Comments Off on Alabama Crimson Tide Nickname, Mascot and Traditions
EVERYONE’S A NUMBER
Even though Bama football helmets don’t have a logo, their headgear is easily recognized
throughout the nation. Numbers first appeared on Crimson Tide helmets in 1957 and have
remained there since. Each player’s jersey number is represented on his helmet as well. This
tradition was common for many schools in the 50’s and 60’s, but Alabama is the only major
college program that has resisted the temptation to pull the numbers.
ALABAMA’S FIGHT SONG: “YEA ALABAMA”
Due to Alabama’s national prominence, the song “Yea Alabama” has hit a high note on many
occasions. Played in earnest after an Alabama score, the first two stanzas of the song shed light
on what the Crimson Tide nickname stands for while singling out two traditional opponents.
“Yea, Alabama, drown ‘em Tide!
Ev’ry Bama man’s behind you,
Hit your stride!
Go teach the Bulldogs to behave,
Send those Yellow jackets
to a watery grave.”
Alabama tailgating brings great friends, family, fun and food together! Find Alabama tailgating info
ALABAMA’S MASCOT: BIG AL
In the United States there are three basic types of elephants that have been witnessed through
the years. The gray variety is often found a the zoo, while the pink versions have sometimes
appeared after a few stiff drinks. The one known throughout college football circles is the red
elephant that resides in Alabama. He is known as “Big Al” and he is often seen on the sidelines
cheering for the Crimson Tide.
How elephants became associated with Bama football is a story that dates back to their 1930
national championship season. Reportedly writer Everett Strupper started the elephant
stampede after he had refereed the Alabama-Ole Miss game. He wrote an article in the Atlanta
Journal describing the Tide’s dominating size and speed. Stupper’s article exclaimed that the
Bama players had grown to mammoth proportions. When the crimson clad players took the field,
someone in the stands screamed, “Hold your horses, the elephants are coming!”
Alabama ran through their opponents that season. The Crimson Tide outscored their
opponents by a 217-13 margin en route to a 10-0 season