Baltimore’s Passion Stems
from the Colts
The passion for Baltimore sport is not unique to the Ravens,
the passion has been around ever since the Colts and Orioles organizations were
founded. It is seen that football is considered to many as a religion in the
state of Maryland. It is without a question that Johnny Unitas and the rest of
the Baltimore Colts have laid the foundation for that statement of Baltimore
sports as they are today. “Baltimore
gave its first professional at a time where the city was badly run down,
considered merely a rest stop between Philadelphia and Washington.” According
to Patterson the Baltimore Colts and in particular their championship was
clearly a turning point for the community of Baltimore.
Just like the Ravens today the Colts were part
of the community, Johnny Unitas, arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks to
ever play the game was often seen in the community at his local hardware store
helping someone who may have not had any idea who he was. It seemed to be that
the players and coaches put their city and the rest of their lives ahead of
football. This is obviously nice to see for fans and it definitely attracts new
fans. When the Colts moved to Indianapolis in 1984 Baltimore was heartbroken,
and there was a major hole in the heart of the city. This time was clearly a
moment of tension up until 1996 when Art Modell and The Baltimore Ravens, then
“The Cleveland Browns” moved to Baltimore.
It did not take long for Baltimore
to adopt their new franchise, as the team sold out the first game with more
then 64,000 in attendance. Considering the 12-year period with out football in
Baltimore, it’s no wonder that fans were excited to have football back.
However, considering so many of the fans lived for the Colts, the positive reception
of the team had to come as a bit of surprise. This just exhibited the passion
Baltimore has for their sports. It is unfortunate that it took a franchise
leaving the city for Ravens nation to evolve, but “The 410 Nation” and the passion people have
for the city never left. The next generation of Ravens Nation have been
cultivated and Baltimore is clearly all on board.
Football in Baltimore:
History and Memorabilia from Colts to Ravens
By Ted Patterson, Dean Smith
Very well written article, and also it was organized very well too. You did a good job explaining the history of Baltimore and how the tension was so strong at one point it became able to form a new community of Baltimore Ravens fans.
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