Atlanta's sad sports history: One lousy title in 148 pro seasons

Paul H

January 21st, 2011
11:04 am

First

Frozen Tundra

January 21st, 2011
11:06 am

Dang! Second.

Sandman053

January 21st, 2011
11:08 am

third!

Sandman053

January 21st, 2011
11:09 am

dangit. Stopped to read it therefore get no kudos

Greedy

January 21st, 2011
11:11 am

YET ANOTHER…

Frozen Tundra

January 21st, 2011
11:11 am

I find it amazing that UGA and Ga Tech each have the same number of national championships as all the professional sports combined.

Delbert D.

January 21st, 2011
11:12 am

Okay, so we’re no longer Losersville, just Non-winnersville.

nola falcon fan

January 21st, 2011
11:12 am

mark – not sure how i feel after reading that. is it “salt in the wound” or “misery loves company”. I am leaning toward the latter. Living down in Who Dat land, that was my thought this fall.. ‘just for once i want my team to have that magical ride … let me feel the joy i saw in so many Saints fans’ Oh well, maybe one day right?

Paul H

January 21st, 2011
11:14 am

In.Deed.

TommyP

January 21st, 2011
11:14 am

Negativity is at an all-time high with this paper. Just look at your recent posts and there is negativity throughout.

Btwarren

January 21st, 2011
11:14 am

Tis true indeed!!

SOUTH GA DAWG FAN

January 21st, 2011
11:15 am

I was already thanking the falcons for good regular season because i expected what happened in the packers game.
Spot on article Mark!

nola falcon fan

January 21st, 2011
11:16 am

16 years feels like half my lifetime. wait, it is! i still think the Falcons will make another run in the next 1-3 years.

Dawg_Mike

January 21st, 2011
11:18 am

The new announcement at the ATL airport: “Welcome to Atlanta, Loserville USA”

Delbert D.

January 21st, 2011
11:19 am

2011 depends on whether Fredi brooks any further screwups by Conrad.

PMC

January 21st, 2011
11:23 am

Next year……

EW

January 21st, 2011
11:28 am

MB, you are kind of a downer to be an atlanta sportswriter….or maybe the two aren’t mutually exclusive…

CoastDog

January 21st, 2011
11:29 am

Nineteenth!

Drew Costanza

January 21st, 2011
11:29 am

At least you have 1. Try being a Buffalo sports fan…

82Dawg

January 21st, 2011
11:30 am

after watching this film, it only shows we still don’t have any DB’s..

GTBob

January 21st, 2011
11:31 am

Add to that the disappointments that UGA and GT usually are and you have one frustrated city. It will turn around one day. I hope.

TheAntiMe

January 21st, 2011
11:31 am

In the words of the late great Bozo the Clown – and no, Mark, this isn’t a veiled reference to you – “Atlanta isn’t the loser, Atlanta is the almost winner.”

Brent

January 21st, 2011
11:32 am

Tech and UGA do a have national championships in football in that span, no small feat

Buckeye

January 21st, 2011
11:33 am

That’s why it’s good to be a Buckeye. Win some ( multiple NC’s, Big 10 titles, recent Rose and Sugar), lose some ( FLA, LSU in NC) but always in the hunt. Doesn’t hurt that we’re also #1 in NCAA Basketball! I’m still a Falcons Fan on Sundays, interest in the Braves/Hawks comes and goes.

Go Bucks!

theJakester

January 21st, 2011
11:34 am

I usually detest your columns burdened with so much unfounded negativity, but I have to admit that this one is right on as far as pointing out the aggregate failures of our sports teams… We Atlantans know it’s not a matter of if, but a matter of WHEN the train will derail.

Shaun

January 21st, 2011
11:36 am

Does Atlanta really have a sad sports history? I can’t take stuff like this all that seriously unless there is some comparison. How many other cities have only one major sports championship since 1966 or in an equal number of total seasons? I understand championships should matter a great deal, but shouldn’t overall winning matter if we are trying to determine how sad or happy a city’s sports history?

Obviously the goal of this is more “woe is me” than an objective view of whether Atlanta has a sad sports history.

E's Dirty Bird's

January 21st, 2011
11:37 am

Best article I have ever read on the AJC!!! Finally, Atlanta’s losing issues have been addressed appropraitely. Well crafted work Mr. Bradley!! You deserve a raise.

gamach1

January 21st, 2011
11:38 am

Mark, you hit the nail right on the head. I am a diehard Falcons and Bukkdogs fan, but after 40 years of medicrity I thnk I am starting to loosen up on my stance that I will not miss a game and haven’t missed one for a long time. I think next year the misses mightget me out on a weekend during football season. LOL!

82Dawg

January 21st, 2011
11:41 am

Mark…Prevent Defense = Prevent you from winning….

eastbound and down

January 21st, 2011
11:41 am

does it matter? all of the Cox supporters appeared to be happy applauding 14 straight division titles, not WS titles.

Tweets that mention Atlanta's sad sports history: One lousy title in 148 pro seasons | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com

January 21st, 2011
11:42 am

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark Bradley and ajc sports editor, Sean Breslin. Sean Breslin said: OHHH YEAHHH HAPPINESS YEAHHH: http://bit.ly/f9iQGn [...]

Driver 8

January 21st, 2011
11:42 am

I was at the Falcons-Cowboys game in 80. I was 17 and was crushed by the outcome. The place was a love-in for 59.30 minutes and a morgue after Pearson’s catch. I am now 48 and I’ve never been as certain that it was our time as I was on that day so very long ago.

Every postseason since I’ve entered hopeful but with the knowledge that championships are for other teams, other towns and other fans. On the rare occasions when we are favored to win it all, something unforeseen, but spectacular will always occur to send us spiraling to defeat-it’s almost become comical.

I am thankful for the Braves great runs in the 90’s (growing up I never thought I’d go to a World Series, let alone 4) and all put one were punctuated with disaster. Even in ’95 we were coming apart over the seams about Justice calling us out and it was more relief than unbridled joy.

Unfortunately for the Falcons, they were carrying the weight of 148 failed seasons on their shoulders and predictably, they were crushed under that massive burden.

elroy

January 21st, 2011
11:43 am

like the fans of atlanta teams need to be reminded of one championship. i think most of us are aware. while you are at it go ahead and remind everyone about the over 10% unemployment in ga & all the violent crime in Atl. kick us while were down. jerk!

da' boomer

January 21st, 2011
11:44 am

why did you have to post that video?…the nightmares have started again

FACTS

January 21st, 2011
11:46 am

@82 Dawg

Thanks for stating the obvious when will this organization dedicate itself to the defensive side of the ball. I think the last great free-agent the Falcons went after was the late Reggie White, its very hard to watch a lot of the Falcons big time games on the national stage, because the defense looks so overmatched.

Sons of Jerry Glanville

January 21st, 2011
11:47 am

Mark, as a long suffering Atlanta sports fan, this article initially only served to further depress me. But my mood brightened considerably once I realized that I can put this knowledge to good use. Since all Atlanta sports teams are virtual guarantees to choke in the clutch, I’ll contact Vegas and put large sums of money from what is left of my 401K on the opponent next time one of our teams is involved in a big game. Assuming that happens again in my lifetime -:)

Dawggie

January 21st, 2011
11:47 am

@Mark Bradley

Really? If I prove you wrong how about changing the title of your article to something else?

Atlanta Braves 1995 no duh.

but..

Atlanta Knights, a minor league PRO team won the Turner Cup in the IHL somewhere around 1992 (I will let you look up the exact date)

I was at both!

Now change the title of this article to say ” I just randomly pull “facts” out of my ass”!

Dan

January 21st, 2011
11:48 am

But you’re ignoring those outstanding league championships of the Atlanta Thunder for World Team Tennis (1991 and 1992) and the Atlanta Chiefs (1968, North American Soccer League). Yeah, I know — insert laughter here.

Lowe's

January 21st, 2011
11:50 am

If Arthur Blank didn’t have any money from Home Depot and the brains and work ethic of Mr. Marcus, his much, much younger wouldn’t be going anywhere near his shriveled bits. She would obviously consider him gross, as do most of us, to say nothing of being a loser.
(Given her apparent penchant for gold digging, shouldn’t she be a 49ers fan?)

Therefore, it is befitting that a LOSER owns a LOSING organization such as the “Atlan-Ter” Falcons.

Selah.

Dawggie

January 21st, 2011
11:50 am

1995 Braves won the MLB championship

1992 Atlanta Knights (a Tampa Bay Lightning minor league PRO team)

Really over extended yourself for this article Mark. And I thought Terrance was bad at reporting…..

Josh

January 21st, 2011
11:50 am

Sad video to watch, but how about that CBS Sunday Night Lineup after the game?!?! Forgot about Trapper John M.D.

Lowe's

January 21st, 2011
11:51 am

If Arthur Blank didn’t have any money from Home Depot and the brains and work ethic of Mr. Marcus, his much, much younger WIFE wouldn’t be going anywhere near his shriveled bits. She would obviously consider him gross, as do most of us, to say nothing of being a loser.
(Given her apparent penchant for gold digging, shouldn’t she be a 49ers fan?)

Therefore, it is befitting that a LOSER owns a LOSING organization such as the “Atlan-Ter” Falcons.

Selah.

Dawg Tell

January 21st, 2011
11:52 am

I have one word that is equal to Atlanta sports—-CLEVELAND !!!However we have better weather.(sometimes)

Shaun

January 21st, 2011
11:53 am

eastbound and down, I think most of the Cox supporters applaud the fact that he won a lot more games than he lost throughout his career and put more stock in 6 months of baseball versus 1 month of baseball. Even if you think postseason should carry more weight, 6 times as much?! In other words, Cox supporters understand baseball more than his critics.

Also, Cox supporters applaud that no player, other managers, coaches, scouts, front office personnel, media members ever say a bad thing about the man.

Also, the impact of managers in baseball is vastly overrated. Do we really expect the Braves to be significantly better or worse this season than last barring major injuries? No manager has that much of an impact. If a manager is worth a few wins a season, that would be a lot.

JT

January 21st, 2011
11:54 am

Thanks MB! I have been preaching this for the last 5 years! This article made me chuckle!

Ty P.

January 21st, 2011
11:55 am

At least we don’t live in Philly or Pittsburgh, even though they have more to cheer for.

FACTS

January 21st, 2011
11:55 am

In all fairness there should be more titles ( Not by the Falcons or Hawks because they are always offensively oriented) but by the Braves. If defenses win championships, then that pitching staff the Braves had was like the “Steel Curtain” I have no clue of how Bobby Cox managed his team out of a lot of those postseason games?

doggit

January 21st, 2011
11:55 am

Thanks for writing something positive on a Friday Mark. Hope you have a great weekend…

Herpes

January 21st, 2011
11:56 am

Hi.

Michael Vick and I are bound together for the rest of his thug-infested, ON-THE-DOWN-LOW life.

bigclaude

January 21st, 2011
11:57 am

Great article Mark!! I used to post on a Falcons Message board and my signature was an up to date count of this very thing. I would update the signature every time an Atlanta team was officially eliminated from the playoffs.

Some posters would get annoyed by my negativity, but how can you not be negative. I’ve been a die hard fan of all Atlanta Teams since 1980, and have only that one title to crow about.

You could even take it a step further. How many times did the Georgia Force compile a great regular season only to flop in the playoffs? What is it about this town? I only wish that I could disown it!! I’d probably live longer, and I certainly would break less stuff.

Ga. Southern

January 21st, 2011
11:58 am

Man, I with the Falcons would go back to those unis.

JSS

January 21st, 2011
11:59 am

Come on, cheer up!!! The Dream kicks off their “Redemption Season” on June 5th… Stop being a bunch of “Woman Sports Haters” and enjoy every sweet moment of them actually “competing” and not getting “blown out” when the real competition gets amped up! They may have lost their best of 5 series; but they “screw the pooch” or wet them self when the best team in the League hit them in the mouth… That’s a team that is ready to do something!

Oh yeah, big 4 aside, you’ve won 4 championships: The Chiefs (68), The Knights (94), and The Braves… What do they have in common, you let fold up to support a bunch of also ran franchise, only in Atlanta! They just keep breaking your little hearts!

