Legend has it that Chuck Connors' brief yet memorable appearance as Burn Sanderson, a Texas rancher with a heart of gold, in the 1957 Disney classic "Old Yeller" led to him earning the starring role in ABC's "The Rifleman", set to premiere the following year. His endearing performance as Sanderson impressed the producers of "The Rifleman" to the point that they handed him the role over 40-50 other well qualified actors, in addition to paying his full freight and giving him a small ownership stake in the show. "The Rifleman" premiered in 1958, and ran for 5 seasons until 1963. It was a huge hit, with Connors starring as Union Civil War veteran, widower, and New Mexico territory rancher Lucas McCain. He wielded a Winchester Model 92 rifle with ease, and imparted valuable moral lessons to his son along the way. Connors had led a remarkable life even before his success on the silver screen, having served as a stateside tank warfare instructor during WW2, and then becoming one of only 13 men to ever play both professional basketball in the NBA, for the Boston Celtics no less, and professional baseball in the MLB, for the equally iconic Brooklyn Dodgers. He starred in the movie "Geronimo!" in 1962, and in the television series “Branded” from 1965 to 1966; not exactly a lightweight. Those memorable roles solidified his status as a well respected Western actor in the "cowboy craze" of the post-WW2, baby boom era. Connors is remembered for his steely gaze, lantern jaw, stentorian voice, imposing physical stature, and overall screen presence. Chuck Connors lived in the Los Angeles area and remained an avid Dodgers fan for much of his life. Biographer David Fury wrote, “His stationary even said “Go Dodgers”, and you’d invariably find Chuck at Dodger Stadium on opening day and as often as he could make it to a ball game.” This Vintage 1980s Chuck Connors Movie & TV Star Owned Los Angeles Dodgers Gym/Gun Bag is in Good Condition, with some scattered fading to the “Dodgers” logo at front and back, some light yellowish spot soiling at each lower front and back, and with some overall wrinkling and age wear evident. Otherwise, the bag is in fine shape, with absolutely no rips, holes, tears, or other damage to the fairly thin yet tough blue nylon construction. Most interestingly, it bears the classic “Dodgers” logo printed in white at front and back, along with a “BA” logo above “Bank of America” printed in white at one side (suggesting the bag was a Dodger Stadium “give-away” item), sports white vinyl trim, white nylon top carry handles, and a fully functional “BS” metal top zipper, and carries the original “JEM MADE IN CHINA / J.E. MAMIYE & SONS / NEW YORK, N.Y. 10016” maker’s tag inside, dating the bag to the 1980s. Now to the provenance of this piece, which comes directly from the personal collection of noted gun writer Rick Hacker. Mr. Hacker relates that he was a close friend of Chuck Connors, especially as the latter entered his twilight years. When Chuck Connors passed away in 1992, Mr. Hacker was asked to come to Connors’ Tehachapi ranch home, and was given numerous pieces that Rose Mary Grumley, the executor of Connors' estate, said “Chuck wanted him to have”. This Dodgers bag was among those items. Furthermore, Mr. Hacker recalls that Chuck used to carry his guns around in this very bag, and it once housed Chuck’s Colt Single Action Army, Colt Woodsman, and Smith & Wesson Model 66. It has resided in Rick Hacker’s personal collection until now, and a signed letter of authenticity from Mr. Hacker will accompany this piece. It measures about 16” x 8” x 8” when full, and is a fine example of a very rare, original Vintage 1980s Chuck Connors Movie & TV Star Owned Los Angeles Dodgers Gym/Gun Bag. Win this bag, and you can tote your guns around in the same bag as “The Rifleman”.