Almost Religion: Baltimore’s Colts

Few teams have captured the pulse of a city like the Baltimore Colts. From the enthusiasm of Colts Corral Fan Clubs to Johnny Unitas’ black high-tops, Baltimore and its Colts were like artery and heart, one dependent on the other. As the official archives of the Baltimore Colts, Sports Legends Museum stands in a unique position to chronicle this love affair, using photographs, fans’ stories, marching band uniforms, and authentic game memorabilia, including the team’s Super Bowl V trophy.

Using game day memorabilia never before on public display, the storied history of the Baltimore Colts franchise is told in a timeline form. As visitors walk the exhibit area, they trace the accomplishments of the team and its greatest players and moments. Game jerseys belonging to Buddy Young, Raymond Berry, Gino Marchetti, Jim Parker, Art Donavan, and Lenny Moore highlight the game day memorabilia the Museum has available for display. Other highlights include Coach Weeb Eubanks’ hat and playbook, classic team photos, and scrapbooks. Visitors can also watch videos of six Colts games that helped make the NFL the most dominant team sport in America.

When Baltimore had no football, when the team left in the shadows of a snowy March night, much of its heart and soul remained behind in the form of the Colts Marching Band. For 13 years, while Baltimore grieved over the loss of its football franchise, the band played on. The incredible history of a marching band with – and without – a team (and then back again as Baltimore’s Marching Ravens) is told through an interactive marching light display and a collection of marching band uniforms, musical instruments and recordings.