Tommy

January 21st, 2011
12:02 pm

The problem is that our teams are always just good enough to lose the big game. They can get there, but they lack the extra gear to get over the top.

There are lots of cities with great teams that didn’t win as much as they should have–look at the Vikings in the ’70s or the Mets in the ’80s. What we are missing is that out-of-nowhere title like the Giants had this year. Until we get one of those, this will hang over our heads. Players have to know and be somewhat affected about all of the failures–Lord knows the AJC and the fans will always remind them.

Ga. Southern

January 21st, 2011
12:02 pm

wish

UGADawg83

January 21st, 2011
12:06 pm

I suppose that the ineptitde of the Braves prior to ‘91 and the Falcons pattern of non-consecutive winning seasons has caused me to develop a bit of a blind spot on this pattern. I kept telling my self all day Sunday that “yea we were blown out but we were blown out in the play-offs which is much better than being blown out all though-out the regular season.” With the Braves I kept saying, “yea we choke in the post-season but I remember being 20 games back at the All-Star break.” Its just all a matter of perspective I suppose.

JSS

January 21st, 2011
12:15 pm

“Players have to know and be somewhat affected about all of the failures–Lord knows the AJC and the fans will always remind them.”

Yes we will!!!

JSS

January 21st, 2011
12:18 pm

@ Mark Bradley…
Did someone steal my user name or something yesterday and blast you or something?
Oh, I have a comment in your blog filter too…

Karbon » Atlanta's sad sports history: One lousy title in 148 pro seasons …

January 21st, 2011
12:22 pm

[...] post: Atlanta's sad sports history: One lousy title in 148 pro seasons … Tags: ajc, atlanta, bradley, sad-professional, sports « PreviousVG247 » Blog Archive [...]

Ryder

January 21st, 2011
12:23 pm

I think the major problem is that the culture of this city doesn’t have the New York/Boston/Philadelphia “win at all costs” mentality that most northeastern teams possess (and sometimes the Lakers out West).

Just take a look at the Hawks for example. I’ve seen them since 1985, and the only time they actually had a shot at a title (1994) they trade their best player! Who on earth does that stupid move? They’ve had the same lineup for years knowing that the best they will ever do is win (maybe) one playoff series, and the fans don’t demand more out of this weak front office organization.

The Braves are rebuilding a strong lineup after muddling in the water for years, but success will come and the playoffs will be a regular thing again soon.

The Thrashers are a nice story, and if they win just one playoff game this year it will be a foundation to build upon.

I know I might be in the minority when I write this, but I think that the Falcons are the city’s best chance for not only one, but many championships. Last Saturday’s blowout was the wakeup call this franchise needed, and I think the mentality will begin to shift from “good enough” to greatness very quickly.

Besides, I live in DC, and I thank the Lord above that Atlanta’s sports teams are in much better shape than DC’s anyday.

FACTS

January 21st, 2011
12:23 pm

To Braves, Hawks, Falcon, Thrashers: Good is for losers
3:35 pm April 27, 2009, by Terence Moore

This was Moore’s last article for AJC! I pray to god this is Mark Bradley’s last article for AJC. Atlanta has to have the most positive blogs of any national newspaper! NOT!*******

blazerdawg

January 21st, 2011
12:24 pm

Atlanta sports fans have been taking grief for being “fair weather” since the late 80’s.

In reality, Atlanta, along with NY, LA & Dallas based on my travel experience, have the most intelligent sports fans in the country.

We are adults here – I don’t need to wear a Falcons jersey or to have the Falcons win the SB to validate the quality of my city, or my personal life. Also, unlike many of the northern cities, we have actually played football, baseball, and basketball at a serious, organized level. We can tell when a player/team/product is worth the price of admission.

Atlantans love their city, and their teams, but we recognize sports for what it is – entertainment. Many entertainment options in this town.

Dan

January 21st, 2011
12:24 pm

Man, my knowledge of sports history is SO lacking. I forgot — and indeed, didn’t we all? –that magnificent 2006 title won by the Atlanta Xplosion. You know. To win the Independent Women’s Football League championship! You can look it up . . .

Elvis the Peacock

January 21st, 2011
12:35 pm

Great YouTube link. Would’ve like to have seen the last 42 seconds. The Falcons turn it over on downs and Ed Too Tall Jones tip toes down the line.

Just Sayin'

January 21st, 2011
12:36 pm

This town has always and will continue to be looserville. Most people in the metro are transplants and couldn’t care less about the pro franchises in this town. I was born a Redskins fan and that’s where my allegience will always lie, even though I have lived in the lousy suburban Atlanta area for 30+ years. To me it’s comical to watch the teams implode year after year. There is no tradition here, except the tradition of losing. When you have owners like the Smith family, who for so many years dressed up their “pro” team to mimick the UGA football team and made one bone head move after another, how can one not laugh at such ineptness? Like I said, loserville!

Worm

January 21st, 2011
12:37 pm

Sorry Mark, but what about those 69-70 Atlanta Chiefs..I still have the championship pennant!

Just Sayin'

January 21st, 2011
12:37 pm

LOSERVILLE ….. always has been, always will be.

Ted M

January 21st, 2011
12:38 pm

That’s exactly why the Falcons need to draft Cam Newton!

But they won’t damn.

reebok

January 21st, 2011
12:38 pm

not gonna let us count the atlanta chiefs, huh…?

Me Again

January 21st, 2011
12:38 pm

LOSERVILLE!

Me Again

January 21st, 2011
12:38 pm

Can we talk?

Honky

January 21st, 2011
12:40 pm

Man, that was one hell of a lineup that night on CBS following the football game. Jeffersons FTW.

Steve

January 21st, 2011
12:42 pm

Good article. How do we compare to cleveland?

Facts

January 21st, 2011
12:43 pm

CORRECTION… Atlanta’s professional soccer team of the late 60’s and 70’s won a North American Soccer League championship in 1968. Atlanta’s first championship… and that’s the Facts.

Khao$

January 21st, 2011
12:45 pm

Mark, this is spot on and it captures the pain ATL fans have. Either our teams underachieve (80’s Falcons; 93 and 96 Braves; perhaps 2010 Falcons) or management won’t make the necessary moves to take us over the hump (Hawks…pick any year).

It’s frustrating, man. I was crushed to see the Saints win a Super Bowl before us. It bothers me that the Marlins have two championships to our one (granted we’ve had more sustained winning). The Diamondbacks have just as many World Series Championships as the Atlanta Braves. The Miami Heat hasn’t been in existence longer than the Hawks and yet they have a championship.

Cleveland is about the only city that is in worse shape than us IMHO. Sure the Cubs haven’t won. Still Chicago had the Bears, White Sox, and Bulls. The Eagles haven’t won jack. But Philly still has the Phillies. The Knicks haven’t won in years. Still NY has the Yankees and the Giants.

A lot of other markets cry about the misfortunes of one of there teams. Try having four that either a) won’t spend the money (Braves Hawks Thrashers), b) limit the type of players they bring in (Falcons and Braves) or c) should have different ownership all together (Hawks, Thrashers, Braves).

McDawg

January 21st, 2011
12:47 pm

why did we trade Brett Butler, why did we trade dominique, why did our team leader get arrested before the SuperBowl, why did MLB bring in another ump to prevent J. Dye from catching a routine pop up, why didn’t lonnie Smith RUN, why didn’t Cox pull Wholers when he had the chance

why why why

TN Fan

January 21st, 2011
12:50 pm

Mark, you are wrong!! The Atlanta Chiefs won the US soccer championship (NASL) with Paul Woosnam coaching and Boy-Boy Motaung at center. I belive it was the late 60’s or early 70’s. How in the world could you forget that?

hockeyfan

January 21st, 2011
12:51 pm

The Atlanta Knights won the Turner Cup. That counts, doesn’t it?

Matt

January 21st, 2011
12:52 pm

I was but a wee tot when that Falcons’ game against the Cowboys made cry; still can’t watch the clip. Didnt’t realize it was introduction to life as an Atlanta spors fan.

Waydog

January 21st, 2011
12:53 pm

Hey Bradley, What about the 1968 Atlanta Chiefs? We have 2 titles!!!

steve

January 21st, 2011
12:54 pm

Mark,
Pittsburgh has won 11 championships……
Pirates 1971 and 1979.
Steelers 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2005, and 2008
Penguins 1991, 1992, and 2009.

And make it 12 if you count the ABA.

You also, did not include the Knights winning it all, if you are going to count the ABA.

LAC

January 21st, 2011
12:54 pm

Gee Whiz people, we are talking PROFESSIONAL SPORTS HERE, NOT college stuff.

choke

January 21st, 2011
12:55 pm

that’s why everyone around the country calls atl loserville. They choke in every sport. Even the 1 title by the braves was tainted during the strike season.

papadawg

January 21st, 2011
12:55 pm

You wonder why most of us long time fans don’t get real excited when one of the teams actually make the playoffs. Falcons home field advantage and gets BLOWN out

Hillbilly Deluxe

January 21st, 2011
12:55 pm

But 26 years and 10 months of residency have had an erosive effect,

26 years is nothing. I was born here (in the 50’s). I’ve seen it from the beginning and you just get numb after a while.

Un-fair weather fan

January 21st, 2011
12:55 pm

Reliving those moments in the Dallas game for the first time in 30 years, it’s as though nothing has changed. I’ll never forget the sports writer the next day (was it Steve Hummer?) who wrote: “with 2 minutes left, you just knew.”

And that sums it up as well as it’s ever been done.

As Atlanta sports fans, we just know they’ll blow it, which they never fail to do. And that’s why we empty our stands the moment the collapse is immanent.

No Soccer

January 21st, 2011
12:57 pm

Soccer does not count, only The Big Four Sports, soccer is like professional lawnmowing…
WHO Cares !!! Does Not Count !

Tweets that mention Atlanta's sad sports history: One lousy title in 148 pro seasons | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com

January 21st, 2011
12:58 pm

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Debbie Woodall, cassandra walker. cassandra walker said: Atlanta's sad sports history: One lousy title in 148 pro seasons: They lost four, the first three in excruciatin… http://bit.ly/gSH8pZ [...]

Smokewagon

January 21st, 2011
12:58 pm

I will go to my grave still brokenhearted over the 1980 playoff loss to Dallas. I truly believed they could win it all at that time but since then I always assume the worst and save myself the misery.

blazerdawg

January 21st, 2011
12:58 pm

No one should blame Falcons fans for leaving early last week. It was a full house until the Birds were behind by four scores.

Any other city would be the same way. Check the 4th quarter highlights from the KC playoff game.

The Ghost of Norm Van Brocklin

January 21st, 2011
12:59 pm

Aw, look on the bright side, our dog-killing QB had a nice reality show, and is well on his way to becoming a folk hero for the young thugs being recruited by the likes of UGA.

option smoption

January 21st, 2011
1:01 pm

Yea Mark, You fit right in at the ATL. You’ve written one decent article in the last 148. Too bad it wasn’t this one.

Keith Strawn

January 21st, 2011
1:01 pm

Mark, Make that “two.” You are forgetting the Atlanta Knights, who hoisted the Turner Cup in 1994. We danced on the tables til dawn.

Time Travaler

January 21st, 2011
1:01 pm

In the futrue the Flacons still suck because they still draft busts in the fist round.

just a fan

January 21st, 2011
1:01 pm

That’s why it’s sports….don’t let it be your life. Just entertainment. Why don’t we all go out and do something to help others and quit wasting our time on blogs?

GEORGIA97

January 21st, 2011
1:01 pm

How about Atlanta’s sad sports WRITING history at the Atlanta urin*l and constipation?

Un-fair weather fan

January 21st, 2011
1:01 pm

blazerdawg: “Any other city would be the same way. Check the 4th quarter highlights from the KC playoff game.”

True. Even Foxboro was looking pretty sparse on Sunday by the time the writing was on the wall later in the 4th.

H1022

January 21st, 2011
1:02 pm

What about the Chiefs, they won the NASL.

Michael

January 21st, 2011
1:02 pm

“They lost four, the first three in excruciating fashion.”

Um, they won the third one Mark.

H1022

January 21st, 2011
1:02 pm

Enter your comments here

Yes soccer!

January 21st, 2011
1:03 pm

Chiefs! Chiefs! Atlanta Chiefs!!!!

