Three regular members of the Oakland Raiders' Black Hole fan base honored their favorite pirate Azel Wendell Gratsty at an Oakland Athletic League football game Friday.
Photo by Dennis Lee
The Oakland Athletic League football game between
Fremont (Oakland, Calif.) and
Oakland (Calif.) at Curt Flood Field had little significance in the standings.
But it meant a great deal for one Fremont family who lost a member of the community, a father and husband.
Azel Wendell Gratsty, 57, died two weeks ago after a long illness. He was known around the Oakland Raider Nation as the OakTown Pirate for wearing a complete pirate outfit at each Raiders game. He was one of the more recognizable and beloved figures of the Black Hole, the famed Raiders cheering section at the Oakland Coliseum.
See story on Azel Wendell GratsyHe left behind three children, including Fremont junior linebacker
James Grasty To honor his father, members of the Black Hole dressed up in Raiders' garb Friday — on Halloween.
Longtime MaxPreps photographer Dennis Lee was at Friday's game and presented us with these fine shots.
Family members of the late Azel Wendell Gratsy join members of the Oakland Raiders' Black Hole at the Oakland Athletic League game between Fremont and Oakland.
Photo by Dennis Lee
