When we first received this assignment, I knew right away that I wanted my topic to be about Baltimore's place in sports and its athletic appeal. However, I'm pretty computer-illiterate and the thought of blogging and reading articles on the internet did not seem appealing. I get most of my information from media like newspapers, radio, and magazines. Throughout this project, I learned even more great news, facts, and stories about Baltimore then when I had started. As you can see from my blogs, I even had so much to add up until the due date because Baltimore had been in the news recently. I began my blog with some background information on how the Baltimore Ravens came about and But I didn’t want the blog to be centered on just football because Baltimore has so much more to offer- hence the reason for my topic.
To start, Baltimore and Maryland at large, is very diverse and presents people with athletics, teams for all sports, horse racing, great transportation infrastructure, amazing athletes, a revolutionary apparel industry, and much more. The first post of my blog increased my knowledge regarding the reason why we are now the Baltimore Ravens. Previously, all I had known was that we used to have another mascot-that’s it. I had no idea that it was such a secretive and devious scheme. While watching the Brooklyn Dodgers video in class, I begun to compare the way Brooklyn fans felt when they found out the owner had re-located in California with how Colts fans probably felt the morning they found out the team had been taken to Indianapolis. Next, I address the issue of gambling in Maryland because we are home to one of the biggest horse races, the Preakness stakes, and we do not have slot machines. Due to our short distance and easy commute to places like Delaware, West Virginia, and Atlantic City, revenues are in a sense being taken from the state itself. Horseracing is a Maryland tradition and implementing slots would save the industry and bring in lucrative money for the state. In addition, I blogged about the Baltimore Orioles. Not many cities can attest to having a professional baseball stadium and professional football stadium so close to each other that they share parking lots. The team did not have a great season last year, but they are still very appealing and noteworthy for Baltimore. Some other articles I included mention successes from people who are from the area; thus, bringing attention and notoriety to the city. The story of Under Armour, for example, is very interesting and truly shows a success story- sewing shirts in Grandma’s basement to a multi-million dollar corporation. Last but not least, Olympic Gold medalist Michael Phelps is a product of the Baltimore area and is a new breed of sportsmen. Referred to as “athlete corporations,” Phelps is a master in his field and an extremely marketable individual.
As I conclude, I just wanted to share that blogging not only reinforced my belief that Baltimore has great athletic appeal but made it even stronger. Through this project, I’ve come to realize that Baltimore not only has amazing athletic appeal but it also fosters the talents and abilities of not only Michael Phelps but the youngest of child that could one day become an athletic great. While the project initially felt like a lot of work, towards the end, I felt I had so many articles I could post and tons of information to strengthen my argument. With over 12 posts, I still hadn’t mentioned Carmelo Anthony, a Baltimore native, University of Maryland Terrapin recruiting, NBA player Rudy Gay, the emergence of woman’s golf programs…you get the idea.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Reed's Fumble Return Leads Ravens OVER Redskins
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/12/08/sports/FBN-Redskins-Ravens-Folo.php
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80d21f6a
Ravens safety Ed Reed intercepts a pass from Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell during the first quarter. "Ed Reed has game-changing impact," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "If he's not an MVP candidate, I don't know who is."
Are you ready for some FOOOTTBBAALLL? This Sunday, December 7th, the Baltimore Ravens played long-time rival, the Washington Redskins, in what locals call the "Battle of the Beltway." The game was switched from one o'clock to eight at night so it could be nationally televised and ended in a 24-10 win for Baltimore.! What makes this win so important for the Ravens, in addition to the boasting and birf-ing we get to do, is that it put the Ravens only one game behind the Steelers, and if they win Sunday, the 14th, the Ravens are tied for first in the AFC North. Plus, it was was the biggest crowd for a Ravens game EVER!
During the game, the Baltimore Raven's ultra-aggresive defense swarmed the Washington Redskins with intricate zone blitzes and overloads that left Redskins quaterback Jason Campbell writhing on the ground in pain. Ravens rookie coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Rex Ryan threw in elaborate pass rush schemes that created a dizzying effect.
I strongly aggre with Baltimore Sun writer Rick Maese when he said "during the past several years, nearly everyone..has clung to the notion of rampant and unfair disrespect[towards the Ravens]. It seems to come from opposing players, from the NFL, from the media, from fans. From an organization that won just five games last season to a rookie quaterback who came from a small college to a rookie head coach no on had heard of, the Ravens do have their struggles...yes, the Baltimore Ravens have had their hard times and struggles, but they've always been a great ball club. This season's team is a group of players, coaches, and team officials who've rebounded incredibly well from last season. They've shrugged off doubts and criticism impressively.
