Most Successful Professional Cities Part 4

Here are the cities ranked outside the top 10.

19. Miami, FL

Pro Teams: Dolphins 1966-present (NFL), Floridians 1968-72 (ABA), Heat 1988-present (NBA), Florida Marlins 1993-present (MLB), Florida Panthers 1993-present (NHL)

Championships: 5 (2)Dolphins (1972,1973), (2) Marlins (1997,2003), (1) Heat (2006)

History: They may not have made any noise during their AFL days. But when 70's arrived, so did the Phins. As of right now, the 1972 team is the only one with a perfect season. The 80's weren't bad either with Dan Marino taking the helm. Despite success in almost every decade, they have not won a Super Bowl since 1973.

While the Floridians were known for their cheerleaders wearing bikinis and go-go boots, their basketball team wasn't half bad either. They only lasted 4 seasons and missed the postseason just once.

The denizens of South Beach finally would see a return to professional basketball in 1988. The Heat had minimal success making the playoffs twice (1992 and 1994). That was until Pat Riley arrived in 1995 and the Heat responded. It wasn't until the 2006 Finals that the Heat finally brought their first title in basketball. And with the Heat back in the playoffs for the 3rd straight season, they have a pretty good chance of making it two.

In 1997, the Marlins would become the fastest franchise to win the World Series. But just as fast as they won, they fell hard just the same. The team fell apart and in 2001, the Diamondbacks broke their record. But 6 years after their first postseason appearance, they returned to the World Series and beat the Yankees 4-2. In 2012, they will get their own ballpark and drop the Florida from their name.

Miami tried to bring the Screaming Eagles as a WHA franchise in 1972. Due to the fact that they didn't have an arena, they would end up dropping the puck in Philadelphia when they became the Blazers. That wasn't a problem for the Panthers. They became the 1st and only pro hockey team for South Beach in 1993. It wouldn't take long for them to reach their lone Stanley Cup final in 2006 (swept by the Avalanche). Despite not being in the postseason since 2000, this team has some hope to return.

Interesting facts: Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. Miami colleges have brought 56 national titles in NCAA division 1 and 2 combined. Companies like Burger King and Perry Ellis have headquarters in the Miami area.

18. Ottawa, ON, Canada

Pro Teams: Senators 1910-34, 1992-present (NHL), Nationals 1972-73 (WHA), Civics 1976 (WHA)

Championships: 6 Senators (1910,1911,1920,1921,1923,1927)

History: The original Senators started in 1883 as an amateur team as Ottawa HC. They jumped from many amateur leagues. As history stated, the Senators are 11 time Stanley Cup champions. But the 5 they won (1903-06 and 1909) before they joined the National Hockey Association (later the NHL). In spite of their many Stanley Cup wins, they would move out to St. Louis and fold after one season.

Bless the WHA's heart for trying to replace the Senators. First came the Nationals lasting only one season, making the postseason just once before moving on to Toronto during the 1973 playoffs. The Civics would last for the second half of the 1975-76 season as a replacement for the Denver Spurs. Just like the WHA, they were doomed from the start.

Nothing beats the original. And when the Senators re-birth came in 1992, it was well worth the wait. While they have yet to win a Stanley Cup, they have been to the postseason 12 times. That includes a visit to the 2007 Finals losing to the Ducks in 5.

Interesting facts: Ottawa is the nation's capitol. Alanis Morissette and Tom Green have called Ottawa home. Buenos Aires, Seoul and Beijing are sister cities.

17. Houston, TX

Pro Teams: Oilers 1960-96 (NFL), Astros 1962-present (MLB), Mavericks 1967-69 (ABA), Rockets 1971-present (NBA), Aeros 1972-78 (WHA), Texans 2002-present (NFL)

Championships: 6 (2) Oilers (1960,1961), (2) Aeros (1974,1975), (2) Rockets (1994,1995)

History: Here is another team as a result of the AFL-NFL merger. The Oilers in the AFL's first 2 seasons were their champions (beat the Chargers both times). They made a third appearance in the championship, but lost to the Dallas Texans in double overtime (20-17). Before the merger, they almost had a shot to make it to the second Super Bowl but got blown out by the Raiders (40-7). The best the Oilers did during their time in the NFL was make it to the AFC Title game... only to lose to the Steelers both times.