Snoopy

January 21st, 2011
1:05 pm

Always the pessemist Mark… Having been fortunate enough to be born, raised & live in the ATL with the great weather, fine women & other niceties.. I’d rather live here & “suffer” with the good sports we have here than live in say…. Pittsburgh…. Green Bay…. Foxboro… or the armpit that is New York City.. & ‘rave’ at “What a GREAT Sports town WE are”….

Dream Fan

January 21st, 2011
1:05 pm

What about the Dream? Check out their SHORT history!

RTR

January 21st, 2011
1:05 pm

Not to mention a horrible UGA football team last year

Bill

January 21st, 2011
1:06 pm

I was at the Dallas game in 1981. What a hear breaker!!!!

Brent

January 21st, 2011
1:10 pm

I feel the need to remind people that before the Thrashers set up shop here, Atlanta actually DID have a hockey team that never missed the playoffs during their (short) stay here. The Atlanta Knights were IHL champions in 1994 (one year before the Braves won the only championship of which you see fit to credit us). Sure, it was a minor league (equivalent to AAA level) team, but they had a loyal following and are the reason people still yell “KNIGHT!!!!” during “The Star Spangled Banner” when played before Thrashers games to this day.

Joe Tess Fish House

January 21st, 2011
1:12 pm

The dream? Who wood want 2 watch woman basketball? They go in the IR list when tehy get an yeast infection.

DAN C

January 21st, 2011
1:12 pm

Hey: I’m a life long wisconsin native. Been a Brave’s fan since I was born. Living near Milwaukee. I can say you take the 57 Brave’d ws title and the Buck’s title in 71. There not much better. That also includes the Hawk’s short lived time here in the 50″s. We all can’t be winner’s all the time.

dean

January 21st, 2011
1:14 pm

DAYUM YOU MB for putting that 1980 meltdown in here! Aisle 139, last row before the Club Level overhang.

Ty

January 21st, 2011
1:14 pm

What’s wrong Mark? Ticked off the Dawgs ruined your recruiting blog this morning? You and JS have got to beat the biggest negative bloggers, with the exception of Tucker, on the AJC. You really could not find anything better to blog about?? Loser, go back to where you came from.

Gwinnett Fred

January 21st, 2011
1:15 pm

Not to make it worse than it already is, but I think you missed a season – I come up with 149:

Falcons – 45 seasons completed (1966 thru 2010)
Hawks – 42 seasons (68-69 thru 90-10)
Braves – 44 seasons (1966 thru 2010 sans 1994)
Flames – 8 seaosns (72-73 thru 79-80)
Thrashers – 10 seaosns (99-00 thru 09-10 sans 04-05)

Leeman Bennett

January 21st, 2011
1:16 pm

2 words:

Prevent Defense.

The Real Fan

January 21st, 2011
1:17 pm

You were probably not around when the Atlanta Chiefs won the Soccer championship!

tony

January 21st, 2011
1:18 pm

I remember that 1981 game like it was yesterday. My Falcons were so good that year I thought they could win it all.. Francies, Alfred Jenkins,William Andrews best rb and reciever core in the NFL that yr. Those teams played the game of football like true professioners. That Dallas team ran their offense like a computer. A very organize offense. The Falcons cracked under pressure is the reason why they lost to those Cowboys.

Larry

January 21st, 2011
1:18 pm

OK, Mark, and all the other big babies pissing and moaning on here, now just what are we going to do about it?

What a bunch of girly men (or girly baby boys)!

Rick

January 21st, 2011
1:18 pm

Hey Mark, Atlanta has two championships – Atlanta Chiefs in 1968 were the NASL Champions! Atlanta’s first.

James

January 21st, 2011
1:21 pm

The reason why Atlanta sports history is so bad cause Atlanta sports teams have alot of bad owners and clueless people that’s running the organizations. The Falcons are the only team that has what it takes to win it all but the other franchises don’t. The Falcons will eventually win the super bowl but I don’t see the other franchises winning anything for awhile except The Atlanta Dream they will probably win a title soon but nobody really cares about womens basketball.

Enemas for Arbor Day

January 21st, 2011
1:22 pm

No one cares about soccer. No one will ever care about soccer. It’s a sissy girly sport for sissy girlies. Please stop discussing soccer.

Here we go again!!!!

January 21st, 2011
1:22 pm

Wow, Mark you’re like Troy Aikman who took the time twice to recount for us and the world all of the failures of the Falcons down through the years. It’s like he had it all researched and prepared because he KNEW we were going to blow it.

But I have discovered a winning path to a Superbowl for the Falcons in which we are guaranteed to win that sucker. We gotta get hot during a season when the Vikings (and Browns) are hot and get ourselves a bye week. Their 1st opponent needs to be some weak team that barely made it in or that is highly overrated. We MUST pray that we will meet the Vikings in the NFC Champs round at home or on the road doesn’t matter b/c the Falcons will win; the Vikings have a worse curse than us (consider the fact that the Saints and Falcons both beat the Vikes to get to the SB; and the Vikes could have won both those games but freaky things happened in both). Afterwards we advance to the Superbowl to meet the Cleveland Browns who have managed to stumble their way into the SuperBowl like a drunk man to a revival meeting. We win — we celebrate — YEAH!!!!

JSS

January 21st, 2011
1:22 pm

No Soccer
January 21st, 2011
12:57 pm
“Soccer does not count, only The Big Four Sports, soccer is like professional lawnmowing…
WHO Cares !!! Does Not Count !”

With y’alls track record, you better claim all the good news you can get! Dang people are crazy!

RyanO'Neal

January 21st, 2011
1:24 pm

What the problem? At least we have one!!!!!!
I think Mark Bradley is the most negative guy we have covering Atl Sports. I wonder is it an act or is he another Terrance Moore. Mark maybe u need to leave Atlanta and find another newspaper

Lee

January 21st, 2011
1:25 pm

Mark:

Although they were a AAA affiliate of Tampa Bay, the Atlanta Knights won the Turner Cup in the 1994 IHL playoffs. That was the World Championship in the IHL.

Ty

January 21st, 2011
1:25 pm

Mark, you should read Chip Towers blogs and learn from him. He has more hits on his blog now than you can ever dream of. He just covers the recruiting news and passes it on to everyone. One time it will be a nice tech story, now he has a good UGA story, Bama, Auburn etc… The man does not have to look for negative things to get people involved.
The crap you and JS dig up is just that…. crap. Personally myself and I would beat many others out there would just wish that you and JS would take off on a long boat to China!

RIP

January 21st, 2011
1:25 pm

It has to do with the fact that there is a mindset in this town – particularly in baseball – that just making the playoffs means you have had a successful season. Whether it is the fans, the team or the media or some combination thereof that promotes this – I can’t say.

It means that this town is satisfied with losing. A winning team and teir fans believe that anything short of a Championship is a failure. That is their only goal. Nothing less. That feeling does not exist in Atlanta.

In a few months when baseball returns, you will hear the Braves triumphantly introduced as the 2010 Wild Card winners. It won’t mention that they have not won a single post season series in 10 years.

Jeffro Bodeen

January 21st, 2011
1:27 pm

Tru Dat!!

JSS

January 21st, 2011
1:28 pm

James
January 21st, 2011
1:21 pm
“I don’t see the other franchises winning anything for awhile except The Atlanta Dream they will probably win a title soon but nobody really cares about womens basketball.”

Lots of people care about the Dream. They’ll be the ones laughing next September when Kathy Betty and MaryNell are hoisting the WNBA championship while the rest are going through NFL withdrawal during the lockout!

Un-fair weather fan

January 21st, 2011
1:29 pm

RIP : “A winning team and teir fans believe that anything short of a Championship is a failure. That is their only goal. Nothing less. That feeling does not exist in Atlanta”

Interesting theory. Just one problem – how do you explain all this wailing and gnashing of teeth if not as an expression of just this dissatisfaction of not having won championships?

bigstack 19

January 21st, 2011
1:32 pm

A batting average of .007. That is Nate McClouth territory.

still do...

January 21st, 2011
1:32 pm

f n lonnie smith…20 years…still despise that moron.

Lee

January 21st, 2011
1:32 pm

I know it was AAA but the Atlanta Knights Hockey Team won the Turner Cup in 1994, which was the IHL’s World Championship. Also, the Atlanta Chief picked up a Championship while in Atlanta.

hockeyfan

January 21st, 2011
1:34 pm

What about the Knights?!

mike

January 21st, 2011
1:34 pm

Come on folks. Did you goobers really expect the falcons to win. The sports teams in this city always peter out towards the end. Even the so called sports writers here jump off the band wagon. But that is the way it has been for the last 37 years I have lived here.

Atlanta, GA

January 21st, 2011
1:36 pm

Did the crackers win a championship? or were they just crackers?

Kyle

January 21st, 2011
1:38 pm

Good article Mark. The first year I watched football was when I was 12 and that was the 12-4 season and I always refer to that Dallas game as my Vietnam. I started watching the Youtube clip but couldn’t keep going. I saw it when it happened so I didn’t need to see that again. Even that young and not knowing as much as I do now I knew the Coaches were trying to run that clock down to early. They kept running William Andrews and they should have stayed with the complete game plan and tried to pass for some first downs. Just a screen or two to Junior Miller might have made a difference. As far as the one we have it was a strike shortened year. If we would have one the series in ‘91 and ‘96 like we should have it would have been nice to have but being the only one that way just never has set well for me. For people from other cities that have Championships it is easy to point and call us fair-weather but if they were from here and gone through this crap year in and year out they would be singing a different tune.

Dawgpound

January 21st, 2011
1:38 pm

Be thankfull we have 4 pro sports teams. There are many cities that would love to have what we have. I swear I saw an earlier report in this paper that this would be a great sports season if all 4 pro teams make the playoffs. We have a very good shot at that. I just believe the Falcons are going to keep improving and turn into a championship team. I think the Braves are a good owner away from going back to dominance and the Hawks and Thrashers can atleast be competitive. That’s all I ask for. Better to be close than the doormats at the bottom of the standings we were for so long.

JIMBOB (aka James Robert)

January 21st, 2011
1:40 pm

someone may have already mentioned it, but getting the Olympics was kind of like a big win for the city.

Mitchell

January 21st, 2011
1:44 pm

Winning 13 games in the regular season and getting crushed at home after a bye is bad. But it’s one thing.

Being able to manage three of the greatest pitchers in baseball history on one team for close to a decade and only winning one World Series, that’s the definition of a Loser.

I know football is supposed to be what people in Atlanta really care about but I think it holds true that the Braves mean more to this city than any other team.

I mean, the fact that they’ve won more regular season games over the previous two decades than at least any other national league team if not the Yankees as well and yet we still feel like losers says it all.

It is worse to get there and lose than to have never made it.

Bobby Cox is your man, folks. He and he alone is to blame for our misery.

Again, it’s not like we needed to win the World Series to validate last season. Just win either the division or one stinkin’ playoff series.

Or how about just one post-season home game?

We only had the best home record in the majors but that clearly wasn’t going to be enough to win the division because we have to start Bret Clevlen and Brandon Hicks in Pittsburg on a Sunday in May so we can keep Chipper and Hinske and McCann fresh for when the games really matter like in September when we’re gonna start Brandon Beachy and Mike Minor against Cole Hamels and Roy Halladay.

That’s a good idea!

Brooks Conrad is otherwise deserving of considerable scorn for his almost pathological defensive blunders in such key moments despite all of his clutch base hits in the regular season but as far as Game 3 is concerned… well, at least as far as what happened in the 9th inning of Game 3… he will always get a pass because he never should have been out there in the first place.

I don’t care if you put my 92 year old grandmother at second base, that would still be better than Brooks Conrad.

Even if it means using Diory Hernandez or Brandon Hicks who usually play on the left side of the infield and who can’t hit a beach ball, you make the change. And if the same thing happens and the ball goes through either of their legs then, what the hell. It wasn’t meant to be.

Or maybe God just hates us. Maybe that explains it.

What did we ever do to him? That’s what I want to know.

Enemas for Arbor Day

January 21st, 2011
1:46 pm

I think the recruiting blog by Chip Towers is strange….It’s nothing but a bunch of men going nuts over high school boys. Last time I checked, that is rather perverse.