Phelps in Our Backyard!
http://www.newsday.com/features/booksmags/ny-exmain5955699dec08,0,699210.story
On Tuesday, December 9th, Michael Phelps will make an appearance on Long Island at Adelphi University. The most decorated Olympian in history will spend the evening discussing his book, No Limits, unfolding eight chapters, one for each of the gold medals he won in the 2008 Games. Tickets for "Dream, Plan, Reach: An Evening with Michael Phelps" was sold-out in 90 minutes, the fastest-ever for a school event.
The book has been released today, Monday December 8th and has not received any on-line reviews. From the article, I'm curious about Phelps' relationship with his Dad. While watching him swim this summer, his father appeared to be nowhere in sight, and I think he wasn't in Beijing at all. In addition, the chapter regarding his DUI will be interesting because he received it in Salisbury, Maryland where one of my sisters graduated and claims he had partied at her college apartment.
On Tuesday, December 9th, Michael Phelps will make an appearance on Long Island at Adelphi University. The most decorated Olympian in history will spend the evening discussing his book, No Limits, unfolding eight chapters, one for each of the gold medals he won in the 2008 Games. Tickets for "Dream, Plan, Reach: An Evening with Michael Phelps" was sold-out in 90 minutes, the fastest-ever for a school event.
The book has been released today, Monday December 8th and has not received any on-line reviews. From the article, I'm curious about Phelps' relationship with his Dad. While watching him swim this summer, his father appeared to be nowhere in sight, and I think he wasn't in Beijing at all. In addition, the chapter regarding his DUI will be interesting because he received it in Salisbury, Maryland where one of my sisters graduated and claims he had partied at her college apartment.
Michael Phelps: World Record in Butterfly
*********WATCH PHELPS BREAK AN OLYMPIC WORLD RECORD**********
"It is for elevating his sport -- and all of us out of our seats -- with a beguiling grace and humility that SI honors Phelps with its 55th Sportsman of the Year Award," writes Alan Shipnuck in his profile of Phelps. The magazine hits newsstands on Wednesday and marks Phelps's sixth appearance on the cover of SI.
In Beijing Phelps delivered a performance for the ages in breaking Mark Spitz's 36-year-old mark of seven gold medals in a single Olympiad. Phelps won individual gold in the 400-meter individual medley, 200-meter freestyle, 200- meter butterfly, 200-meter individual medley and 100-meter butterfly to go along with team golds in the 4x100-meter freestyle, 4x200-meter freestyle and 4x100-meter medley relays. His 0.01-second victory over Serbia's Milorad Cavic in the 100-meter butterfly and his U.S. team's come-from-behind triumph over France in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay provided two of the most iconic moments of the 2008 Summer Games.
Michael Phelps Named 2008 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Michael-Phelps-Named-2008-Sports/story.aspx?guid=%7B4F2AF57C-5453-438D-8435-DAFC7B6BA0A5%7D
Sports Illustrated is a multimedia sports brand that takes the “consumer into the heart and soul of sports.” The franchise is anchored by Sports Illustrated, the most respected voice in sports journalism which reaches a weekly audience of nearly 21 million adults. Their website, http://www.si.com/, is the magazine's 24/7 sports news website that delivers more than 150 original stories to its users each week. The SI franchise also includes Sports Illustrated Kids ( http://www.sikids.com/), a monthly magazine targeted to kids age 8 and up; Golf Magazine and http://www.golf.com;/ http://www.fannation.com/, a social networking and sports-news aggregation platform; http://www.sioncampus.com/, a website dedicated to college sports and the college sports lifestyle; SI Presents, the magazine's specialty publishing division; as well as SI Books, SI Pictures, SI Productions, SI Digital and SI Events. Founded in 1954, SI is a division of Time Inc., the world's leading magazine publishing company and a subsidiary of Time Warner.
Every year, Sports Illustrated Group Editor Terry McDonell announces the Sportsman of the Year. This person or team must transcend through the year in both athletic performance and character. The descriptor, “It is not for the victory alone that he is honored. Rather, it is for the quality of his effort and the manner of striving;” a statement lifted from the pages of SI in 1957 that defines the principle of the award. Baltimore native, Michael Phelps is SI’s 55th Sportsman of the Year and joins Lance Armstrong, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods, among other athletic greats who have received this award.