The Colt .45s came in to the NL, along with the Mets in 1962. Because of Houston's humid air, combined with the heat and pesky mosquitoes the .45s had their early troubles. In 1965, Houston became the first city to have a domed stadium (Astrodome) for baseball use. That same year, the Astros would be their name. Ever since being the Astros, they have won their division 6 times and made their first World Series in 2005 (swept by the White Sox) in their 8th postseason appearance.

Houston's first attempt at pro basketball didn't pan well at all. The Mavericks made the playoffs just once, but never posted a winning record. As a result, attendance declined and the team would become North Carolina's regional team, the Cougars.

People might be lead to believe that the Rockets are named in homage to the space program. Ironic as that may seem, it was named after the Atlas missile program development in San Diego. At any rate, the Rockets are beloved in Space City. And to show some back to the people, they are 4 time division and conference champions as well as back to back NBA champions. Despite having a winning record the past two seasons, the Rockets have not made the playoffs.

When hockey fans think of the Aeros, they automatically think of them being the Minnesota Wild's minor league affiliate. While that is true today, the elder franchise was anything but minor. The original WHA franchise, actually started off as the Dayton Arrows. Because of low fan interest and no suitable arena, it was off to Houston where they never missed the postseason. Despite having Gordie Howe and sons, the Aeros folded.

Once the Oilers left for Nashville, it was up to the Texans to fill the void. While the team has not made the playoffs in their history, they do have a bright future ahead. Assuming the current lockout doesn't last too long.

Interesting facts: Mission control for NASA is located here (for now). The Medical Center is world renowned. Beyonce and Patrick Swayze are some of the celebrities who've called Houston home.

16. Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX

Pro Teams: Dallas Cowboys 1960-present (NFL), Dallas Texans 1960-62 (AFL), Dallas Chaparrals 1967-73 (ABA), Texas Rangers 1972-present (MLB), Dallas Mavericks 1980-present (NBA), Dallas Stars 1993-present (NHL)

Championships: 7 (1) Texans (1962), (5) Cowboys (1971,1977,1992,1993,1995),(1)Stars (1999)

History: If it weren't for the past glory of the Cowboys, there wouldn't be any state of the art Cowboys Stadium today. With only two Super Bowl losses to the Steelers of the 70's, "America's Team" has been quite successful since. Need I say more?

Even though the Texans were a much better team than their NFL rival Cowboys, the team that featured Len Dawson, Abner Haynes and coach Hank Stram wouldn't stay. While they brought Dallas its first championship, they were off to Kansas City and the rest is history.

The ABA could be looked at as a financial disaster. The Chaps, in some sense, were a part of those bad times. In the 1970-71 season, they adopted the idea of the Carolina Cougars and became a regional team by calling them Texas. They played in Ft. Worth and Lubbock, alongside Dallas, with disastrous results. They would be "Dallas" until they moved to San Antonio. Despite all that they made the postseason every year but their final season.

When the second coming of the Washington Senators failed, they moved to Arlington to become the Rangers. It wasn't until Nolan Ryan joined them as a player (and later on executive) that the team really garnered some attention. Last year they made it to the World Series. Makes you wonder if they're going to win it all this season.

NBA fans might say that the Mavs weren't any good until Mark Cuban bought the team. But they would be wrong. They would make the playoffs 5 times before 2000. After that year, they would actually reach the Finals in 2006. As of right now, they are in the heat of the playoff race for the 11th straight season.

After a 26 year stay in the Twin Cities with no Stanley Cups to show off, the North Stars came to North Texas for a change of scenery. Since dropping the "North" out of their name, they failed to make the playoffs 5 times (excludes strike season in 04-05). During their time, they have made 2 Stanley Cup Finals (beat Sabres in 6, lost to Devils in 5 the following season).

Interesting facts: DFW is home to Texas Christian and Southern Methodist Universities. The Susan G. Komen For the Cure is headquartered in Dallas. The Ft. Worth Stockyards has been a national historic place since 1976.

15. Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN

Pro Teams: Minneapolis Lakers 1947-60 (NBA), Minnesota Twins 1961-present (MLB), Minnesota Vikings 1961-present (NFL), Minnesota North Stars 1967-93 (NHL), Minnesota Muskies 1967-68 (ABA), Minnesota Pipers 1968-68 (ABA), Minnesota Fighting Saints 1972-76, 1976-77 (WHA), Minnesota Timberwolves 1989-present (NBA), Minnesota Wild 2000-present (NHL)

Championships: 8 (6)Lakers (1948-50,1952-54), (2)Twins (1987,1991)

History: The Lakers started out as an NBL team winning their first and only time in 1948. After they merged with the BAA and later became the NBA, they dominated the first half of the 50's. But when the chance to jump to a bigger market came, it was LA or bust.

It's pretty hard to believe that just a few years ago, the Twins would've fell victim to contraction. Even with all their success (6 division titles and AL pennants), there was going to be no baseball in the Twin Cities. Thanks to a new stadium, they can show off their 2 World Series championships. And being in the postseason the last 2 seasons have proven they still belong in the majors.

Despite never winning a Super Bowl in team history, the Viking faithful still keep coming. But with no new stadium deal in place, time will tell if the Purple People eaters will bring a title to Minneapolis. In spite of all the doubt, they have been to the postseason 26 times.

The North Stars had a couple of chances in 1981 and 1991 to win a Stanley Cup. If only they could've beaten the Islanders and Penguins. Despite those shortcomings, they made the playoffs 17 times, winning their division only twice.

The NHL proved to be the undoing for the WHA. And the living proof was there when the Spurs began play for them in the 1975-76 season. Though they won a minor league title in 1972, they just couldn't equate that same success in their one and only season. They would fold as the Ottawa Civics the next season.

Even with former Laker George Mikan as commissioner, ABA basketball just couldn't make it. The Muskies had a great team on the court but their finances were anything but, as they would relocate to South Beach.
The residents of Minnesota would get the Pipers whom were the champions when the Muskies were in existence. Unfortunately, the success they had in Pittsburgh didn't translate to another championship. As a result, the Pipers would return to the Steel City and Mikan would be out as commissioner.

The WHA had two chances with the Fighting Saints. In a four year span, the original Saints were winners on the ice. But dealing with the North Stars of the NHL, they couldn't survive as they would fold. The re-launch of the Saints were the same sad story. They came from Cleveland to get away from the NHL influence over there, but came to St. Paul to meet their doom for one season.

Unlike the Lakers of old, the Timberwolves have just struggled. When Kevin Garnett was there, the team was almost a lock for the playoffs. Before and after, they have been struggling to maintain a winning record. We'll have to see if they can turn it around next year.

The North Stars replacement team, the Wild have made an impact early on. Despite their latest struggles, the team has made the Conference Finals at least once (swept by the Ducks in 2004). Hopefully they can do what their predecessors couldn't...win the Stanley Cup.

Interesting facts: Target is headquartered in Minneapolis. Jesse Ventura was the first Reform Party candidate to win a major public office. The Mall of America in Bloomington is the largest mall, in terms of retail space, in the US.

14. Cleveland, OH

Pro Teams: Indians 1901-present (MLB),White Horses /Chase Brassman/Allmen Transfers/ 1938-39/1943-44/1944-46(NBL), Rams 1936-45 (NFL), Rebels 1946-47 (BAA), Browns 1946-95& 1999-present (NFL), Cavaliers 1970-present (NBA), Crusaders 1972-76 (WHA), Barons 1976-78 (NHL)

Championships: 11 (2) Indians (1920,1948), (1)Rams (1945), (8)Browns (1946-50,1954,1955,1964)

History: The Indians have had a lot of nicknames. But in 1915, the Indians name has stuck. Even though the Tribe have not had not returned to the World Series since 1997, this team can make things interesting in the AL Central this season.

The only connection that these teams have are the fact that they played in the NBL, represented Cleveland at one time and lasted no longer than two seasons.