Van Brocklin

January 21st, 2011
1:49 pm

…… and the Saints and Bucs are younger than the Falcons.

slanted

January 21st, 2011
1:49 pm

Some might call you a “glass half-empty” kind of guy. I prefer to think of you as a “brain half-empty” fool.

nyorker

January 21st, 2011
1:50 pm

yeah, pro sports are really sad down here, no passion. But on the bright side anytime any NY team comes to town we can get tickets.

nsnstv

January 21st, 2011
1:51 pm

Try being a Cleveland fan…The Drive…The Fumble…The Shot…The Departure…it goes on and on.

Jameytime

January 21st, 2011
1:52 pm

This looks awfully familiar….
http://clatl.com/freshloaf/archives/2011/01/20/bens-sports-take-worst-loss-in-atlanta-sports-history

jfreak13713

January 21st, 2011
1:53 pm

Some suggest that opinions as this are negative in their “TONE” and that would be a correct suggestion! However, when people are taking what is left of their or my hard earned money for those of you who don’t work but sit home and collect a check off the backs of those of us who do, and spend that money on a professional team I think a reasonable return on that money would be at least an expectation of winning! Of course our professional teams have generally held up their end of the bargin and in those cases the people who are paying the salaries (that would be me and you) have a right to spend our money on something that will provide a greater sense of return!

There’s no crying in baseball!

James

January 21st, 2011
1:53 pm

January 21st, 2011
1:28 pm

“Lots of people care about the Dream. They’ll be the ones laughing next September when Kathy Betty and MaryNell are hoisting the WNBA championship while the rest are going through NFL withdrawal during the lockout!”

The Dream won’t be winning a title for awhile either especially since Maya Moore will be in the WNBA soon she will be the #1 pick for the (Minnesota Lynx) so they will probably win the title.

Mitchell

January 21st, 2011
1:53 pm

JIMBOB (aka James Robert)

January 21st, 2011
1:40 pm

someone may have already mentioned it, but getting the Olympics was kind of like a big win for the city.

Yeah, the Olympics were pretty exciting, except for that part where a bomb went off.

The Joker...

January 21st, 2011
1:54 pm

Its tough being a Falcon Fan or any other Fan in the State of Georgia. My Father still has nightmares about that 1981 playoff game, he said that the Falcons should had literally walked in the SuperBowl and won it that year, he said that the dallas game put Falcon Fans in a state of depression for years. Still today, he says he will NEVER pull for the cowboys under any circumstance. I wasn’t born until shortly after that 1980 Falcon team but I have been a huge Professional and College Sports Fan in the State of Georgia long enough to know that you should always hope for the best but expect the worse…. Someone please destroy the voodoo doll that has been sticking us in the spine for years!!!!!!!

misterwax

January 21st, 2011
1:54 pm

1969 – Atlanta Chiefs North American Soccer League, Phil Woosnam….
long before there ws hockey in town….need to know the city’s history before you write.

Calm Down

January 21st, 2011
1:55 pm

That’s why Sports Illustrated knows Atlanta as “Loserville”.

John

January 21st, 2011
1:55 pm

The Atlanta Chiefs did win the North American Soccer League championship in 1968. Georgia has won national championships in sports other than football.

Ted Striker

January 21st, 2011
1:56 pm

JSS — Agree with you about the Dream.

Btw, if the Dream were to sign a couple members of Athens’ Classic City Rollergirls as enforcers, it would make the old 80’s Detroit Pistons teams look like a roster of country gentlemen. For that matter, Mike Smith might want to consider trying “Rollergirls” out at fullback if anything ever happens to Ovie Mughelli. They may not catch a pass any better than Michael Turner but I’ll bet they can block like Michael Oher with Sandra Bullock in the stands.

http://bit.ly/hTwfEK

Mark — Thanks for providing the clip. Only time I’ve ever seen the fateful drive as I was at a wedding that day. Sneaked to the car to hear the last few minutes of the game. Ugh. Did notice this from watching the clip. Falcons were putting a heckuva rush on White. But man did they get burned on the screen play. Other thing. The skill players all looked so slow compared to guys today….except for Dorsett. Darned if he didn’t kill UGA in ‘76 (I was too young to remember that) and the Falcons in ‘81.

When I was a kid I could never get my dad to explain to me sufficiently why the Bulldogs never played the Falcons. (One day my dad told me “son, it’s because the Bulldogs would beat the Falcons.”)

MF

January 21st, 2011
1:58 pm

I’m Buffalo born, Atlanta raised. I know sports pain.

Biggest Loser

January 21st, 2011
1:58 pm

Biggest losers……

San Diego
Seattle
Atlanta

Overachievers….

Green Bay. Wherever the heck that place is has more championships than Atlanta, about 1 championship for every 500 people.

Anaheim. 2 major championships this century alone, Angels and Ducks. Both teams still being run well. Anaheim? Lol. Or is it Cucamonga?

red & wack

January 21st, 2011
2:00 pm

I want a do over! Let’s get a outdoor stadium for the Falcons.

The Joker

January 21st, 2011
2:01 pm

Its tough being a Falcon Fan or any other Fan in the State of Georgia….My Dad still tells me about that 1981 playoff game and he says that the Falcons should have literally walked into the SuperBowl and won it that year. He says that that dallas game put Falcon Fans in a state of depression for years, and to this day he saids that he will NEVER pull for the cowboys under any circumstance. I was born shortly after that 1980 season, and I have been a Professional and College Sports Fan long enough to know that you should hope for the best but expect the worse…. Someone please destroy this voodoo doll that has been sticking us in the spine for years!!!!!

The Baltimore Browns

January 21st, 2011
2:01 pm

I think Cleveland might have it slightly worse (even though Atlanta does have it pretty bad) because:

1) The Indians first chance to win a series since 1948… lost to none other than the Atlanta Braves.

2) The uncomprehensibly beloved Browns were a football juggernaut until the invention of the Super Bowl and have sucked until the team was literally stolen out of our town to Baltimore. Super Bowl winner two years later: the Baltimore Ravens.

3) The Browns have won something in the ballpark of 35 games total since 1999.

4) Condolences for the awful sports? Atlanta: beautiful weather, beautiful people. Cleveland? ummm, not so much on either point.

5) LeBron James. You didn’t see Greg Maddux jumping ship to win a title did you? Although there was Kovalchuk…nevermind; forget this one.

Don’t get me wrong; Atlanta’s got it pretty bad too. I think maybe this is just a Clevelander trying to win SOMETHING even if it’s the title for “worst”. Or maybe as a newer resident, I’m trying to identify with my new home.

GSU Eagle 91

January 21st, 2011
2:06 pm

Mark….
I just watched the 5:32 clip of Danny White torching the Falcon Defense….I watched it as a 19 year old when it happened, in total disbelief, and it still is the toughest loss as a Falcon fan for me. The team simply laid down on that drive and let Dallas walk all over them.
Thank goodness I went to school at GA Southern, where our coach and team knew how to WIN games like these in the 1980’s.

Jameytime

January 21st, 2011
2:08 pm

This looks familiar….
http://clatl.com/freshloaf/archives/2011/01/20/bens-sports-take-worst-loss-in-atlanta-sports-history

JASon

January 21st, 2011
2:12 pm

“Even if we don’t know what will go wrong this time, we’ve seen enough to know something will. We live in Atlanta, where something always does.”

So true.

MY CITY

January 21st, 2011
2:13 pm

HOME TEAM!

playoffs?

January 21st, 2011
2:19 pm

I hate to bring up the Dream here too but they also lost in the finals this past year.

vafalconfan

January 21st, 2011
2:19 pm

OK, but Philly and Pittsburgh are two of the filthiest, dreadful, coldest places to live in the entire US of A. They come south because they want a better life..would not live there for all the rice in China.

UGAFan

January 21st, 2011
2:20 pm

But, Mark, the Braves won “14 straight championships,” according to the Bobby Cox butt-kissers on the Braves blogs.

te29wr

January 21st, 2011
2:21 pm

HOW MANY PULITZER PRIZES HAVE YOU WON DURING THIS TIME MARK?

a

January 21st, 2011
2:22 pm

lehman bennet vs tom landry.
nuff said

JS

January 21st, 2011
2:23 pm

Didn’t the Atlanta Chiefs win the North American Soccer League championship in 1968?

Frozen Tundra

January 21st, 2011
2:26 pm

Mark was talking about major sports. That’s why he omitted the Atlanta Chiefs.

Frozen Tundra

January 21st, 2011
2:27 pm

And the .007 is rather appropriate… they kill our hopes every season.

A Tech Fan Forever

January 21st, 2011
2:29 pm

Well, Bradley, I don’t like the Headline…….it’s misleading, and probably meant to be so. The City of Atlanta does not, I repeat does not, have a lousy sports history. It just that you choose to focus on spoiled brats and thugs who could care less about Atlanta and their sports history…..all they care about is money, money and more money and making a name for themselves in the game of thuggery. Stop focusing on pro sports and take your damn blinders off and read of some of the great sports teams of Atlanta’s past……High School Teams and College Teams. There are a lot of great stories there about great teams and athletes……of course, since you don’t know how to write a “Great Sport Story”, or even recognize one for that matter, you’d have to use a ghost writer

JS

January 21st, 2011
2:29 pm

oops, should have read through ALL of the comments B4 posting. This was already noted. It was the same yr. the Atlanta side cleaned the clock of England powerhouse Manchester City twice

Dirty Pimp

January 21st, 2011
2:31 pm

Mark I’m so glad you wrote this article. I’ve been saying the same thing for years. Atlanta fans don’t suck, our teams do in big moments, and we’re sick and tired of it. Everybody outside of the city think our teams are always terrible, that’s not the case. We’ve had some good teams here, that did bupkiss in the playoffs. That Falcons game was a perfect example of how we get the reputation. As you could see we showed up, but the team didn’t. Atlanta fans aren’t terrible we’re cynical!

bob

January 21st, 2011
2:34 pm

Mark you forgot about that Atlanta Chief’s banner that is hanging in the Atlanta Fulton County Stadium rafters. Well maybe it is in the dump nowadays, but those great memories linger as an Atlanta sports pinnacle moment.

Sid

January 21st, 2011
2:35 pm

I guess I’ll return my Ga Bulldog and Ga Tech National Championship Coke bottles.

Milledgeville Dawg

January 21st, 2011
2:36 pm

Please go home now Mark Bradley, you are not liked here in GEORGIA!!

E Watkins

January 21st, 2011
2:38 pm

Hey Mark, Atlanta has two if you count the pro soccer team we had back in the 70’s, they won one. Don’t remember the year but maybe you can look it up.

bob

January 21st, 2011
2:38 pm

Oops never mind, Chiefs have been addressed already. Besides everyone in Atlanta seems to root for some perrenial winning franchise anyway, but the Braves & Falcons are this local boys team.

Who Dat?

January 21st, 2011
2:38 pm

It appears most of you are missing some of what this article is about, the ATL Fans are fair-weather. I couldn’t agree more. I laughed so hard when they were claiming their fans were the “12th Man” knowing that if the going got rough they would turn tails and run. Go to Greenbay some time and see all the fans staying to the bitter (cold) end even if the team is losing. Check out all the Chicago Cubs fans, they support their team every year no matter what. Most of the comments confirm what I believe, they are a bunch of winers and cry babbies! WAH WAH thats not fair.

TM

January 21st, 2011
2:45 pm

I’d like to add a tag line to the article:

You can read about it and hear about it all you want, but unless you have lived through it… you truly don’t fully understand it.

RTR

January 21st, 2011
2:48 pm

Mark… you are officially my new favorite writer! As an Atlanta native we need some championships!

JR1967

January 21st, 2011
2:49 pm

To Tommy: You mention the Vikes of the 70s and the Mets of the 80s, but here’s the big difference: Minnesota has had two World Series Titles (1987 and 1991), and New York City has had championships in other sports (Giants in 1986, 1990, 2007), the multiple Yankees World Series Titles over the last two decades plus the Stanley Cup titles of the Islanders (1980-1983) and the NY Rangers in 1994.