All I can say is WELL DESERVED! This summer I looked forward to race after race and felt so proud to be an American and Baltimorian specifically. His performance in Beijing provides two of the most iconic moments of the 2008 Summer Games, and everyone can agree that he is one helluva athlete. His high school, Towson, is located within the same district of my high school so I’ve been following him for years. In many local papers his name was continuously popping up for his college offers, record-breaking competitions, and million-dollar endorsements. He has definitely earned the nickname the "Baltimore Bullet" and is Baltimore's swimming superstar!
Sports Illustrated is a multimedia sports brand that takes the “consumer into the heart and soul of sports.” The franchise is anchored by Sports Illustrated, the most respected voice in sports journalism which reaches a weekly audience of nearly 21 million adults. Their website, http://www.si.com/, is the magazine's 24/7 sports news website that delivers more than 150 original stories to its users each week. The SI franchise also includes Sports Illustrated Kids ( http://www.sikids.com/), a monthly magazine targeted to kids age 8 and up; Golf Magazine and http://www.golf.com;/ http://www.fannation.com/, a social networking and sports-news aggregation platform; http://www.sioncampus.com/, a website dedicated to college sports and the college sports lifestyle; SI Presents, the magazine's specialty publishing division; as well as SI Books, SI Pictures, SI Productions, SI Digital and SI Events. Founded in 1954, SI is a division of Time Inc., the world's leading magazine publishing company and a subsidiary of Time Warner.
Every year, Sports Illustrated Group Editor Terry McDonell announces the Sportsman of the Year. This person or team must transcend through the year in both athletic performance and character. The descriptor, “It is not for the victory alone that he is honored. Rather, it is for the quality of his effort and the manner of striving;” a statement lifted from the pages of SI in 1957 that defines the principle of the award. Baltimore native, Michael Phelps is SI’s 55th Sportsman of the Year and joins Lance Armstrong, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods, among other athletic greats who have received this award.
All I can say is WELL DESERVED! This summer I looked forward to race after race and felt so proud to be an American and Baltimorian specifically. His performance in Beijing provides two of the most iconic moments of the 2008 Summer Games, and everyone can agree that he is one helluva athlete. His high school, Towson, is located within the same district of my high school so I’ve been following him for years. In many local papers his name was continuously popping up for his college offers, record-breaking competitions, and million-dollar endorsements. He has definitely earned the nickname the "Baltimore Bullet" and is Baltimore's swimming superstar!
Phelps' TRL Appearance
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.flipside08dec08,0,319625.columnLike the article stated, "Baltimore's Hombre de Oro," is gracing the pages of another magazine. This time, not for his Olympic abilities, but for the rumors spreading of his relations with a Palm's Resort cocktail waitress from Las Vegas. I read the spread in Sports Illustrated and apparently he brought the young brunette home to Baltimore to meet mom for Thanksgiving. Sources say they are "just friends" and Michael needs to have a private life.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
UNDER ARMOUR SUCCESS
http://www.forbes.com/business/forbes/2006/0605/073.html
Kevin Plank, founder and owner of the Baltimore firm, Under Armour, came up with the idea for his company while he was a senior at the University of Maryland. A business major and member of the Division I football team, Plank was not so much an athlete as he was a problem solver. Like other team members, he loathed wearing sweat-soaked cotton T shirts during practice and games. On a visit to New York City’s garment district, he discovered a polyester-Lycra blend that did not trap moisture. After several prototypes, he came up with a shirt that the players loved: They clung to the body like a second layer of skin, yet wicked away perspiration, keeping the shirts drier and lighter. Starting out with only $15,000 from a rose business he ran in college, $40,000 from five credit cards, and several thousand raised from selling private shares to family and friends, Plank set to work in Grandma’s basement in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C..
Now over a decade later, Under Armour owns 70% of the so-called compression-performance market. With $500 million worth of sales each year, Nike is left with a measly 14%. In 2006, Plank upped the stakes when he introduced the company’s first shoe, a football cleat. However, although squarely in Nike’s territory, Under Armour is not nearly as profitable as Nike—earning a mere $20 million in a year, a figure Nike conquers in a week.
