Colts Return to Warm Welcome

The Baltimore Ravens may own this town now, but the Baltimore Colts still have a place in the hearts of many here.

That was very easy to see at the  bull and oyster roast yesterday at Martins West.

First came the famous cheer: "C-O-L-T-S!" followed by the introduction of the players who meant so much to this town in the mid-'70s.

Back in town were men from the Colts, including players Bert Jones, Lydell Mitchell and Bruce Laird, and Coach Ted Marchibroda, who later coached the Ravens when they first came to town. And more than 700 fans came out to salute the members of the Colts who won the AFC East in 1975, 1976 and 1977.

“It’s like I saw them last week,” former middle linebacker Mike Curtis said of being with his teammates. “You don’t have to go through a big introduction or re-introduction. They have the same personalities as when I played with them.”

Films of game highlights drew huge cheers, and the blue-and-white jerseys could be seen everywhere. Fans lined up to take pictures of long-retired players, just as if the clock had been turned back several years.

“This is fantastic,” said Larry Lipsky, who grew up in Pikesville. “Most of these guys look really good still. It’s really nice.”

The Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation and Fourth & Goal Foundation hosted the event, and proceeds from the $60-per-ticket event went to both groups. There were also event sponsorships from $1,500-$10,000.

In 1974 the Colts went just 2-12, and were one of the worst teams in the NFL. But everything changed in 1975 when Marchibroda helped the team win its final nine games to go 10-4 and win the AFC East. They beat Miami when Toni Linhart made a field goal in overtime to win the infamous “Fog Bowl.” The following week they clinched the division.

Mitchell became the first Colts player to achieve a 1,000-yard season, and Marchbroda earned Coach of the Year honors. In 1976, they won the AFC East title again, and took it a third time in 1977.

Linhart was there on Sunday, along with many teammates: George Kunz, Don McCauley, Elmer Collett, David Taylor, Ken Mendenhall, Maxie Baughan, Tim Baylor, Marty Domres, Joe Ehrmann, Ken Huff, Marshall Johnson, Doug Nettles, Sanders Shiver, Howard Stevens, Rick Volk and Stan White.

These were the people the fans cheered for so many years ago, and everyone was glad to see them again, even if it wasn’t at Memorial Stadium.

Ted Patterson was the sports director for WBAL Radio during this three-year run and recalled what a good group of people the players were, and how they all genuinely liked each other.

“The thing about that group is there were no prima donnas,” Patterson said. “You have the memories of [those years]. But to see how great they were, and underrated, is a lot of fun.”

The players didn’t have much trouble connecting with each other again. For many of them, it looked like just another day in the locker room.

They watched the highlight films of the three seasons on screens throughout the banquet hall and mingled easily with the fans who loved seeing their heroes.

Fourth & Goal was begun by Baltimore Colts alumni players in order to help retired NFL players. According to a "Corrallin' The Colts" Event Fact Sheet, it helps improve pension and disability benefits for those players, and raises funds to provide immediate assistance to help players in need.

The Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation operates both Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards and the Babe Ruth Birthplace, according to the fact sheet. It's located near the main gate of Oriole Park in Baltimore.

Within its 22,000 square feet are artifacts and exhibits of Maryland sports history, including a gallery solely for the Colts, the fact sheet states.