As for Atlanta, well…………………………

JSS

January 21st, 2011
2:49 pm

James
January 21st, 2011
1:53 pm

January 21st, 2011
1:28 pm
“The Dream won’t be winning a title for awhile either especially since Maya Moore will be in the WNBA soon she will be the #1 pick for the (Minnesota Lynx) so they will probably win the title.”

They’d need six Maya Moore’s and Dianna Taurisi to touch the Dream, Sun, Mercury, or Storm…. Sorry to tell you, but the Dream has a young superstar who’d I’d take in WNBA showdown with Moore any night of the week: Angel McCoughtry! And it would not even be close! Love Maya since she is the 2nd best player this State ever produced….

LawDawg

January 21st, 2011
2:57 pm

And the Falcons shout “good grief”

Ed Zachary

January 21st, 2011
3:01 pm

At least we’re not Kansas City

indigo

January 21st, 2011
3:09 pm

I’m just wondering: what percentage of the NFL cities have won a championship since the Falcons came into existence?

What percentage of Major league baseball cities have won a World Series since he Braves moved to Atlanta?

Ditto with the Hawks.

Not to diminish Atlanta’s failures, but I suspect the city’s record is not that unique.

Ueeediot

January 21st, 2011
3:10 pm

It is not a lousy title

JSS

January 21st, 2011
3:10 pm

Ed Zachary
January 21st, 2011
3:01 pm
“At least we’re not Kansas City”

KC has two since the modern era… Chiefs in 1970 and the Royals in 1985…

heartofdarkness

January 21st, 2011
3:12 pm

Negative. Negative, Mark. Look at how no heavily attended championship games reduced traffic flow has reduced congestion downtown. BTW, Woody Johnson, owner of the Jets, pointed out on CNBC today, that championships drive up the operating costs of the team that gets the crown, which is not recovered in increased attendance or gate.

Andy

January 21st, 2011
3:13 pm

The good news is, not one of the four teams needs serious work done. All four look to be annual playoff contenders (maybe a stretch with the Thrashers, but they’re pointing in the right direction), and all four have a foundation of good young talent. Come April, we may have two more teams to be excited about in the playoffs. As an Atlanta sports fan, and not solely a Falcons fan, waiting until April is a lot easier than waiting until January 2012.

CBI Cadet

January 21st, 2011
3:17 pm

Haven’t brought the Falcons much luck in attending the Super Bowl vs. Broncos, NFC Championship vs. the Eagles and the Packers debacle (although we did stay till the end). Heard on the radio as we started the 500-mile trip home that Saturday was the worst night in Atlanta sports history. There have been a lot of tough nights. But also a lot of great nights.

Atlanta's sad sports history: One lousy title in 148 pro seasons … | Daily News 24x7 World News

January 21st, 2011
3:20 pm

[...] See original here: Atlanta's sad sports history: One lousy title in 148 pro seasons … [...]

Motocross Survivor

January 21st, 2011
3:20 pm

Sheeeeit, who cares? Unless you’re a sports writer, one of the players, or sell $10 hotdogs and $3 t-shirts for $30 what difference does it make to dopey fans? They leave the arenas just as broke as they were before, just as fat (usually fatter) and their kid still eats boogers. What a waste of dough. I sometimes watch Falcon games on TV, but as far as baseball or basketball, Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.

JSS

January 21st, 2011
3:23 pm

Since the Falcons entered the League in 1966, only the Eagles, Lions, Vikings, Cardinals, Panthers, Oilers, Chargers, Seahawks, Jaguars, Texans, Browns, and Bills have failed to win a title. 3 expansion teams have won Super Bowls before them… Two expansion teams The Bucs and Saints, and two relocated franchises the Rams and Ravens (the old Browns) have won Super Bowls before them,

Dumbo

January 21st, 2011
3:26 pm

Bradley…you are a idiot…are you so arrogant, that you won’t include the 1968 Atlanta Chiefs Champions of the NASL….you butthead. I know in 1968 you were in training pants and didn’t know what soccer was…still no excuse.

Mitchell

January 21st, 2011
3:26 pm

Who Dat?

January 21st, 2011
2:38 pm

It appears most of you are missing some of what this article is about, the ATL Fans are fair-weather. I couldn’t agree more. I laughed so hard when they were claiming their fans were the “12th Man” knowing that if the going got rough they would turn tails and run.

Wait a minute. What about when the Rangers were eviscerating the Yankees in the ALCS this year?

As soon as Games 3 and 4 got clearly out of hand, those people were running for the exits like it was a hundred yard dash.

Those supposedly die hard New York fans emptied out Yankee Stadium in absolutely stunning fashion.

The fact is nobody wants to see their team lose and as has been well documented our teams lose more often than not.

In the case of the Braves more than any other, they always seem to do it in their home ballpark.

Really, at a certain point it became so self-evident it was just futile. Who would want to pay to see that year after year? The ones that did should have been given one free beer per game.

Anybody who had tickets for both Games 3 and 4 of the NLDS last year and who could still find it within themselves to show up for Game 4 after what unfolded the previous night is a stronger man then I.

The game is played on the field, not in the stands.

Calm Down

January 21st, 2011
3:30 pm

Dumbo, you have definately assigned an appropriate name for yourself and who gives a rat’s behind about the NASL??

Hillbilly Deluxe

January 21st, 2011
3:36 pm

Check out all the Chicago Cubs fans, they support their team every year no matter what.

If you’ll go their website and read their blog comments, you’ll find many there are less than happy. Quite a few of them are wanting to run Jim Hendry out of town.

Native Atlantan

January 21st, 2011
3:39 pm

I heard this years ago in a bar – probably the Brave Falcon

“Have you heard they have sold the (pick an Atlanta team) to a group of businessmen from the Phillipines? They’re going to move them to Manila and call them the Manila Folders.”

JSS

January 21st, 2011
3:43 pm

Calm Down
January 21st, 2011
3:30 pm
“Dumbo, you have definately assigned an appropriate name for yourself and who gives a rat’s behind about the NASL?”

About the same amount of folks who enjoy watching grown men obsess over 18 year old boys 24/7… About the same who get geeked about putting on a dayglow vest and sitting in a tree stand when it’s 18 degrees and having an orgasm at the sight of a 700 lb American antelope… The list could go on and on….

Ben

January 21st, 2011
3:44 pm

Thanks Mark. I actually find these kinds of articles rather cathartic. I’m so sick of people thanking the Falcons for a great year. WHY? We accomplished LESS than the Seahawks. People want to point to the new ownership and a more stable franchise but NOTHING is guaranteed. You have to take it when you get the chance.

What in our history tells us that “we’ll get ‘em next year”? All evidence says we won’t, and worse it’ll probably be a step back.

Combine this with the current state of things in Athens and it’s enough to want to take unplug from sports in general.

Sincerely,

Sick and tired of being sick and tired

RussDawg

January 21st, 2011
3:44 pm

Gee Whiz Bradley after bringing up all these wonderful memories how about a shot or two of Black Label ?

Pope UGA XXIII

January 21st, 2011
3:46 pm

How about Atlanta’s sad sports journalism history ?
There are times that Bradley & Schultz are about as useful
as a screen door in a submarine

Mark Bradley`s Booster

January 21st, 2011
3:49 pm

There is a reason the Atlanta teams do not win championships which is the fact that they lose the
playoff games to teams that play better when the
stakes are highest. There is no pattern about the loses that can validate any consistent way the loses happen.
any other reason

Bob Griffith

January 21st, 2011
3:50 pm

What about the Chiefs world championship in late 60’s (futbol)

VolGuy

January 21st, 2011
3:51 pm

I must agree with your column. With the exception of a few bright spots, Atlanta pro sports has a history of futility. While it may be true that Atlanta is not a great sports town (and who really cares what others say, anyway), it is equally true that no Atlanta team has a history of consistent success. The Braves burned brightly for a few years, but I think their numerous post-season chokes were at least one reason why Braves fans became blase about them as the years went by. The Falcons appear to be on the upswing, but this year’s playoff embaressment will probaly cause some fans to adopt a “show me” attitude. The Hawks and Thrashers are owned by a bunch of well heeled men who talk a good game while spending more time in court suing each other than they do building a decent team. Th hawks are just good enough to be mediocr and boring and they can’t compete with the better teams in the post-season. The Thrashers are a complete bore. We all know they probably won’t make the playoffs and if they do they will fold like a cheap suit. I think the Thrashers time in Atlanta is coming to a close soon. If it weren’t for the lousy economy, they would probably be gone already. So how long can you expect fans of the Atlanta pro teams to use their hard earned wages (if they have job at all) to pay ever increasing ticket prices for teams that are, in the main, boring, predictable and composed of grossly over paid and under acheiving players?

Former ATL Knight

January 21st, 2011
3:52 pm

@ Dawg Tell…nice try with Cleveland, but last time I checked they don’t have a hockey team. Even in the financial pages, Atlanta teams are near the bottom. See the article in the AJC on Atlanta Spirit. Not only do Atlanta teams not win titles, but they also lose a lot of money. I smell a new open-air football stadium being shoved down our throats.

Skeezix

January 21st, 2011
4:01 pm

Why Mark? Why bring up that slider Wohlers thru to Leyritz? Just when I’ve pushed that awful memory way back into the recesses of my mind—you write about it. Now all that pain has returned, as I again see that fat pitch hanging up right over the middle of the plate and Leyritz pouncing on it.

A slider! A slider! From a guy who thru unhittable 100+ mph fastballs!!?? I’m gonna go visit Jack Daniels.

JSS

January 21st, 2011
4:03 pm

Skeezix
January 21st, 2011
4:01 pm
“A slider! A slider! From a guy who thru unhittable 100+ mph fastballs!!?? I’m gonna go visit Jack Daniels.”

At least you’re not cheap!

ATLien

January 21st, 2011
4:04 pm

I don’t believe Seattle has won a pro sports championship. I could be wrong though. I can’t remember if the Sonics, Seahawks, or Mariners have won a title.

With the obvious defensive issues of the Falcons and Liberty Media’s unwillingness to spend the necessary money to compete with the Phillies, I don’t see a pro sports championship in the near future for this city. I like the Hawks, but too many good teams in the Eastern Conference to for us to even make the NBA Finals.

By the way, I want to throw up everytime I hear the name Jim Leyritz. Isn’t he in jail?

Mitchell

January 21st, 2011
4:10 pm

Ben

January 21st, 2011
3:44 pm

Thanks Mark. I actually find these kinds of articles rather cathartic.

Yes, thank you. Somebody gets it.

You’re the man, Ben.

Why people always act like there’s a bright side to this stuff or where they think the bright side is, I do not know.

That’s what’s wrong in this town. People are too forgiving.

Why the hell would I want to buy a “Thanks Bobby” T-shirt in honor of our supposedly great manager? Thanks for what?

For losing the most playoff games in the history of baseball?

Bobby Cox should have been fired in 1996. The only reason he won 2000 games is because he had accountability for losing in the playoffs. He managed with impunity and in one of the least critical media markets in the country.

I’d like to have seen him try to last five years in New York with the pressure Joe Torre had from all around to win championships.

What a joke.

GwinnettDad

January 21st, 2011
4:11 pm

I suppose it isn’t all the unusual for Atlantans to complain about their lack of championships. But get something really straight! No matter how unfortunate Atlantans might think they are, remember this, Atlanta is NOT Cleveland!

And if anybody would wish to trade the records of Cleveland teams for the record of Atlanta teams since 1965, they are out of their minds! They are idiots! Fools! Dolts!

Atlantans can bitch, just as they do about the weather here, but trade with Cleveland? Forget it. Don’t consider it. Bless your good fortune that you share Atlanta’s record, and not Cleveland’s. Did Smoltz or Glavine leave the Braves the year after they won their Cy Young? Did a 2 time MVP call a press conference to announce he was escaping Atlanta? Hell no! Did the Atlanta NFL team leave town? Atlantans have NOTHING to complain about! Nothing!

Atlanta got their baseball team from Milwaukee and their basketball team from St. Louis. People move here by choice.

So bitch if you want, but if you bitch too much, your nothing but spoiled brats, because other cities have it much, much worse.

Mitchell

January 21st, 2011
4:13 pm

… he had no accountability…

Seriously

January 21st, 2011
4:25 pm

You forgot the IHL Cup won by the Knights!!!