I think this story is comparable to the beginnings of a Bill Gates. The makings to this under dog story are a lot of ingenuity and the drive and perseverance in order to create a successful business. Before reading this article, I had been familiar with the story of Plank, but I had no idea that that was the path he had taken to be where he is now. Incredible! Although the interlocking U-and-A logo does not have the universality of the Nike swoosh, I believe it is just another athletic appeal Baltimore has to offer. Plus, it is just a matter of time before we see it around the country. Let’s not forget, the Nike Corporation was founded in 1972, making it twenty-four years its senior to Under Armour. Even with that being said, in 2004, Under Armour introduced football receivers’ gloves and promptly stole 30% of that $50 million market, mostly at Nike’s expense.
Kevin Plank, founder and owner of the Baltimore firm, Under Armour, came up with the idea for his company while he was a senior at the University of Maryland. A business major and member of the Division I football team, Plank was not so much an athlete as he was a problem solver. Like other team members, he loathed wearing sweat-soaked cotton T shirts during practice and games. On a visit to New York City’s garment district, he discovered a polyester-Lycra blend that did not trap moisture. After several prototypes, he came up with a shirt that the players loved: They clung to the body like a second layer of skin, yet wicked away perspiration, keeping the shirts drier and lighter. Starting out with only $15,000 from a rose business he ran in college, $40,000 from five credit cards, and several thousand raised from selling private shares to family and friends, Plank set to work in Grandma’s basement in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C..
Now over a decade later, Under Armour owns 70% of the so-called compression-performance market. With $500 million worth of sales each year, Nike is left with a measly 14%. In 2006, Plank upped the stakes when he introduced the company’s first shoe, a football cleat. However, although squarely in Nike’s territory, Under Armour is not nearly as profitable as Nike—earning a mere $20 million in a year, a figure Nike conquers in a week.
I think this story is comparable to the beginnings of a Bill Gates. The makings to this under dog story are a lot of ingenuity and the drive and perseverance in order to create a successful business. Before reading this article, I had been familiar with the story of Plank, but I had no idea that that was the path he had taken to be where he is now. Incredible! Although the interlocking U-and-A logo does not have the universality of the Nike swoosh, I believe it is just another athletic appeal Baltimore has to offer. Plus, it is just a matter of time before we see it around the country. Let’s not forget, the Nike Corporation was founded in 1972, making it twenty-four years its senior to Under Armour. Even with that being said, in 2004, Under Armour introduced football receivers’ gloves and promptly stole 30% of that $50 million market, mostly at Nike’s expense.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Baltimore Orioles
http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/60681
Not one of Baltimore's finest surveys. It is true that my Baltimore Orioles have not done so well in recent past. Not to make excuses, but this small blurb is one explanation why team performance is suffering and attendence is declining.
Let's begin with some historical perspective:
According to Wikipedia, the Baltimore Orioles are one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was established as a major league club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1901. The Milwaukee Brewers (not to be confused with the current Milwaukee Brewers) moved to St. Louis in 1902 and became the St. Louis Browns. After more than five decades in St. Louis, in 1954 the Browns moved to Baltimore and assumed the nickname Orioles, the traditional nickname of various Baltimore baseball clubs.
Now the Orioles are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1992 to the present, the Orioles have played in Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
The "Orioles" name refers to the bird of the same name. Nicknames for the team include the O's and the Birds.
2008
This past season, the Orioles began the 2008 season in a rebuilding mode under GM Andy MacPhail. The rebuilding phase began as the O's traded away star players Miguel Tejada to the Astros and ace Erik Bedard to the Seattle Mariners for prized prospect Adam Jones, lefty reliever George Sherrill, and minor league pitchers Kameron Mickolio, Chris Tillman, and Tony Butler. Respectively, baseball analysts across the country wrote off the O's as a team likely to finish last in the A.L. East. The Orioles started off the first couple weeks of the season very well near the top of their division as players such as Nick Markakis and newcomer Luke Scott led the team offensively. Although the Orioles were able to stay competitive for most of the season hovering around .500, they had fallen back by September and were over 20 games back from the first place Rays. They would finish the season losing 11 of their final 12 games and 28 of their final 34. Their final record of 68–93 (.422) would mark the 2nd worst of their 11th consecutive losing season.
For the past three summers, I have worked at Sliders Bar and Grill, a fun place literally located behind Camden Yards gates and within walking distance to M&T Bank stadium where the Ravens play. You'll always find the place packed whenever the O's are playing (no matter what they're record)! Sliders entices customers and ballgame-goers with block parties, special events throughout the summer, and a DJ on Fridays, Saturdays and game nights. It's the place to be!! Downstairs is the main bar and upstairs is a full service restaurant along with a second bar and a pool table. Working outside, I was able to converse with fans and interact with all types of people. What I gathered is that although the Orioles for lack of a better term sucked, Baltimore's atmosphere, entertainment, and beautiful stadium gather fans from parts all over the country. During the Yankees series, I was continuously told what a great city I lived in and how it was cheaper to drive from New York to Maryland, get a hotel, and go to the games than it was to see a Yankees game! The fans couldn't believe the affordable prices and how friendly and welcoming Marylanders are!!
Instead of being a city of Corf-ers, fan identification ranges anywhere from the Oriole fanatics to the social viewers that enjoy the fun activities the city provides outside and inside of the stadium.
Not one of Baltimore's finest surveys. It is true that my Baltimore Orioles have not done so well in recent past. Not to make excuses, but this small blurb is one explanation why team performance is suffering and attendence is declining.
Let's begin with some historical perspective:
According to Wikipedia, the Baltimore Orioles are one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was established as a major league club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1901. The Milwaukee Brewers (not to be confused with the current Milwaukee Brewers) moved to St. Louis in 1902 and became the St. Louis Browns. After more than five decades in St. Louis, in 1954 the Browns moved to Baltimore and assumed the nickname Orioles, the traditional nickname of various Baltimore baseball clubs.
Now the Orioles are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1992 to the present, the Orioles have played in Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
The "Orioles" name refers to the bird of the same name. Nicknames for the team include the O's and the Birds.
2008
This past season, the Orioles began the 2008 season in a rebuilding mode under GM Andy MacPhail. The rebuilding phase began as the O's traded away star players Miguel Tejada to the Astros and ace Erik Bedard to the Seattle Mariners for prized prospect Adam Jones, lefty reliever George Sherrill, and minor league pitchers Kameron Mickolio, Chris Tillman, and Tony Butler. Respectively, baseball analysts across the country wrote off the O's as a team likely to finish last in the A.L. East. The Orioles started off the first couple weeks of the season very well near the top of their division as players such as Nick Markakis and newcomer Luke Scott led the team offensively. Although the Orioles were able to stay competitive for most of the season hovering around .500, they had fallen back by September and were over 20 games back from the first place Rays. They would finish the season losing 11 of their final 12 games and 28 of their final 34. Their final record of 68–93 (.422) would mark the 2nd worst of their 11th consecutive losing season.
For the past three summers, I have worked at Sliders Bar and Grill, a fun place literally located behind Camden Yards gates and within walking distance to M&T Bank stadium where the Ravens play. You'll always find the place packed whenever the O's are playing (no matter what they're record)! Sliders entices customers and ballgame-goers with block parties, special events throughout the summer, and a DJ on Fridays, Saturdays and game nights. It's the place to be!! Downstairs is the main bar and upstairs is a full service restaurant along with a second bar and a pool table. Working outside, I was able to converse with fans and interact with all types of people. What I gathered is that although the Orioles for lack of a better term sucked, Baltimore's atmosphere, entertainment, and beautiful stadium gather fans from parts all over the country. During the Yankees series, I was continuously told what a great city I lived in and how it was cheaper to drive from New York to Maryland, get a hotel, and go to the games than it was to see a Yankees game! The fans couldn't believe the affordable prices and how friendly and welcoming Marylanders are!!
Instead of being a city of Corf-ers, fan identification ranges anywhere from the Oriole fanatics to the social viewers that enjoy the fun activities the city provides outside and inside of the stadium.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Go BABY Go!: Pimlico Racing
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=3675984From prices ranging from $12,500 to $50,000 a horse, Big Brown beats them all at the most expensive price of $65,000. This year the horse was victorious in the 2008 Kentucky Derby as well as Preakness.
