John York acknowledges disappointing year.
REDWOOD CITY — At a meeting Wednesday to salute the 49ers’ past, co-owner John York acknowledged the frustration surrounding the team’s present.
“This was not a good season. But you have my assurance that the ownership of the 49ers is very passionate about this team. And we are here to win,’’ York said.
It was a rare public statement from the York family during the team’s tumultuous 4-9 start.
With three games to go, Jed York, the 49ers CEO and the son of John and Denise DeBartolo York, has refrained from speaking to the media this season.
John York was an honored guest Wednesday at an NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter luncheon in Redwood City. Speaking at the complex that once served as the 49ers headquarters, he reminisced about early San Francisco stars such as John Brodie, Leo Nomellini and R.C. Owens.
York choked up in recalling the longtime friendship between Joe “The Jet” Perry (the 49ers’ first African-American player) and Wally Yonamine (the team’s first Asian-American player).
Before he got to his prepared speech, York paused for an impromptu remark about 2015.
“I will say this: Our family is extremely passionate about the 49ers. All of us are disappointed in the season. It did not go the way we were hoping,’’ he said. “You can blame it on whatever, but it doesn’t make any difference. … We are very proud of the past, but we also look to the future. That’s what we’re going to need to do.”
John York’s remarks came on a day that San Francisco Chronicle columnist Scott Ostler wrote a story speculating on what it would take for the York family to sell the team.
The crowd of roughly 40 people included former 49ers players such as Tommy Hart, Eason Ramson, Guy McIntyre and Allan Kennedy.
Carolyn Hoskins, who was married to the late 49ers defensive tackle Bob Hoskins, led a tribute to York for his work re-energizing the 49ers alumni efforts.