JR1967

January 21st, 2011
4:26 pm

ATLien: Seattle won an NBA Title in 1979, winning over Washington 4 games to 3.

GwinnettDad

January 21st, 2011
4:27 pm

Oh, and a few more things, a special on ESPN recently had the biggest turning points in NFL playoff history. Rated 3rd and 2nd all time? John Elway and “The Drive” defeating the Cleveland Browns was rated 3rd. Can you imagine? Yeah, “The Drive” damaged the brains of a bunch of decent Browns fan, and the scars haven’t healed today. Ernest Byner’s fumble on the 2 yd. line that robbed the Browns of a 38-38 tie, after being down 31-7 at half, was rated 2nd. Or being up 2-1 going into the bottom of the ninth in the 7th game of the World Series, and losing 3-2 in 11 against Florida in 1997? It’s Cleveland that can legitimately sing, “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen, nobody knows the sorrow!”

Un-fair weather fan

January 21st, 2011
4:28 pm

Mitchell: “Why the hell would I want to buy a “Thanks Bobby” T-shirt in honor of our supposedly great manager? Thanks for what?

For losing the most playoff games in the history of baseball?

Bobby Cox should have been fired in 1996. The only reason he won 2000 games is because he had accountability for losing in the playoffs. He managed with impunity and in one of the least critical media markets in the country.”

Boy is that ever the truth. You’re spot on, Mitchell.

Ben

January 21st, 2011
4:28 pm

Yeah Mitchell, misery loves company I guess. Hopefully this current generation of Atlanta pro fans passes their bitterness off to their kids and the next generation will be less forgiving and hold ownership and players more accountable.

ATL4life

January 21st, 2011
4:30 pm

It is the city that causes us to lose. Tear down all the stadiums and build in Flowery Branch or Gwinett.

Ben

January 21st, 2011
4:31 pm

GwinnettDad, what do you want, a medal? Okay, you win. Cleveland is the absolute worst.

But, for all your bluster and yelling, Atlanta has exactly ONE more Championship than they do.

Pretty sure they already had more playoff series wins in basketball than the Hawks BEFORE Lebron was there. Pretty sure they have more post-season NFL playoff wins in their history a well.

You’re right. Cleveland is loserville but don’t act like Atlanta isn’t a suburb of Loserville.

mashby11

January 21st, 2011
4:32 pm

Mark I appreciate the article and even though I do invest into each of the 4 sports teams in Atlanta, we are simply a microwave city that needs the patience of a crock pot. Though I agree, it is a sad thing that we can’t seem to win we need to give the Falcons and Hawks (and those other birds that no one really cares for) a few more chances. The Falcons are on the right track. The Hawks are on the right track. I believe it starts with the top and down from there. The Falcons are the only ones who want to win. The Braves have some crappy ownership, the Hawks and Thrashers have people who don’t care about our great city!
As in most of your annoying articles. I do agree with you to some extent, but I also want us to know that we need to have faith in our teams. Whenever people lose the wounds hurt. All it is, is that is needs to take time.

One more...

January 21st, 2011
4:49 pm

Don’t forget UGA. They won the title “#1 Party School” and the Fulmer/Richt Cup.

And there are the infamous red panties.

gt

January 21st, 2011
4:51 pm

Southerners really don’t care about pro sports. Like everything else in America, athletes are grown down south. They start in our high schools and work up to our colleges and then are picked off by a Pittsburgh or a Buffalo to be exploded for civic pride when most of the areas they play had nothing to do with these talented carpetbaggers outside writing checks ,a thing found most objectionable when done at the lower levels. There is something about watching a fat bellied truck driver, drunk in the end zone patting down a player that has just scored a touchdown that just doesn’t work here. Why even be loyal to one pro sport’s team, unlike college these mercenaries have absolutely no control of where they play, and outside the money wouldn’t be caught dead in places like Utah or Kansas City. And for a sport’s writer who is nothing more than a high paid ticket salesman, who if not for these gypsy athletes would be having to find a real job, to berate the place that allows him this life of Riley is even more over my head. As long as we have the homegrown kids playing in Athens and in Atlanta, against other homegrown kids why do we need an alternative of a northern adoption system making us watch our southern kids wearing Philadelphia or New York or New England colors beating the people who made them who they are in the first place? Most of the people coming late and leaving early are Yankee transplants that live up the 400 carter like refugees, and spend 24/7 talking about the dumb southerns. I think the first time I ever heard the F word as a kid was in old Atlanta Stadium at a Falcons game and I have been saying it with a Yankee accent every since.

Jeff

January 21st, 2011
4:52 pm

I thought I had seen it all, until a few weeks ago when the Atlanta Dream had a chance at the WNBA title and they flashed on the screen a graphic with ” Atlanta Major Sports Titles” showing the Chiefs in ‘68, the Braves in ‘95 and the Dream in 2010 with a question mark. Seriously?
Sports Illustrated twice has had articles on Atlanta Sports titled “Losersville USA” and is likely preparing a third one…..

Billy Bob

January 21st, 2011
4:58 pm

goddamn I use to hate the way the Cowboys did their silly little “everyone up” at the line before the offensive snap.

The new Cleveland | Rowland's Office

January 21st, 2011
5:08 pm

[...] new Cleveland Posted on 01/21/2011 by atlmalcontent| Leave a comment Mark Bradley reviews a sorry history: Since big-time professional sports arrived in 1966, teams sailing under the Atlanta flag have [...]

SID

January 21st, 2011
5:08 pm

What the heck, everyone made $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

GwinnettDad

January 21st, 2011
5:16 pm

@Ben, Atlanta is a VERY distant suburb behind Buffalo, for sure, and Milwaukee as well. Atlanta at least has a professional hockey team. Besides, how many comedians make fun of Atlanta vs. Cleveland? How many TV shows have Atlanta in their title to suggest ridicule or incompetence? How many movies? (”Major Leagues”) Nah! Ben, you have no idea!

Oh, yeah, I might be guilty of an official rant. Doesn’t my rant prove my point? You can’t rant like a brain damaged Clevelander cuz you don’t have the scars. Nobody in Atlanta does! YOU never grew up in a stadium that seated 72,000 minimum for baseball (80,000 for football) and had maybe 2,500 people at a game night after night in the 60’s. The applause of the few refugees, er fans, seated resonated like they were yelling inside of a large steel garbage can! You haven’t been at a baseball game that was forfeited in the 9th inning because too many drunk fans ran out on to the field during beer baseball night, and Billy Martin for the Texas Rangers couldn’t see their right fielder, so both dugouts emptied swinging baseball bats. No, Ben, you’ve got nothing close. You’re not even, so to speak, in the ballpark..

GSU Eagle 91

January 21st, 2011
5:17 pm

That Atlanta Chiefs title in 1968 is just as valid a title as one in any of the other 4 pro sports.
So we have 2…not just 1….
This Falcon team was not good enough to win the Super Bowl…Corners who can’t cover one-on-one, weak defensive tackles, and no speed at the skill positions outside of Roddy White, and Harry Douglas, who played very little.
Matt Ryan needs a young TE with Speed! Tony G is a HOF’er but he cannot get open anymore..and another speedy WR who can catch the ball, giving Roddy some one on one coverage with the opposing D…

jerry

January 21st, 2011
5:21 pm

It’s the owners, stupid, it’s the owners.

jerry

January 21st, 2011
5:22 pm

The Falcons were not good enough because the people in charge did not make them good enough.

j

January 21st, 2011
5:24 pm

You are right Jerry, thats the problem. We just have rarely had ownership that cares enough about winning titles to spend enough money to get one, Ted Turner notwithstanding. Falcons, Hawks, Thrashers (and Flames) have all been mired in awful ownership/management situations for as long as I can remember. Hell, even the DREAM can’t win a title.

tman

January 21st, 2011
5:26 pm

Why’d you have to include the Dallas clip, Mark? Bad memories. I watched that game when I was fifteen, and had a bad feeling about it the whole time. I just KNEW Dallas would come back, and sure enough, they did. Ugh. BTW Mark, I’ve been reading your columns about the same amount of time. Back to when you had a moustache and curly hair. Keep up the writing!

j

January 21st, 2011
5:26 pm

Arthur is obviously a wonderful owner, so maybe the better management will yield a championship soon, but i wont bet on it. We could all have become millionaires betting against this city’s sports teams.

1911A1

January 21st, 2011
5:26 pm

I see two issues at work here:

It would be interesting to see the percentage of faithful fans that are Georgia natives; I suspect it would be disproportionately high. As has been mentioned many times in these blogs, Atlanta is a region populated by a majority of people from other regions (if not countries.) I was a Braves fan back when Joe Torre was catcher; that should tell you which group I’m in. But the issue remains, the majority of people here come from other regions and bring their old loyalties with them.

Another issue – one that has also been mentioned numerous times – is that because pro sports is a relatively new phenomenon in Georgia (45 years vs. 100+), there isn’t a multigenerational fan base like there is in a New York or a Chicago. There is such a base, however, at the college sports level – witness the number of posters on these blogs with the screen name of “Fill-in-the-blank Dawg” for proof of that.

Najeh Davenpoop

January 21st, 2011
5:43 pm

How many teams with bad ownership have ever won titles in any sport? ATL’s sports teams have been cursed with bad ownership for the majority of their existence. The Falcons finally have a good owner. The other three teams are still waiting.

J.C. from N GA

January 21st, 2011
5:44 pm

TU-SHAY! Mark

J.C. from N GA

January 21st, 2011
5:46 pm

Yes indeed Mark Bradley: TU-SHEY!!!

FACTS

January 21st, 2011
5:56 pm

@Najeh Davenpoop

Finally the truth. Mark Bradley you wrote an article about ASG today about lying, Atlanta has been the victim of poor ownership for years. The problem with being an Atlanta fan, is you look at things like its a honeymoon til you realize you are not gonna make it. Blank needs too demand more accountability on the defense, the Rooney’s have!

Billy Jack

January 21st, 2011
6:00 pm

the utube video from Jan 1981 hurt again..thanks MB…that was a gut shot..still hurts

call me crazy but the 1981 loss hurt worse than last Saturday’s in my pea brain..I’m 42 and feeling blue

Robert

January 21st, 2011
6:03 pm

How many major prizes for sports writing have AJC sportswriters won? Just curious.

Dejay

January 21st, 2011
6:14 pm

Oh man, I remember being at AFCS for that game. That had to be the longest ride home I ever had in my life. I never saw my dad cry before or since that game. I still can’t stomach the highlights to this day and since I don’t feel like flinging my laptop in disgust after watching Roland Lawrence get spun around like a top again, I won’t watch them today. Bring up ‘1980′ to any longtime Atlanta sports fan and the terms ‘prevent defense’ and ‘Too Tall was offsides and the refs blew the call’, will come up along with a slew of ‘f’ bombs. A poster was on point earlier when he said that there was a pall over the city afterwards because we all knew that season was our shot to win a title. We knew that then-owner Rankin Smith was going to gut the team in order to save $$$ (and no small wonder, a players strike came about a year later) and it would take years to get back to that point. Mix in the Missing and Murdered Children case going on and the Flames leaving town around the same time and I can tell you, it was a bad, BAD time to be a sports fan here.

Now fast forward to today. The problem we have in this town is the lack of accountability from the folks in charge. Mitchell hit this on the head, a bullseye on the mark. The lack of postseason success by the Braves (and to a smaller extent, the Hawks) has ruined sports watching in this town FOREVER. Because of that, we always go in with our emotions (and checkbooks) guarded because no matter how good things appear to be, the other shoe always seems to drop like an anvil does on Wil E. Coyote (last Saturday night ring a bell?)

It’s not just because they lost in some of the most indignant forms possible to man; it’s because the guys in charge can still wake up the day after, eat cereal, walk around town, and crow about how ‘great’ a season they had. You think Patriot fans in Boston are crowing about their 14-3 season right now? You think Eagle or Raven fans are sending e-mails thanking their teams for such a successful regular season?