I came across this article on ESPN and wanted to include it because winning Preakness is a big deal and raises the fee for the horse.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Fans Can Report Problems via Text Messaging
http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/60351
This article dicusses the new implentation of text messaging as a method of communication in allowing fans to alert stadium officials to an issue in the stands without having to leave their seats to find an usher, guest services, or security employee. This season, the Baltimore Ravens started using Qtags, a technology company whose name is short for quick-tags, to connect Ravens fans to an operator at a laptop computer who receives the messages and contacts the appropriate personnel to resolve the issue. For the bargain price of only $5,000, Baltimore invested into this software and employed the operator. Now Baltimore fans are encouraged to and have the benefit of anonymously texting to file a complaint without the worry or fear of reprisal from the offender. One month into the regular season, texting was minimal, and the Ravens had been making adjustments inside M&T Bank Stadium to better inform fans of the technology.
After reading about the disruptive behavior of fans in sports and watching the ridiculous alcohol consumption and antics in the class video, I thought this article would be interesting so fans can find out what teams are implementing in hopes of controlling the issue. Some common tactics among teams to deal with problem fans are to have in-venue announcements of fan behavior policies, early cutoffs of alcohol consumption, season-ticket revocation, and increased use of security cameras, just to name a few. However, these are still not enough to ensure a pleasant game experience for the vast majority of game-goers. Luckily, the Baltimore Ravens are one of the 26 out of 32 teams in the NFL taking action with the incorporation of a text messaging system.
It's exhausting to read about all the new initiatives leagues are taking to effectively improve fan behavior at sporting events. What happened to the days of "boo-ing" and yelling and cheering? It disgusts me to know that the real bad apples are Middle-class, white-collar suburbanite males. GROW UP! Tailgate, get loose, mingle, cheer, and keep it classy. How old are you? Specifically, I remember a NFL game I attended where I was showered with beer, taunted relentlessly, then made to feel super awkward in front of my dad when a drunk fan wouldn't stop making sexual gestures. I wish that guy had been tossed out and had his ticket privelages revoked.
This article dicusses the new implentation of text messaging as a method of communication in allowing fans to alert stadium officials to an issue in the stands without having to leave their seats to find an usher, guest services, or security employee. This season, the Baltimore Ravens started using Qtags, a technology company whose name is short for quick-tags, to connect Ravens fans to an operator at a laptop computer who receives the messages and contacts the appropriate personnel to resolve the issue. For the bargain price of only $5,000, Baltimore invested into this software and employed the operator. Now Baltimore fans are encouraged to and have the benefit of anonymously texting to file a complaint without the worry or fear of reprisal from the offender. One month into the regular season, texting was minimal, and the Ravens had been making adjustments inside M&T Bank Stadium to better inform fans of the technology.
After reading about the disruptive behavior of fans in sports and watching the ridiculous alcohol consumption and antics in the class video, I thought this article would be interesting so fans can find out what teams are implementing in hopes of controlling the issue. Some common tactics among teams to deal with problem fans are to have in-venue announcements of fan behavior policies, early cutoffs of alcohol consumption, season-ticket revocation, and increased use of security cameras, just to name a few. However, these are still not enough to ensure a pleasant game experience for the vast majority of game-goers. Luckily, the Baltimore Ravens are one of the 26 out of 32 teams in the NFL taking action with the incorporation of a text messaging system.
It's exhausting to read about all the new initiatives leagues are taking to effectively improve fan behavior at sporting events. What happened to the days of "boo-ing" and yelling and cheering? It disgusts me to know that the real bad apples are Middle-class, white-collar suburbanite males. GROW UP! Tailgate, get loose, mingle, cheer, and keep it classy. How old are you? Specifically, I remember a NFL game I attended where I was showered with beer, taunted relentlessly, then made to feel super awkward in front of my dad when a drunk fan wouldn't stop making sexual gestures. I wish that guy had been tossed out and had his ticket privelages revoked.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Maryland's State Sport
http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/56244
The official state sport of Maryland, since 1962, had been jousting. Recently, since 2004, the official team sport is lacrosse.
With top DI college programs like Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland, Loyola, Towson, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Mount Saint Mary's, and an array of D3 programs, Maryland is rich with lacrosse Dynasty. The article states that Lacrosse has been the fastest-growing NCAA sport over the past five years. Female and male participation has grown rapidly and in 1981-1982 there were only 930 in Division I. By 2005-2006, the numbers had increase to about 6,000 players playing at all divisions. Consequently, with more players comes more need for larger capacity.
The Big Ten Conference has started its own cable network, and the NCAA is adding thousands of new seats for March Madness. But if you wanted to see the real future of college athletics, then you needed to be in a dusty alley behind M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore over Memorial Day weekend. Gathered there was a small band of former college players who are quietly turning lacrosse into the next revenue-generating sport for the NCAA.
