Here are the cities ranked 29-37
37.San Diego, CA
Pro Teams: Chargers 1961-present (NFL), Rockets 1967-71 (NBA), Padres 1969-presesnt (MLB), Conquistadors/Sails 1972-75 (ABA), Mariners 1974-77 (WHA), Clippers 1978-84 (NBA)
Championships: 1 Chargers (1963)
History: The Chargers started out as the LA market for the American Football League in 1961. But that lasted only one season and have been in sunny San Diego since. One of the original franchises in the AFL 1960, they won their lone championship in 1963. Since the merger with the NFL after the 1969 season, they have only been to the Super Bowl only once (1994). The Bolts have made won the division and made the playoffs on many occasions. Even though they missed the playoffs last season, there might be a chance to make the Super Bowl next season. Assuming the lockout is over in time.
San Diego's first attempt with professional basketball came with the Rockets in 1967. The Rockets would make only one playoff appearance after their inaugural (lost in the 1969 West Semis to Atlanta in 6). After only four lackluster seasons and poor attendance, they left for Houston.
The Padres are the only team that originated in San Diego that never left. While they have 2 NL pennants to their name (1984,1998), they have yet to win a World Series. And let's not forget they also have 5 division titles to their credit.
Believe it or not, the Conquistadors were like their NBA predecessors. Yes they expanded into Southern California. And to their credit they made more playoff appearances (2). However, they never brought a title to San Diego. They changed owners, changed names but stayed put. That was until the ABA fell into financial ruin and folded one year prior to the ABA's final season.
When William Shea (the man responsible for bringing the Mets to New York in 1962) found a way to block the only WHA's only New York team from occupying Nassau County Coliseum, it would be a matter of time before they disappeared. In 1974, a new city and a new name (Mariners) would be the remedy for all their ills. They had success in each season they played in, but would not fare well in attendance. They would try to relocate once more, but folded soon after.
The Clippers lasted only 6 seasons in San Diego never reaching the playoffs. They were ever so close to the postseason in their first season and only winning season (43-39). Even with players like Terry Cummings and Bill Walton, it was only a matter of time before the NBA would forsake San Diego for LA.
Interesting facts: PETCO, Jack in the Box and many others are based here. The San Diego Zoo is quite a fun experience. It's also known as the birthplace of naval aviation.
36. Salt Lake City, UT
Pro Teams: Utah Stars 1970-76 (ABA), Utah Jazz 1979-present (NBA)
Championships: 1 Stars (1971)
History: The ABA didn't fare to well in Southern California. But when the Stars moved from Los Angeles in the 1970-71, who would've thought Salt Lake City would fare better. Even though the ABA had problems, the Stars proved to be a success. Just ask the Kentucky Colonels whom they beat in 7 games to capture their lone title in 1971. They tried again in 1974 but lost to the Nets in 5.
Even though jazz wouldn't be the first thing anyone would associate with Salt Lake City, the Jazz of the NBA are. They struggled in their days in New Orleans and continued when they moved to Utah . They would find their greatest success after John Stockton and Karl Malone were drafted and the rest is history. The dynamic duo would reach the pinnacle when they made the NBA Finals twice in 1997 and 1998 (losing to the Bulls in 6 games both times). With Jerry Sloan at the helm, the Jazz have made quite a few appearances but only returned to the Conference Finals once (2008).
Interesting facts: The 2002 Winter Olympics were held there. The Jesus Christ Church of Latter-day Saints is based there. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs there.
35. Portland, OR
Pro Teams: Rosebuds 1914-18 (PCHA), Trail Blazers 1970-present (NBA)
Championships: 1 Trail Blazers (1977)
History: Not much is really known about the Rosebuds of the PCHA. But in 1916, they became the first United States team to compete for the Stanley Cup. They ended up losing to the Canadiens in 5 games.
The Trail Blazers have made 3 appearances in the NBA Finals. They won their lone championship in 1977, but were the team responsible for the back to back championships for the Pistons in 1990 (4-1) and Bulls in 1992 (4-2). They had 21 consecutive streak (1983-03) with 6 different coaches. They are now in the playoffs for the third consecutive time since.
Interesting facts: Dark Horse comics is based in nearby Milwaukie. Portland State former students include Holly Madison and D. Scott Davis (founder of UPS). Is considered one of the greenest cities in the world.
34. Calgary, AB, Canada
Pro Teams: Tigers 1921-27 (WCHL), Cowboys 1975-77 (WHA), Flames 1980-present (NHL)
Championships: 1 Flames (1989)
History: The Tigers were your prototypical Canadian hockey team. They started out in 1920 in the Big 4 League (senior amateur league) before playing the next 8 years as a pro team for the Western Canada Hockey League for the duration of their time. In 1924, they became the first Calgary team to play for the Stanley Cup (lost to the Canadiens 2-0 in the finals). After 1927, their financial woes forced them to shut down operations. They did have a brief run from 1932-36 for the minor league North West Hockey League before disappearing for good.