And for the folks who want to call people like us a bunch of ‘Negative Nancies’, answer this question; would Bobby Cox had gotten a sendoff in NYC, Philly, or Boston if he led any of their teams to 13 playoff defeats in 14 straight chances like he did here? With three HOFers in his rotation? With guys like Justice, Gant, McGriff, Lopez, Chipper, Big Cat, Sheffield, et al in his lineup at varying times? No need to respond because we all know the answer, don’t we? Yet he was as safe as a newborn baby in his mother’s arms here. Even after Jim Leyritz and Sterling Hitchcock. Even after expansion teams like the D-Backs and Marlins win as many (and in the Marlins’ case, more) titles than they do. Even after squads who never win like the Cubs and Astros finished splashing champagne on each other in the middle of Turner Field. And the national media have the gall to wonder why sooooo many folks threw up their hands and stopped going to playoff games???? Really?

The Hawks can win 50+ games again and no one will care because we know that they have NO SHOT AT WINNING THE EAST AS CURRENTLY CONSTRUCTED. That’s not my opinion; that’s a fact. The Braves can have another 90-win season and they’ll still have a hard time getting folks to the ballpark. Why? Because the perception is that they’ll find a way to lose in October (again). Again, that’s not my opinion; that’s a fact.

The challenge the Falcons have is to not become the Braves and, dear Lord, not the Hawks. They talk about ‘the process’, which is working so far. Now it’s time to accelerate that process by bringing in the finishing pieces after the CBA is done and not settling for just making the guest list in the hot club like the other two love to brag about. What I’ve heard from AB so far gives me confidence that he knows what direction the wind is blowing and won’t allow complacency to ruin his franchise like it did the other two. The main reason why folks have so little faith in the Braves and Hawks is because they are completely satisfied with having a winning program, making the playoffs, and nothing more. How else can you explain Bobby Cox sticking around so long while Grady Little and Buck Showalter get run for losing in the playoffs elsewhere? No small wonder, both the Red Sox and Yankees started winning titles after they were sent packing; go figure.

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater

January 21st, 2011
6:17 pm

maybe we need sherman to come through again and burn the city and start all over again?? thoughts??

Najeh Davenpoop

January 21st, 2011
6:18 pm

I’m just tired of hearing the national media criticizing Atlanta sports fans, as if we have some championship caliber franchises in Atlanta that we are not supporting. The Hawks in the mid-80s drew well until the fans started to realize that they would never get over the hump in the second round. The Braves drew well throughout the ’90s until the fans started to realize that their window of opportunity to win titles was closing. The Falcons drew well when Vick was here, and have begun to draw well under the new regime, despite the lack of a playoff game. The Thrashers, well… let’s not go there.

We get criticized in particular by the national media for not supporting the 50 win Hawks, but even those of us who are die hard Hawks fans realize that this team’s ceiling is far below what it takes to win a title. And it’s not like they are doing anything to improve the team to that elite level anyway.

Bottom line is, Atlanta sports fans may be hard to please, but we are not stupid. Why the hell should we support franchises that clearly are not interested in winning titles?

Ted Striker

January 21st, 2011
6:19 pm

I once suffered bitter losses as much as any fan. There’s nothing remotely pleasant about any loss. However, I don’t worry nearly that much about such things now.

If your the woman you love develops stage 4 breast cancer or you find yourself caring for both parents because of illness/injury — or any number of things like could happen in life — sports losses tend to hurt a little less.

Sports has never been better in my view. The wins are still wonderful and the losses don’t have nearly the same sting they once did…it’s not life or death.

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater

January 21st, 2011
6:23 pm

agreed Ted Striker that family comes first before anything.

FACTS

January 21st, 2011
6:26 pm

Tom Landry was a genius look at the way he spreaded the defense!

ohmy

January 21st, 2011
6:27 pm

1968 Atlanta Chiefs. NASL Champions…2

native

January 21st, 2011
6:28 pm

Don’t often agree with you Mark but your article is spot-on. I was a senior in high school in Atl at the time of that Falcons – Cowboys game. Watching that still leaves a sick feeling in my gut. To me, by far the bleakest moment in Atlanta sports history.

FACTS

January 21st, 2011
6:30 pm

When will everyone understand that until the Falcons stop the leak on D ( nothing against Abraham you earned your pay ) The Falcons are going nowhere, no matter how much the fans care.

FACTS

January 21st, 2011
6:34 pm

WAKE UP! Teams can be great for years without winning a ring, this is not the first team too fall short who were knocking on the door for a few years, get over it! When is the last time B-more Ravens won a rring with that defense?

chas

January 21st, 2011
6:45 pm

Been watching the games in Atlanta for 35 years and it never gets an easier watching your team go down in flames. If the Braves had not snatched a World Championship in 1995 I would be with Chief in One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. I only wonder what I could or would have done with all the time I have spent watching Atlanta sports.

FACTS

January 21st, 2011
6:51 pm

OK is this the twilight zone, have the fans gone mad ; Knights & Chiefs com’n man is this your argument in a bar in Boston?

FACTS

January 21st, 2011
6:53 pm

Ok Bradley is CBn!

JSS

January 21st, 2011
7:02 pm

@ T. Striker…
” The wins are still wonderful and the losses don’t have nearly the same sting they once did…it’s not life or death.”

As usual, well said! And how well we know (unfortunately)!

dawg4u

January 21st, 2011
7:06 pm

As a long time fan of all Atlanta sports teams I must say that that youtube video from 1981 brought back a lot of bad feelings about what could have been. I still remember the Falcon loss to Dallas more than the Braves WS win over Cleveland in ‘95. The 1980 Falcons were the only time in their history that I really thought they were the best team in football. They went from being an attacking aggresive offensive team in the first half to one that was just sitting on their lead in the late 3rd and 4th quarter and it cost them. We haven’t had a team that good since, not even our Super Bowl team from ‘98. You never know if you will have that chance again so you really have to take advantage of it. The 1981 Falcons were supposed to be the class of the NFL and a betting favorite for the Super Bowl and what was their record in ‘81 – 7-9 after winning their first three games in impressive fashion. Take advantage of the time you have to win it all because it may never come again!

native

January 21st, 2011
7:06 pm

BTW, I believe it was Too Tall Jones, he was offsides on the previous Falcons possession, IF the refs woulda called it the Falcons coulda run out the clock.

Jeez I can’t believe I’m reliving and going back down this dark dark road…….

JSS

January 21st, 2011
7:07 pm

Mark Bradley
January 21st, 2011
6:39 pm
“The Knights don’t count: They were minor-league.”

And the first three years of the Thrashers were “major league?” Man, I know I was going through some things then, but that was “water boarding!

And the Chiefs regularly outdrew the Falcons back in 1968… And they didn’t stink! The Dead Bird logo lives!

JSS

January 21st, 2011
7:09 pm

You must have your “blog filter” on triple naught sensitive?

Legend of Len Barker

January 21st, 2011
7:15 pm

My father has repeatedly apologized over the years for raising to me to be a Falcons fan. I tell him it’s OK as he also raised me to be a Berrien High fan. They’ve had even less gridiron success. At least the Falcons go to the playoffs every now and then. Berrien’s been to state once in 55+ seasons.

I saw this year’s team as another 1980 squad. I’ve been telling all those around me for weeks that Bartkowski … er Ryan was going to lose to the Cowboys … er whichever playoff team they would see first. Had the Eagles won, Atlanta likely would have lost to the Seahawks.

I also predicted that interception and score right before the half. When it happened I apologized to Dad for suggesting it was going to happen. Not that it mattered. Then, now and for eternity.

marko

January 21st, 2011
7:22 pm

Atlanta Chiefs 1968 north American Soccer League Champions. Also beat beat Manchester city twice in exihibition play. Not to shabby for a bunch of over the hill drunks. Buy them a couple of beers, and they’d play the Falcons and beat them too.

JSS

January 21st, 2011
7:24 pm

dawg4u
January 21st, 2011
7:06 pm
“The 1981 Falcons were supposed to be the class of the NFL and a betting favorite for the Super Bowl and what was their record in ‘81 – 7-9 after winning their first three games in impressive fashion. Take advantage of the time you have to win it all because it may never come again!”

I will never forget game no. 3 of the 1981 season. I was a freshman in college in Michigan. We had run a cross-country meet the day before. One of the guys on my floor father was a Browns season ticket holder. We drove all the way to Cleveland that night. I was wearing my 1980 NFC West Champs T-shirt. The Browns fans were giving me pure heck! They just straight dismantled the Falcons. 28-17, Falcons were up 10-0 and the Browns put a 21 pt. spot on them in the 2nd quarter. They were never the same! Sound familiar?

It was Billy Sims rookie year with the Lions, so that made it a little better because I got to see the beginning of his too short career. But that when I realized the Falcons were “fools gold.” “Trust, but verify!”

hbcuclassics

January 21st, 2011
7:40 pm

2010 HBCU NFL Draft Board (1-6)

1. Kenrick Ellis 6-5, 340 DT Hampton
AP/FCS All-American, All-MEAC, 34 solo, 15TFL, 2 sacks

2. Clifford Eugene 6’1, 198 CB Tenn State
FCS All-American, 3x All-OVC, 4 Ints, 14 PDs

3. Johnny Culbreath 6’5, 285 OT SC State
AP/FCS All-American, 2x All-MEAC

4. Derrin Nettles 6’6, 320 DT Morehouse
AFCA All-American, All-SIAC,37 solo, 23 TFL, 14.5 sacks

5. Ibrahim Abdulai 6’3, 282 DT Ark-PB
All-SWAC, 31 solo, 18 TFL, 7.5 sacks

6. Frank Warren 5’10, 195 RB Grambling
FCS All-American, 2010 SWAC Offensive POY,
1,592 yd rushing, 3rd in NCAA

http://www.hbcuclassics.com

CobbGOPer

January 21st, 2011
8:13 pm

I would like to point out that even my lowly alma mater, Kennesaw State University, has a national championship, several in fact (mens b-ball, Div.II, 2004, two or three mens baseball champs for DII as well)… Actually, it rather pays better dividends to be exclusively a college sports fan around here. At least UGA, Tech, KSU, Ga.Southern win championships every so often… Which is more than we can say for the pros in this state, obviously.

People call us “fairweather” fans, but as MB points out, what freakin good is it to support these pros when we already know the outcome.

Jack

January 21st, 2011
8:14 pm

Fortunately, others have noted that you omitted the Atlanta Knights as the first championship in Atlanta. As I recall, the AJC’s front page headline at the time called them Atlanta’s first professional sports championship. If the AJC’s news side is going to take that position, it’s a little hypocritical for a sports opinion columnist to take a different view.

That said, sure, Atlanta has not seen professional sports championships. The South is so focused on college sports that I can live with that.

sluggo

January 21st, 2011
8:15 pm

I was at that game. First Atlanta sports event that I attended after moving here. Little did I know it would be sign of things to come…

1962 DAWG

January 21st, 2011
8:24 pm

Mark

You left out Lavander Hollifield!!! Boxing is a Professional sport you know??
Not the most prestiegous but, it is however a Professional Sport.

1962 DAWG

January 21st, 2011
8:25 pm

Mark I mispelled Evander

UGASlobberknocker

January 21st, 2011
8:29 pm

I moved to Atlanta in the summer of 1966. I have witnessed all 148 seasons. Doesnt that qualify me for some kind of prize..like a free week of therapy or something?

Nathan Deal

January 21st, 2011
8:36 pm

Will you liberals stop mentioned that defunct soccer league?

Titles only count when the team and their league still exist!

Nathan Deal

January 21st, 2011
8:38 pm

Meant to say “mentioning.” I must have gone to a public school in this fine state.

Open Like Butt Cheeks

January 21st, 2011
8:40 pm

If minor league teams don’t count, then why are even talking about the Falcons??

skimart

January 21st, 2011
8:49 pm

Have the best of both worlds. grew up in Pittsburgh suburbs, watched Pirates win 3 Series, Steelers have 6 super bowls, Pens 3 Stanley cups. Steelers win or lose, I still wake up in Flowery Branch.

Josh

January 21st, 2011
9:01 pm

Mark, you’re not counting the since-moved Atlanta Knights, who won the Turner Cup! (I know, it’s a reach, but whaddya gonna do?)

1962 DAWG

January 21st, 2011
9:04 pm

Mark

One other thing, You’re word “LOUSY” in your headline, kinda describes your outlook on Georgia’s sport’s scene. Not only professional but Collegiate, and as a fan of several of Georgia’s sports teams I take offence by this term of yours.
You seem to live pretty well from the sports that goes on around you so, don’t bite the hand that feeds you!!!

