February 2, 1995
More than a quarter million fans lined Market Street Monday to welcome back the San Francisco 49ers who won their fifth Super Bowl championship over the San Diego Chargers Sunday.
Appreciative and adoring fans mostly wearing the team colors of red and gold clung to trees and stood on top of newspaper stands just to catch a glimpse of the team.
The drizzle did not dampen the spirits and hearts of the people or hinder the parade's procession with the players cruising by in vintage convertible automobiles.
Mayor Frank Jordan, Coach George Seifert and Team Owner Eddie De Bartolo appeared through one of many arches of red and gold balloons, waving the Super Bowl trophy to the crowd.
The crowds enthusiasm escalated when the next car drove by carrying MVP quarterback Steve Young. His record six touchdown passes broke former 49ers quarterback Joe Montana's record.
"This is amazing," Vincent Schilling, a theater major at SF State said. "I have never seen anything like it. Such team spirit," he said.
Schilling was one of many students at SF State that missed the first day of classes to attend the parade.
"You could see the excitement on Young's face. He was just like a little kid," Schilling said.
People broke out in chants of "Jer-ry, Jer-ry" from New Montgomery Street to the Civic Center as Jerry Rice drove by with his son cradled in his lap.
Some fans were not altogether satisfied by the day's events. Steve Hinshaw, a former SF State graduate student, was somewhat disappointed due to the noticeable absence of John Taylor, Rickey Watters and Ken Norton Jr.
"I'm still glad I called in sick though. This is great," Hinshaw said.
The absence of two of the players was later explained when Watters appeared on the Tonight Show and Norton was seen on Late Night with David Letterman.
Approximately 10 cable cars covered in balloons and banners were interspersed amongst the players as well as marching bands representing a variety of ethnic groups.
Lt. Mike Puccinelli, a police officer at the parade, reported no problems. Two incidents of drive by shootings in the Mission district and nearly 200 arrests marred the post game celebration Sunday.
When the parade was over fans dispersed giddy with excitement and were elated at having the chance to show their appreciation up close to the Niners.
"The parade was awesome," Robert Vickers, a bartender on Market Street, said. "I got to see the whole thing and it was great."