In 1972, the WHA had originally had the Broncos to be Calgary's initial franchise. But when the founder Bob Brownridge died, the team was sold and moved to Cleveland before a game ever was to be played there. When the Blazers couldn't beat out the Canucks in Vancouver, they moved to Calgary in 1975. While lasting only two seasons, their best result came in their first season making it all the way to the Avco World Trophy Playoff semi-finals losing to the Winnipeg Jets in 5 games.
The NHL would finally bring a franchise to the Stampede City by way of Atlanta in 1980. The Flames were immediately adopted as one of their own. As a result, they made the playoffs in their first 11 attempts. They've won over the Canadiens in the 1989 Final (4-2) but lost to the Lightning (4-3) in 1995. Despite missing the playoffs the last two seasons, they have made over 20 playoff appearances.
Interesting facts: Calgary became the first Canadian city to host the Winter Olympics (1988). Stu Hart who is prominent in the professional wrestling industry, operated a school name " The Dungeon". The Stampeders of the Canadian Football League are currently the city's oldest and most successful franchise winning 6 Grey Cups.
33. Atlanta, GA
Pro Teams: Braves 1966-present (MLB), Falcons 1966-present (NFL), Hawks 1968-present (NBA), Flames 1972-80 (NHL), Thrashers 1999-present (NHL)
Championships: 1 Braves (1995)
History: Before the Braves won an astonishing 14 consecutive division titles, there was "Hammerin" Hank Aaron who broke Babe Ruth's career home run record by hitting number 715 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. While Aaron's record no longer stands, the memory still remains. In 1995, the Atlanta Braves became the first franchise to win a championship in 3 separate cities (they won in Boston and Milwaukee). They also have 5 pennants with their last one being in 1999. They did make the playoffs last season and have a bright future ahead of them.
The Falcons would join the Braves in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in the same year. But for the Falcons, they would not share the same success. It would take 12 years for them to make the playoffs and it didn't take them long to win their first playoff game against the Eagles (14-13). Despite their past struggles they have won their division 4 times and made an appearance in the Super Bowl in 1998 (lost to the Broncos 34-19). As of 2010, the Falcons have made 10 playoff appearances with two appearances in the NFC Championship Game (beat the Vikings 30-27 in 1998, lost to the Eagles 27-10 in 2004).
While the Hawks are tied with the Knicks for most Slam Dunk Championships (4), they have the most contestants to win (Spud Webb, Dominique Wilkins (2) and Josh Smith). Despite that, the Atlanta version has been a competitive team during the season. Sadly they have never made it past the conference semi-finals in their time in Georgia. Since they're in the playoffs again this season, they might just defy expectations.
The Flames was the first NHL team in Georgia in 1972. In their 8 years, they've made the playoffs in all but two (1973 and 1975). They've never made it past the first round in their existence in Atlanta. That includes only winning two games in the preliminary rounds from 1976-80 before their departure for Calgary.
17 years later, the Thrashers brought a return to pro hockey. Unlike the Flames, the Thrashers won their only division title in 2006-07. But like their predecessors, they made an early exit in the postseason (Rangers sweep them 4-0). There could be a chance that the Thrashers may not be around, but as history has always stated, no one really knows for sure.
Interesting facts: Companies like Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, Home Depot are based here. The Centennial Olympic Games were held here in 1996. Also the home of Georgia Tech.
32. Phoenix, AZ
Pro Teams: Suns 1968-present (NBA), Roadrunners 1974-77 (WHA), Arizona Cardinals 1988-present (NFL), Coyotes 1996-present (NHL), Arizona Diamondbacks 1998-present (MLB)
Championships: 1 Diamondbacks (2001)
History: As the first professional franchise in Phoenix, the Suns have been successful to say the least. If they haven't run in to the Celtics (1976 Finals) and Bulls (1993 Finals), they might have a couple rings to show for their efforts. But whatever the case, the Suns have nothing to be ashamed about. Despite missing the playoffs this season, there isn't anything in their history that says they won't be able to do it next year. Assuming there is a next season.
The Roadrunners came to the WHA from the minors to be the Valley of the Sun's first pro hockey team. While the team made the playoffs in their first 2 seasons, they missed the playoffs in their third season and folded before the WHA-NHL merger.
While the Cardinals are the oldest pro football team in the US, they didn't make their way to Phoenix until 1988. For 5 years they had the Phoenix name until 1994. While the stadiums they have played are more famous for the many Super Bowls hosted there, the team has been famous for being a punching bag. In recent times however, the franchise has had a little more consistent success. Despite missing the playoffs in 2010, the playoffs could be in the cards in the near future.
Before there were the Coyotes, there was the Winnipeg Jets. They started in the WHA from 1972 until they merged with the NHL in 1979. While the franchise has won 3 Avco trophies (1976,1978,1979),they never brought Manitoba a Stanley Cup. Though they missed the NHL playoffs 6 times (includes 1994-95 strike season), the Jets never won their division and eventually came to Phoenix after 17 years of NHL hockey in Winnipeg. The Coyotes have not historically continued the Jets legacy with much success. However, they have made the playoffs in the last two seasons.
