Baltimore Blast (1980–92)
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| Full name | Baltimore Blast |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1980 |
| Dissolved | 1992 |
| Ground | Baltimore Arena Baltimore, Maryland |
| 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 |
Notable players
Head Coach
Kenny Cooper 1980-1992
Arenas
- Baltimore Arena 1980-1992