Before the team took it's talents to Hollywood, the Rams were the first pro football team. They would win their only NFL Championship in their final season defeating the Redskins 15-14.

The Barons just like their three NBL predecessors were a one and done team. The only difference was that they made a playoff appearance.
Originally part of the AAFC, the Browns would be its champion every season. Too bad the league itself lasted 4 seasons. Even jumping to the NFL in 1950 didn't stop their momentum as they would win another 4 titles. With all the heartbreak the Browns had to go through, the team suspended operations for 3 years when Art Modell moved his operations to Baltimore. The city may have lost a chance to win a title, they did not lose their history.

If anyone could feel the pain of the Browns, it would be the Cavs. Though they never won a title, they just are a good team who just runs into a better team when it comes to the postseason. From a history perspective of course.

Due to a death in the Calgary Broncos organization, the Cleveland Crusaders would be the result of that mishap. Even though they made the postseason every year since their inception, the NHL had its was way and ran them out of town and eventually off the face of the earth.

The Barons came from the Bay Area in hopes of bringing a Stanley Cup. After 2 lackluster seasons, they would follow the path of the Crusaders and head to the Land of 10,000 Lakes to merge with the North Stars.

Interesting facts: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is there. Sherwin-Williams is based there too. Famous residents include Drew Carey and Paul Newman are famous residents.

13. St. Louis, MO

Pro Teams: Cardinals 1882-present (MLB)& 1960-87 (NFL), Browns (MLB) 1902-53,Eagles 1934-35 (NHL),(MLB)Bombers 1946-50 (NBA), Hawks 1955-68 (NBA), Blues 1967-present (NHL), Spirits of St. Louis 1974-76 (ABA), Rams 1995-present (NFL)

Championships: 12 (10)Cardinals(1926,1931,1934,1942,1944,1946,1964,1967,1982,2004), (1) Hawks (1958), (1) Rams (1999)

History: The Redbirds are second all time in World Series championships (Yankees are first). During their long tenure they have captured 17 NL Pennants, 11 Division Titles and a Wild Card berth (2001) to boot. While they are second to the Yankees in some categories here and there, they truly are number one in the Midwest.

The Browns on the other hand have not been so fortunate. During their stay which lasted over half a century, they made it to the World Series only once in 1944. And if you must guess, then don't look much further, they lost to the Cards in 6 games. Around 1953, St. Louis couldn't support 2 franchises. And with the Redbirds being a much better club, it was obvious who had to go.

NHL hockey didn't last too long during the Great Depression in the Gateway City. The Eagles came to town in 1934, when Ottawa's Original Senators couldn't keep afloat financially. Sadly, they didn't fare better and after their lone season, they sold off their players and folded soon after.
Before the Hawks arrived from Milwaukee, the Bombers of the original BAA was St. Louis' team. While they made the playoffs 3 times, they folded after their fourth season.

Five years later, the Hawks would come to stay...for 13 years that is. During that time, Bob Pettit became the first NBA MVP (1956 and won again 1959) and the team had their only basketball title defeating the Celtics in 6. It wasn't the decline of the team, but it would be a desire for a new arena that ended up moving to Atlanta in 1968.

There was another version of the Cardinals. And yes they played at the Old Busch Stadium like the baseball team did. The only two differences, they originated in Chicago and they just weren't that good. Despite being mostly awful, they did manage to win back to back divisional title in '74 & '75.

The NHL returned with the expansion Blues. While the team has not been postseason eligible the past two seasons, they have won their division 7 times (also won President's Trophy in 1999-00 season). And also, the team made it to the Stanley Cup finals in their first 3 seasons (swept by the Canadiens in their first two and also by the Bruins).

Professional basketball would have one last gasp, with the ABA and the Spirits. Coming from failed attempts in Houston and the North Carolina region, the team would fold because of the ABA's financial woes despite making a playoff appearance.

St. Louis would get the Rams back to their Midwest roots in 1995. Ever since then, the Rams have been back to the Super Bowl twice(last appearance was a loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI). And with their championship in 1999, the Rams became the second team to win a championship in 3 different cities with the Braves being first.