Phoenix knows success in baseball. When the San Francisco Giants were partners with the Firebirds of the Pacific Coast League, the area saw two championships in 1959 and 1977. But that was under the Giants name. Once MLB awarded Phoenix with a franchise, the Giants would have to find a new Triple A affiliate. Nonetheless, the D-Backs began play in 1998 and it didn't take long for them to win their first World Series. In 2001, the Diamondbacks beat the mighty Yankees in an epic 7 games series to clinch Phoenix's first and only title.
Interesting facts: Arizona State in Tempe and the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale have hosted many Super Bowls and BCS National Championships. Allied Waste and PetSmart are headquartered here. America's toughest sheriff Joe Arpaio is the law in Maricopa County.
31. Raleigh, NC
Pro Teams: Carolina Cougars 1969-74 (ABA), Carolina Hurricanes 1997-present (NHL)
Championships: 1 Hurricanes (2006)
History: For more information regarding the Cougars, look up Charlotte in part 1.
When Hartford and the Whalers couldn't work out a new arena deal, they moved to Raleigh and became the Hurricanes 1997. Since the RBC Center wouldn't be completed until 1999, they played in Greensboro and as a result supplanted the Carolina Monarchs of the American Hockey League. As a result, the Hurricanes struggled in attendance. Regardless, this team has won their division 3 times (1999, 2002 and 2006) and brought home the Stanley Cup in 2006 (won in 7 over the Oilers).
Interesting facts: North Carolina State, Duke in nearby Durham and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill are big rivalry in that area. The movie "Bull Durham" was shot in Raleigh/Durham. The capitol building has been a national historical landmark since 1973.
30. New Orleans, LA
Pro Teams: Saints 1967-present (NFL), Buccaneers 1967-1970 (ABA), Jazz 1974-79 (NBA), Hornets 2002-present (NBA)
Championships: 1 Saints (2009)
History: To say the Saints road to success has been rocky would be a gross understatement. They wouldn't make their first playoff appearance until the 1987 season (Wild Card loss to the Vikings 44-10). It would be another 4 years until they won their division and another 13 years until they won a playoff game. It wasn't until Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005 that the team's fortunes turned around. And in Super Bowl XLIV, they knocked off the Colts 31-17. While they lost in the Wild Card round to the Seahawks, the team is in better shape than where they were.
The Buccaneers were a charter ABA franchise in 1967. In their first season, they made it all the way to the ABA finals only to lose the Pittsburgh Pipers in 7 games. After that, it went downhill from there. The Bucs would be swept out of the divisional finals by the Oakland Oaks the following season. After that, they would miss the playoffs and be the Memphis Pros the following season.
Due to the Jazz not having an adequate arena to play in and not making the playoffs, they just didn't last long. Even with "Pistol" Pete Maravich and former Laker legend Gail Goodrich, the team still struggled along with the other inadequacies that were apparent. New Orleans would lose another professional basketball team.
It would be around 20 years later in 1999 when New Orleans Arena was built. The city of New Orleans was hoping to attract an NBA franchise via expansion or relocation. The Rockets almost moved there, but got a new arena deal. When owner George Shinn fell out of favor with the people of Charlotte, he moved them there in 2002. Like the Saints, they were displaced by Hurricane Katrina and struggled away from home. Once they returned, the Hornets returned to respectability by winning their first division title in 2008 . As of now they are in the playoffs for the third time in 4 seasons.
Interesting facts: Tulane University is renowned medical research school in that area. Bourbon Street in the French Quarter is a popular place. The Louisiana Superdome has hosted the most Super Bowls (6) and will host Super Bowl XLVII in 2013.
29. Buffalo, NY
Pro Teams: Bisons 1946 (NBL), Bills 1960-present (NFL), Sabres 1970-present (NHL), Braves 1970-78 (NBA)
Championships: 2 Bills (1964,1965)
History: The NBL made the Bisons the first pro team to play in Buffalo. The team only lasted 13 games before moving to the Tri-Cities (now Quad Cities) area to become the Blackhawks. FYI, it's located around the Illinois-Iowa border. Of course this team would later become the Atlanta Hawks.
As one of the AFL's original franchises, the Bills of Buffalo looked like a team that would be hard to beat. They won back to back AFL crowns (beat the Chargers both times) and almost had a chance to play in the Super Bowl. But they ended up losing to the Chiefs 31-7. It was in the 90's they had 4 consecutive chances to win a Super Bowl . They would end up tying the Vikings for with 4 losses. Since the turn of the century, they have not made a playoff appearance. With new look for the 2011 season, maybe things will start looking up.
The Sabres like the Bills have yet to bring a championship to the people of Buffalo. Only the Sabres have failed to bring the Stanley Cup in 2 attempts (lost to the Flyers in 1975 and the Stars in 1999). They have won the President's cup for the 2006-07 and are 6 time division winners. They are currently in the playoffs for the second straight season.
Interesting facts: Yes, the Buffalo Wing came from here. The movie "Bruce Almighty" is set in Buffalo. The Maid of the Mist and Niagara Falls are only a short drive away.
No comments:
Post a Comment