Baltimore Blast (1980–92)

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

Notable players

Player
Keith Van Eron
Dave MacWilliams
Mike Stankovic
Scott Manning
Billy Ronson
Bobby McAvan
Tim Wittman
Joey Fink
Paul Kitson
Pat Ercoli
Ronnie Simmons
Cris Vaccaro
Heinz Wirtz
Peter Baralic
Ken Fogarty
Sepp Gantenhammer
Richard Chinapoo
Nick Mangione
Stan Stamenkovic
Van Taylor

Head Coach

• Kenny Cooper 1980-1992

Arenas

• Baltimore Arena 1980-1992

External links

• Baltimore Blast on FunWhileItLasted.net