Orchard Park, NY - The Buffalo Bills announced the release of the BILLS FOOTBALL VAULT - The First 50 Seasons. The release of this official unique and detailed "scrapbook" of vintage photographs, memorabilia and more was celebrated with an autograph signing at The Bills Store in Orchard Park yesterday.
Representing the Bills' first 50 seasons at the Bills Store were Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas (1988-99); AFL Champion and 2010 Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame inductee cornerback Booker Edgerson (1962-69); Bills 50th Season All-Time Team punter Brian Moorman (2001-present) and author of the book, Scott Pitoniak.
Fans arrived early to purchase the book and to be the first on line for the hour-long autograph signing of Bills greats. Those in attendance were also able to have one other item signed with their book. In addition, fans received a coupon for a complimentary 2010 Bills yearbook.
Moorman said, "To share the kickoff of the BILLS FOOTBALL VAULT with Thurman, Booker, Scott and the fans is an honor and has been a great time tonight. I especially enjoy watching the fans' expressions when they open the Vault and see all the different Bills memorabilia inside. That's what makes this book so special."
The BILLS FOOTBALL VAULT - The First 50 Seasons is the first of its kind historical team retrospective and scrapbook. In addition to the history and stories of the first 50 seasons, what makes the detailed scrapbook so unique are the vintage photographs, artwork and memorabilia that were discovered in the Bills' archives. Fans will find reproductions of old game program covers, historic tickets, vintage bumper stickers and more.
"This Bills Vault is an unbelievable compilation of photos and cool reproductions and I had no idea it was going to be this good," said Thomas. "I'm proud to be a part of the Buffalo Bills' history and this is a great piece of work."
"I've seen my share of books on the Bills over the years and this Vault is more than a book...it's a treasure of team memorabilia and history that every Bills fan should have," said Edgerson.
The book encompasses Buffalo Bills history from 1960 through current Head Coach Chan Gailey. ESPN/ABC Sportscaster and Anchor Chris Berman wrote the moving foreword, and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly provided the finishing touch with the afterword. The book was written by acclaimed sportswriter and author Scott Pitoniak.
"I believe we've come up with a book that's distinctive from every other book published about the team," said Pitoniak. "The finished product is a combination scrapbook/photo album look at the Bills rich history. Besides showcasing a stadium full of gorgeous photographs, many never published before, it also features scores of replica artifacts - pennants, programs, tickets, press passes, etc. - and anecdotes that hopefully will take the die-hard Bills fan back in time."
Fans may purchase the book, published by Whitman Publishing, for $49.95 online through www.buffalobills.com or by calling 1-888-BUF-GEAR (283-4327). Fans may find a preview copy and purchase the book at The Bills Store locations in Orchard Park, NY and Victor, NY (Rochester, NY) Eastview Mall.
