ever played for.”
“We were very physical, we were noted for that. The Black and Gold represented toughness and we tried to put the fear of God into our opponents. I never embarrassed the game though,” says Mosca. “I always respected the guys I played against.”
Mosca counts the Alouette tandem of Don Clark and George Dixon as “the two best running backs I ever faced in the CFL. Dave Thelen (Ottawa) and Leo Lewis (Winnipeg) were also tough.”
One tackle nearly defined his career. It came in the 1963 Grey Cup when Mosca hit Lions’ running back Willie Fleming, sending the Lions star to the sidelines for the remainder of the game. Some called it a dirty hit; Mosca, who to this day is still vilified in Vancouver, says: ” Hey, it just happened, it wasn’t a late hit, I came from about 45 yards away to make the play and slid over the top of him (Television replays tend to confirm Mosca’s version of the event).
Following his retirement from football, Mosca continued with a highly successful professional wresting career that he had launched in 1959. He continued to wrestle and promote the sport until the early 90’s and became as well-known for his wrestling expertise as he did for his skills on the gridiron.
More than 50 years later, Mosca remains a fixture at Hamilton home games and is passionate about the Tiger-Cats and the CFL. He currently serves as the team’s goodwill ambassador, a position he has held for the past three years. “I really enjoy it, “says Mosca, who spends countless hours with various community groups and schools. “I love to give back, to get out and meet people and promote the Tiger-Cats.”
Mosca, married with seven children has lived in the Hamilton/Niagara area since his retirement and currently resides in St. Catharines. In addition to his Ticat duties, he loves to cook. “Hey I’m Italian, right,” he says.
“Sure I made mistakes but I have nothing but great memories from the 60’s,” says the former Ticat great. “I always tried to play the game the way I had been taught to play it.”