Interesting facts: Anheuser-Busch and Scottrade are headquartered here. The Gateway Arch has only been a national monument since 1987. Famous residents include Nelly and Yogi Berra.

12. Green Bay, WI

Pro Teams: Packers 1919-present (NFL)

Championships: 13 Packers (1929-31,1936,1939,1944,1961,1962,1965-67,1996,2010)

History: Green Bay is one of the smallest markets in professional sports. And yet somehow, the most resilient. They were an independent team for two seasons before making the jump to the NFL in 1921. Like any elder franchise, this team has seen its fair share of hard times. And through it all, they have the most NFL titles, which includes winning the first 2 Super Bowls ,and ironically winning the last one.

Interesting facts: The Packers are the only publicly traded franchise in the NFL. For 62 years, the Packers split time with Milwaukee. The team has the longest waiting list for season tickets.

11. The Bay Area: San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose, CA

Pro Teams: San Francisco 49ers 1946-present (NFL), San Francisco Giants 1958-present (MLB), Oakland Raiders 1960-81 & 1995-present (NFL), Golden State Warriors 1962-present (NBA), California Golden Seals 1967-76 (NHL), Oakland Oaks 1967-69 (ABA), Oakland Athletics 1968-present (MLB), San Jose Sharks 1991-present (NHL)

Championships: 14 (1)Oaks (1969), (4)Athletics (1972-74,1989),(1)Warriors (1975), (2)Raiders (1976,1980), (5)49ers (1981,1984,1988,1989,1994), (1)Giants (2010)

History: The 49ers would start off in the AAFC from 1946-49. While they managed minimal success in their early years, it wasn't until Bill Walsh and the West Coast offense made their impact in the 1980's. The system that is still widely used today has won 5 Super Bowls, but hasn't been back to the postseason since 2002.

After the Giants left Manhattan in 1957, success hasn't come easy. Since being one of the staples in the Bay Area, the Giants had been to 3 previous World Series and coming up short against the Yankees in '62, the A's in '89 and the Angels in '02. However they brought their first title since being known as San Francisco just last year. If things work like they did last year, maybe number 2 will be here before you know it.

Oakland would get its first football team with the AFL's Raiders. During their first stint, the Raiders became the second AFL team to make and lose the Super Bowl. With Al Davis at the helm since the very beginning, they have been to 2 Super Bowls (XI & XV). And after a 14 year absence, they came back and returned to the Super Bowl, but only to give Tampa Bay its first championship in professional sports (48-21).

San Francisco would get the Warriors from 1962-71 until a new Coliseum in Oakland opened up and they moved there at the beginning of the 1971-72 season. Golden State split time with San Diego before staying put in Oakland. Though they still keep Golden State in the name, they have never left the Bay Area. Despite recent failures, the Warriors have reached the postseason 16 times only winning their division 4 times.

They started off as just the California Seals in 1967. Then became Oakland from 1967-70. And then just went with the California Golden Seals after that. During their troubled tenure, the NHL's flagship team for the Bay Area made the playoffs twice. Due to arena troubles in San Francisco and leasing complications in Oakland, the team moved to Cleveland until they went away for good.

Thanks to Rick Barry, the Oakland Oaks would never be on the list of champions for the ABA. Whether they were the Americans in their season or the Oaks, the team was a financial failure. After they won the championship, it was off to the nation's capitol.

After a stop in Kansas City, the A's would come to Oakland 10 years after the Giants. When that happened, they were as dominant as they were in Philly. Since their return to relevance, the Athletics have won 14 division titles, 6 AL Pennants (both three peats of 1972-74 & 1988-90) and a Wild Card berth (2001).

Now it's San Jose's turn to get a new team. The NHL returned in 1991 in the form of the Sharks. They are currently in the Stanley Cup playoffs seeking their first title. In their tenure, they've missed the postseason only 5 times that doesn't include the 2004-05 lockout.

Interesting facts: The Bay Area is home to Alcatraz Island. Lombard Street in San Francisco is one of the most crooked streets in America. Silicon Valley is home to several high tech companies of the world.