The worst year in Baltimore sports?
We have many reader comments on this subject of 2007 being the worst year for professional sports in Baltimore.
From reader James Sakamoto-Wengel: "I'm not sure if this is the worst Baltimore sports year. I'm thinking that 1969, when the O's lost to the Mets in the World Series and the Colts lost to the Jets in the Super Bowl may have been worse because we were expected to dominate both. Didn't the Bullets lose in the playoffs that same year? I also think it's ironic that we lose to an 0-13 team right after the team announces Billick will return next season shortly after the 30-3 Orioles' loss following the announcement that Trembley will be back as manager in 2008. Apparently, the Gods didn't agree with either decision . . ."
I think, some time toward the end of their time in Baltimore -- 1981? 1982? -- the Colts had a worse record than the Ravens will finish with this year. But the Orioles were still contenders. So that sort of made up for it. There was at least one team that did OK.
This year? In 2007, the Orioles' had their 10th straight losing season and dropped one to the Texas Rangers, 30-3. With the Ravens loss to the 0-13 Dolphins today, this might be the worst year in the history of professional sports in Baltimore. (If you'd like to compare notes on that, please post to this blog.)
Comments
This ranks right up there with 1969.
Billick? In spite of game mismanagement - the field goal was the right choice for the best chance to win - clock mismanagement and play calling that every team and the league has been able to predict, this coach has been visited with huge losses in starters that have demonstrated the lack of depth in the talent pool. I don't know how the other teams have been able to keep up with which substitute to pick on on which play.
But Billick gets to share the responsibility for the failure of the offensive line with Ozzie and others. Boller has been crushed because the opponenets defense has an open door to the backfield. McNair had limited success last year because he had a limited package designed just for him. Smith has seen limited success because there is a limited package for him.
We haven't had a quarterback start the season and end it without being chased around unmercifully. Only back-ups have success. And that is always shortlived.
You want to kill off a coach for this, go the defensive coach. When we had unrivaled talent in the defensive backfield the athleticism and talent made the big plays. The performance against the run is almost universally strong. Until we complement Reed with two more corners capable of starting in the NFL we can't stop anybody, as demonstrated in Miami.
Posted by: Bruce Robinson | December 17, 2007 9:36 AM
and don't forget the constant 'orioles on steroids' reminders we get bombarded with every few months. worst year in my memory that is for sure... hopefully the ravens don't start mirroring the orioles as far as incompetent front office, treatment of fans, PR gaffes, etc.
Posted by: sdr | December 17, 2007 12:22 PM
I vote for 1972. The Baltimore Bullets leave town. The Orioles, despite posting four 20-game winners in '71, only manage 80 wins and fail to enter post season play. Colts lose Johnny Unitas and gain Bob Irsay.
Posted by: david | December 17, 2007 12:30 PM
1984 was the worst year for Baltimore sports. what happened in March of that year reverberated in this town for the next decade.
Posted by: Mark | December 18, 2007 10:59 AM