Lacrosse is still a relatively bottleneck sport, primarily played in the Mid-Atlantic east coast. But it is growing fast! In the Fall of 2009, Florida, South Carolina, and California will be introducing three more fully-funded woman's programs. I would give anything to be a junior in high school right now because new programs means lots of recruiting and athletic scholarships. This article touched on Baltimore and listed former players from Johns Hopkins that are trying to organize lacrosse events for the local youth in hopes of expanding on programs in order to build more interest in the sport which will in turn, form more programs that have the potential of being revenue-generating sports for the NCAA. As much as it is an enjoyable sport, it is a business-world, and I am very excited to see it grow.
The official state sport of Maryland, since 1962, had been jousting. Recently, since 2004, the official team sport is lacrosse.
With top DI college programs like Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland, Loyola, Towson, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Mount Saint Mary's, and an array of D3 programs, Maryland is rich with lacrosse Dynasty. The article states that Lacrosse has been the fastest-growing NCAA sport over the past five years. Female and male participation has grown rapidly and in 1981-1982 there were only 930 in Division I. By 2005-2006, the numbers had increase to about 6,000 players playing at all divisions. Consequently, with more players comes more need for larger capacity.
The Big Ten Conference has started its own cable network, and the NCAA is adding thousands of new seats for March Madness. But if you wanted to see the real future of college athletics, then you needed to be in a dusty alley behind M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore over Memorial Day weekend. Gathered there was a small band of former college players who are quietly turning lacrosse into the next revenue-generating sport for the NCAA.
Lacrosse is still a relatively bottleneck sport, primarily played in the Mid-Atlantic east coast. But it is growing fast! In the Fall of 2009, Florida, South Carolina, and California will be introducing three more fully-funded woman's programs. I would give anything to be a junior in high school right now because new programs means lots of recruiting and athletic scholarships. This article touched on Baltimore and listed former players from Johns Hopkins that are trying to organize lacrosse events for the local youth in hopes of expanding on programs in order to build more interest in the sport which will in turn, form more programs that have the potential of being revenue-generating sports for the NCAA. As much as it is an enjoyable sport, it is a business-world, and I am very excited to see it grow.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Baltimore's Geographical Appeal
As I had mentioned in my initial entry, I also wanted to address Baltimore’s vicinity with regards to other major cities and sports teams. With two major metropolitan areas, Maryland has a number of major and minor professional sports franchises. Two National Football League (NFL) teams play in Maryland, the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore and the Washington Redskins in Prince George’s County. The Baltimore Orioles, as mentioned before, are a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise, and the Washington Nationals are located nearby in Washington, D.C.. In addition, NHL’s the Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards formerly played in Maryland until the construction of a Washington arena in 1997.
Other professional sports franchises in Maryland include five affiliated minor league baseball teams, one independent league baseball team, the Baltimore Blast indoor soccer team, two indoor football teams, and three low-level outdoor soccer teams.
Other professional sports franchises in Maryland include five affiliated minor league baseball teams, one independent league baseball team, the Baltimore Blast indoor soccer team, two indoor football teams, and three low-level outdoor soccer teams.
Monday, October 6, 2008
GAMBLING-a blessing or a curse?
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.poll16jan16,0,3241445.story
Written in mid-January of 2008, the 5 year-long issue continues: Should Maryland allow slots? Governor Martin O’Malley, who professes a personal ambivalence about state-sanctioned gambling, has persuaded the General Assembly to let voters settle the issue. Rising taxes and food costs have strained local incomes, driving many to support gambling and slots rather than higher taxes. As a Maryland resident, I also do not like seeing money leave the state and head north to Delaware, West Virginia, and Atlantic City. Those states are benefitting immensely and bringing in millions a year which go towards public schools, healthcare, and infrastructure throughout the state.
While slots supporters outnumbered opponents in all regions except Western Maryland, only 32 percent of poll respondents said they favor spending state money on the horseracing industry; 56 percent were opposed. Horseracing is a Maryland tradition and slots would help preserve the state’s equestrian culture by giving as much as $100 million a year to the struggling horse industry.
