Even though I have grown up in the Baltimore/Washington area, the Colts were gone before I turned 8. I was in college when Baltimore got the Ravens. So, I didn't have any direct emotional, or nostalgic connection with the Baltimore Colts or the Colts fight song. However, as a student of the game's history with many family members (my mom included) who grew up as diehard Colts fans, I had always been outraged at how horribly Bob Irsay treated Baltimore. I was even more outraged when NFL commissioner, Paul Tagliabue, screwed Baltimore out of a well-deserved expansion franchise.
I felt good for the city when they finally did get the Ravens and I have enjoyed giving them secondary support over the years (my primary devotion will always be with the Burgundy and Gold). However, as much as I knew about the horror story of the Mayflower vans stealing the Colts away in the dark of night, it is fascinating to see this tale, and its aftermath, told from an angle that was not highly publicized... that of the Baltimore Colts marching band. A band that was as much a part of NFL legend as the Redskins marching band, the Colts band used chicanery to keep their uniforms and instruments after the theft of the team. Then, they spent the next 12 years being a band without a team, keeping the dream alive of one day bring football back to Baltimore.
As much as the efforts of any politician, businessman or NFL executive, the Baltimore Colts marching band was responsible for the return of football to Charm City. It is touching to hear and see the stories of those band members and everything they went through out of their dedication to a sport and a city. This is definitely one of the top "30 for 30" documentaries.
Enjoy fast, FREE delivery, exclusive deals and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery
