Baltimore Blast (1980–92)

This article is about the original Baltimore Blast that played in the original Major Indoor Soccer League from 1980 to 1992. For the current team, see Baltimore Blast.
Baltimore Blast
Full name Baltimore Blast
Founded 1980
Dissolved 1992
Ground Baltimore Arena
Baltimore, Maryland
Ground Capacity 11,271
Manager Kenny Cooper
League Major Indoor Soccer League

Baltimore Blast were a longtime member of the Major Indoor Soccer League. From 1978 to 1980, the team was played as the Houston Summit but moved prior to the 1980–81 season. The team won the league's championship in 1984. The team folded when the MISL ceased operation in the summer of 1992.

History

The team used Kool & the Gang's "Celebration" to celebrate scoring goals. The aggressive promotion of the team by radio partner WFBR, then 1300 AM was instrumental in its popularity, as well. Art Sinclair and Charley Eckman handled the play-by-play. They were owned by Bernie Rodin, who also owned the Rochester Lancers and the New York Arrows. Mike Zolotorow was the long time Equipment Manager for 20 years.

In 1991, the team contested the Trans-Atlantic challenge. A one-off indoor soccer game at the Sheffield Arena, Sheffield. They beat English first division team Sheffield Wednesday to win the trophy. Wednesday had American international John Harkes in their ranks. The game was the one & only occasion that Eric Cantona played for Sheffield Wednesday during his infamous trial.

Year-by-year

Year League Reg. Season Playoffs Attendance Average
1980–81 MISL 2nd, Atlantic Semifinals 6,540
1981–82 MISL 3rd, Eastern Semifinals 9,557
1982–83 MISL 1st, Eastern Final 10,729
1983–84 MISL 1st, Eastern Champions 11,189
1984–85 MISL 1st, Eastern Final 11,051
1985–86 MISL 4th, Eastern Quarterfinals 10,189
1986–87 MISL 2nd, Eastern Division Semifinals 9,936
1987–88 MISL 4th, Eastern Division Semifinals 8,221
1988–89 MISL 1st Final 8,170
1989–90 MISL 1st, Eastern Finals 8,530
1990–91 MSL 3rd, Eastern Did not qualify 7,432
1991–92 MSL 4th Semifinals 8,206

Head Coach

Arenas

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 12/1/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.