The Raiders’ celebration of their first 50 years – some of us are shocked that Al Davis acknowledges the team’s existence prior to 1963 – is heating up. The organization has set up a web site, www.raiders50thseason.com, to commemorate the anniversary. It’s a work in progress, but will eventually include trivia, interactive games and a number of video vignettes.

Meanwhile, billboards have started to sprout alongside Bay Area freeways offering fans a unique service. You can dial to hear the radio calls of famous plays in Raiders history. The five selected thus far: George Blanda’s game-winning 53-yard kick in 1970, the Holy Roller play that stole a game from the Chargers in 1978, Cliff Branch’s record-tying 99-yard pass reception in 1983, Bo Jackson’s 91-yard touchdown run vs. Seattle in a 1987 Monday-night game, and Tyrone Wheatley’s bullish scoring run from 2000.

No offense to Greg Papa, but the biggest treat in hearing most of these calls is listening to the great Bill King describe the action. Though King had a thorough knowledge of sports and a keen attention to detail, it was his flair for the dramatic that truly set him apart.

Anyway, that’s a pretty nice collection of plays to start with. If the Raiders are planning to expand the list, I would suggest these additions:

• The tail end of the Heidi Game, everything after NBC cut away to its TV movie. Not only did the Raiders pull out a miracle win, we’d get to hear the name Preston Ridlehuber enunciated.

• The Raiders-Chiefs brawl of 1970. This was a whopper, sparked by Ben Davidson’s questionable hit on KC quarterback Len Dawson, and wide receiver Otis Taylor’s retaliation. I imagine a lot of confusion mixed with moral outrage in the radio call.

• Ken Stabler’s touchdown plunge vs. New England in the 1976 playoffs. A riveting end to a truly excruciating game.

• Mike Davis’ end zone interception vs. Cleveland in an icy 1980 playoff game. This was a game that I’m guessing most die-hard Raiders fans had all but conceded. I know I had.

• Marcus Allen’s first touchdown pass in 1982. I remember how the rookie’s throwing ability took everybody by surprise.

• Ray Guy’s one-handed leaping grab and punt in Super Bowl XVIII. Allen’s 74-yard run was the most exciting play of this game; Jack Squirek’s interception was probably the biggest. But we hear those calls all the time on highlight reels. Guy’s unbelievable play is mostly ignored.

• The Tuck Play. If Raiders fans needed to get fired up for something, had to get their mad faces on, this one would serve nicely as motivational audio.