On the other hand, there are valid concerns of the disadvantages and worries to state-sanctioned slots. One woman preferred higher taxes to slot machines, out of concern that some people might become addicted to slots and neglect their families. In high school, I did a whole project on the effects of gambling. Compulsive gambling, addiction, neglect of responsibilities, insurance fraud, an increase in drug use and violence, spousal abuse, increased rate of theft, and many others were correlated with the legalization of gambling. Problem gambling can strain one’s relationships; interfere with responsibilities at home and work, and lead to financial catastrophe.
Please see video for Pro-Gambling Propaganda:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNHkX-yoc-M
To give you some background information about how the Ravens came about, seeing that it is the height of the football season, there are a few things you should know...
The team was named Colts in honor of Baltimore's rich history with racing, and breeding of horses. The Colts would incur moderate success in the rival league before becoming one of 4 teams to join the NFL in 1950.
In the 1957 season, Johnny Unitas' first full season as starting QB, the Colts got off to a 3-0 start, and were a factor all year in the race for the Western Division Title. After losing 3 in a row, the Colts responded by winning 4 in a row, and sat at 7-3 with the Western Title with in their grasp. However, the Colts would lose their final 2 games of the season and at 7-5, 1 game out of a 2-way tie for the title.
For more highlights and historical moments, check out http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/balticolts/baltcolts.html
Skipping ahead many years, no one could have imagined such a surprise...
On December 18th 1983 the Colts had played their final game in Baltimore. Almost after the season ending win at Memorial Stadium, Colts owner Robert Irsay began talking to other cities about moving the club. On February 13th he toured the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis. The Colts also spoke to officials in Phoenix, as the Maryland legislature tried to use eminent domain laws to force the franchise to remain in Maryland. On March 28th Phoenix dropped out of the bidding, at Irsay called up officials in Indiana saying he was on the way. However, he kept the move secret until just after midnight when by cover of darkness on a cold snowy night he used Mayflower moving trucks to pack up the Colts offices, and relocate them in Indianapolis.
By the time anyone realized what had happened it was too late to stop. The NFL feeling they could not win in court did not fight the move, as Maryland put up a futile fight before the Colts agreed to support Baltimore getting an expansion team. The city of Baltimore would fail in several attempts at landing a NFL franchise, and even entered the CFL, before landing a new NFL franchise named the Ravens in 1996. However, the Irsay family would not relinquish the name Colts, as they once promised. Many Colt legends were angered by the move including legendary QB Johnny Unitas who refused to acknowledge the franchise for the rest of his life.
Football can give you memorable moments, but not all of them are good. Fans can recall the thrill of Superbowl victory, but they can also remember and maybe never forget the broken-hearted, angry, and sad moments in that happened to their hometown team.
That being said, this article explains the reasoning behind why the Colts left Baltimore for Indianapolis
{ENTER WEBSITE AND SUMMARIZE/REFLECT}
A moving van carrying the Baltimore Colts' equipment leaves Baltimore for Indianapolis in the middle of the night March 19, 1984. Robert Irsay, who was forever scorned in Baltimore for sneaking his team out of town, died Tuesday Jan. 14, 1997 , a year after having a stroke. He was 73. Lloyd Pearson/The Baltimore Sun
Sunday, October 5, 2008
INITIAL ENTRY
Baltimore, Maryland. A modest and diverse city of about 650,000 people. Home to the MLB team, the Baltimore Orioles, NFL team Baltimore Ravens, UnderArmour, and much more. I have lived here my whole life (21 years) and been thankful everyday. Growing up on the city/county line, I am two miles from 695 (the beltway loop that connects to 95) which is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Baltimore City. From the time I was young, I've attended Oriole baseball games, Blast soccer camps, and soaked up all sporting events the city has to offer. Coming to Hofstra and the New York area, I've noticed we (Marylanders) don't get as much credit and attention that we deserve. Maybe I'm bias? Maybe I have too much state pride? But I'm hoping that with the articles I will include in this blog, you too will understand Baltimore's place in sports and the athletic appeal we have to offer. Our city has projected some of the best athletes professional sports has ever seen: Cal Ripken Jr.*** In what's to come, I'll be focusing on:
- The Baltimore Ravens somewhat novel establishment and its effects on the city
- Camden Yards' uniqueness and revenue streams
- How Under Armour revolutionized the apparel industry and marketing mix
- Baltimore's vicinity with regards to other major cities and sports marketing appeals
Those four are my main focuses, but of course, if I see anything else interesting that pertains to the overall theme, I'll be sure to include it in my blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
