– Business:
– Operated A. Soda & Sons and H & S Developers
– Owned/managing shopping centers, a trailer park, and golf course
– Owned two ranches raising Hereford cattle and thoroughbred horses
– Played a major role in developing the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Complex
– Instrumental in relocating the California Seals to Oakland
– Oakland Raiders:
– Founding partner in the Raiders
– Allegedly the source of the team’s original name, Oakland Senors
– Preferred naming the team the Oakland Mavericks
– Ridicule in the press led to a name change to Raiders
– Resigned as general manager after the 1960 season
– Government service:
– Member of the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners (1969-1980)
– Member of the California Horse Racing Board (1969-1977)
– Previously served on the board of directors of the Oakland Museum of California
– Active involvement in public service roles
– References:
– Trio Gains Control in Raiders Shakeup (1961)
– Berkley Vice President: New Port Officers Elected (1977)
– Grid Team Named– They’re Senors, with ridicule in the press
– Now It’s Hi, Raiders! (Bye, Senors) after name change
– Various references to Soda’s involvement in different boards and organizations
– Notable Contributions:
– Established businesses passed down from father
– Diversified business portfolio in real estate and ranching
– Significant role in sports team ownership and development
– Active participation in public service roles
– Impactful presence in the Oakland community and beyond
Yster Charles "Chet" Soda (March 15, 1908 – March 12, 1989) was an American businessman who was the first general partner and general manager of the Oakland Raiders, an original franchise in the American Football League (AFL).
![]() Chet Soda in 1960 | |
Personal information | |
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Born: | Oakland, California, U.S. | March 15, 1908
Died: | March 12, 1989 Oakland, California, U.S. | (aged 80)
Career history | |
As an executive: | |
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