MitchC

January 21st, 2011
9:05 pm

Mark, have you watched the 1991 Braves highlight video? Former Braves broadcaster Pete Van Weiren introduced the city of Atlanta as “Losersville”. Of course, this was before the Braves run of 14 straight division titles.

I dont follow the NFL or hockey.. but.. of the Braves and Hawks.

The Braves easily could have won three World Series. If Jeff Reardon doesn’t give up Ed Sprague’s homer in 1992, the Braves go up 2-0 in that series, and maybe the outcome is very different.

Although 1991 was heartbreaking, I think the most difficult World Series to swallow was 1996. We absolutely humilated the Yankees in the first two games in the Bronx. There was no excuse for the Braves losing three in a row on their home field. If Wohlers doesn’t give up Lerityz’s homer, I think the Braves win that series in five games, and we have back to back titles then.

As for the Hawks: After a decade of losing, it seems to me that they are now good.. but not good enough. I dont see them getting by a team like Boston in the playoffs. They will probably do what they usually do.. win 50 odd games, get to the semis, and lose.

I don’t see the Braves winning a World Series anytime soon. We should hopefully get the wild card, but.. unless the Phillies have a lot of injuries, or underachieve, they should be the best team in the NL, if not all of baseball.

Unfortunately, Atlanta does not have a great sports history, and that may not change anytime soon.

AFDawg

January 21st, 2011
9:54 pm

Mark, Why lose sleep over this? Pro sports are controlled by the bookies. You describe Atlanta as Loserville — move to Valdosta, it is always described as Winnersville. You’ll have an optimistic outlook on life if you move down there.

supa

January 21st, 2011
9:55 pm

At least we’re not Cleveland. Been there. That place is terrible. And 90% of the people who live there hate it there.

Braves-Falcons-Hawks fan forever! Victory will be sweeter after all the years of agony. Just wait and see.

Tim

January 21st, 2011
9:58 pm

All of the Atlanta pro sports franchises suck. Always have. Always will. End of story.

Legend of Len Barker

January 21st, 2011
9:58 pm

“Losersville” was in reference to a 1977 Sports Illustrated article. Hard to believe that things got worse after that was written. Uncle Ted wasn’t funny back then, either.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1092193/index.htm

No, NOTHING is harder to swallow than 1991. I can’t watch beyond game five on either of the highlight films (the Turner-issued one and the one with John Goodman that aired on TBS). Nearly 20 years and I still can’t do it.

I wonder if Pirates fans still can’t talk about 1992. That didn’t just cost a trip to the Series, that broke them. They haven’t had a winning season since.

.Christopher.Chance

January 21st, 2011
10:15 pm

Danny White was always a underrated quarterback. If Dallas had been able to win one of those 3 straight NFC Championship games that they lost from 80-82 (we lost to Philly, San Francisco and the Redskins)….then maybe he’d get more props.

Most people forget that he was also Dallas’ punter for a number of years. I remember White executing a number of fake punts during his playing days in Dallas.

AFDawg

January 21st, 2011
10:20 pm

GTBob, Don’t include UGA or Athens in this Loserville talk. UGA has 38 national championships — and that isn’t counting the obscure football polls of old (those would add at least three more). Even if you count every football poll there ever was, Tech has six football championships and the lone women’s tennis championship — ouch! Maybe Atlanta is bad luck for sports. Tech should move their campus to Roswell or Sandy Springs for better luck.

Angie O'Plasty

January 21st, 2011
10:31 pm

Atlanta will always choke. I saw the Packers debacle coming a 100 miles away. Like an earlier post said, it’s almost comical in which ways ATL teams can script a meltdown in the playoffs.

Doggoneit

January 21st, 2011
10:45 pm

If you dont like it move away Mark. Come to think of it Savannah is in the same boat!

Chizzledawg

January 21st, 2011
10:52 pm

Mark, we would have an asterik for the strike-shortened season in 1995…..Still a championship though!

Marcus Valdes

January 21st, 2011
10:55 pm

Soon to be seen on an Atlanta bumpersticker: Professional Atlanta Sports Teams–Disappointing fans for over 40 years!

so should we stop

January 21st, 2011
10:56 pm

So at the end of the day or whatever Mark…. should we no longer be a fan of Atlanta sports teams???? get outta here man. I dont care if we never win a title in my lifetime but i plan on supporting atlanta teams through thick and thin.

Three Steps Mister

January 21st, 2011
11:10 pm

283!!!!!!!!!!

BosnianBaller

January 21st, 2011
11:13 pm

Best article ever Bradley!

Rick Grooms

January 21st, 2011
11:17 pm

Maybe thats why no one watches the games instead of talking or trying to start the red neck wave.

Tn Fan

January 21st, 2011
11:21 pm

This is great. Most talk about the Atalnta Chiefs in years. I actually went out on the field with all the other fans (25,000 I think) after the game.

Tn Fan

January 21st, 2011
11:21 pm

Er – Atlanta Chiefs, I mean.

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 21st, 2011
11:22 pm

ALL IS NOT LOST ATLANTA TROLLS, THERE IS STILL TIME TO JUMP ON PHILLIES AND FLYERS BANDWAGONS, BUT YOU NEED TO HURRY

Thomas

January 21st, 2011
11:23 pm

Mark,
We all knew that and will remain like this for the next several years unless the Arthur Blank owned Falcons can reverse this trend. The reason for this are twofold.
1. The Media in this town
2. The Fans in this town and State.
As long as you and your cronies in the media continue to try and be best buddies with the management of the teams, thereby securing your invitations to the golf outing and black-tie events, and the apathy of the Atlanta sport fans who always seem to settle for mediocrity, things will remain as they are.
Case in point is Bobby Cox and the Braves. This is the only place where he would last as long after taking the team to the playoffs so often and not able to win the big prize except for one season. Yet the media and the Fans here think he is so great.
For years the Hawks had the worst GM in all the NBA, he took over from Kasten, fired Fratello, traded Doc Rivers fro Kenny Anderson, then traded Kenny to Houston for Lucas who never came but retired, and a stiff that was injured and could not play and the following year went to New York and then got released. he then traded Dominique for Danny Manning who bolted at season end, Hired Lenny Wilkins then fired him after the Franchise best years apart from the Mike Fratello years, then hired a college coach and a career assistant from Milwaukee.Signed John Koncak to the biggest contract in the NBA, drafted Adam Keefe, Edwards from FSU, and some others whose name I cannot remember but who were useless. Yet during this time what did you and the other media members do as a reporters? NOTHING. Paul Hewitt who took Tech to the NCAA Finals the farthest a team in these parts have gone, has gotten more heat from you than any, and so did Mike Woodson who I did not care for, but who restored some pride in Hawks Baskeball after more than a decade of futility following the firing of Lenny Wilkins. Until the media stop been so biased in their reporting and start putting the heat on the non performers, and the fans come to realize that management of the sport franchises only emphasis is on bleeding the atlanta sport fans of their hard earned dollar, and demand more things will remain as they are. The teams will always respond with a token emphasis on maintaing fan interest, but not putting a winning product on the field. I must say that the Falcons are the exception, since been acquired by Blank, who has hired very good management people who have a plan towards achieving greatness. If they were never to win a Superbowl it would not be due to a lack of effort on their part.

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 21st, 2011
11:24 pm

YOU KNOW WHATS FUNNY WHEN FLYERS AND PHILLIES WIN THERE CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS YEAR, NO DOUBT, THATS DOUBLE THE CHAMPIONSHIPS ATLANTA HAS WON IN THERE HISTORY,,HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA LOL HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Greg Mendel

January 21st, 2011
11:28 pm

The Chiefs don’t count? Not a major league sport? Right.

JR1967

January 21st, 2011
11:30 pm

Tonight’s sports headline “Hawks score just 59, lose by 41″ only underscores Bradley’s column even more!

vuduchld

January 21st, 2011
11:33 pm

Atlanta sports is like the city itself, a worn out tired floozy whose act was old long ago. As long as the city tries to make itself more than it is not, then the sorry state will continue with the “city” fielding medicore (at best) sports teams. For those who think I protest too much, all I say is look at the sorry history of sports in this city. When most of the populace cheeers for teams they grew up with, then that is more than enough evidence that I’m right. Heck, growing up in Charleston SC we never followed Atlanta sports teams. In Football it was first the Baltimore Colts, then either the Redskins, Steelers or Cowboys. Now, most people there follow the Panthers. In Baseball it was the Reds, Yanks or Red Sox. In Basketball it was the Lakers, Celtics or some tem other than the Hawks. In essence, we followed winners, not losers.

JR1967

January 21st, 2011
11:34 pm

Legend of Len Barker: Your analysis of Pirate Fans was right on as far as their 1992 heartbreak, but it also has helped that the Pittsburgh Fans have had a great back up with the Steelers winning two Super Bowl titles since and the Penguins three Stanley Cup titles since 1992.

Dr. Warren

January 21st, 2011
11:52 pm

MB is simply telling the truth, folks.

arrowhead1959

January 21st, 2011
11:59 pm

Mark I wrote a month or so ago about the “fiscal sweep” (hey if Tiger can have one…) of all 4 Atl sports teams reaching the playoffs from July 1 2010-July 1 2011, but doubted any team reaching a real milestone in the playoffs; braves and falcons gone-hawks, thrashers soon to follow; Even though it was over 4 hours away I was at the last game of the 95 series, but a drunk guy fell on my mother from the upper deck just as Wohlers was recording the last out; she ended up with 40 stitches at 4 in the morning, and Atlanta playoffs have been cursed for me since; I am also a Ga graduate, don’t get me started……

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
12:01 am

God, I hate the Dallas Cowboys. I went to every home game in 1980. That was a magical season until that wretched moment.

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
12:04 am

The moment when Sid slid was the single greatest moment in Atlanta sports history, including the 1995 World Series win, which was tainted by the strike in 94.

icedawg

January 22nd, 2011
12:06 am

Negativity? What do you think the record indicates? The art of losing refined. But it makes a lot of money for someone doesn’t it? You can make money at losing.

NYfalcon

January 22nd, 2011
12:08 am

i am going to print this article out to keep for the next person to speak negative about an Atlanta sports fan not being real and slap the @!%$ out of them with the print out. thx MB for feelin my pain

The Chiefs Baby!

January 22nd, 2011
12:10 am

Mark. I know you like to leave out soccer but soccer was and is a professional sport. And the Atlanta Chiefs won the 1968 NASL championship that season so that is technically 2 professional titles in 148 + 11 soccer seasons = 2 titles in 159 pro seasons. Still dreadful but I disagree with your thought of leaving early. I’ve sat through my share of Hawks, Braves, Falcons and even some Thrasher losses that mattered. And if you are a fan then you still have to support your team. Afterall fan is short for fanatic.

One sports team that is good right now but could be great are the Hawks. They have such a strong and young nucleus that if their owners actually gave a flip and invested just a little more in them then they would have a real good shot of adding to that total. They are really just lacking that one perennial type player that will cost you money but would instantly vault them to the elite of the NBA. Imagine if they had gotten Amare Stoudemire or a quality center this past off season. They would easily be at the top of the east.

t_height

January 22nd, 2011
12:38 am

Well there is luck with the women’s teams in the state and Georgia Southern also. GS and Valdosta State have a few championships in football. UGA gymnastics. Other than that the state is pitiful.

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
12:42 am

Top 10 reasons why pro sports suck in Atlanta:

1. History. You have to go back to the beginning: Sherman burned it down, the yankees won the war, and the feds gave the town to carpetbaggers and sharecroppers, who ruined it. And still they keep coming, and coming… And most of them wear the opposing team’s colors, which doesn’t help the local teams’ psyches very much.

2. Geography. Atlanta and Phoenix are the only major U.S. cities not located on a major body of water (an ocean, a Great Lake or a major river). Not sure why this matters, but it does. Phoenix is a lousy sports town, too.

3. Climate and economy. Southern cities didn’t develop before the invention of air conditioning because it was too hot, and also because they were slow to recover from post-war depression. So Atlanta wasn’t a big-league city until the middle of the 20th century. Northern cities got a head start — pro sports were born up north, generations passed the traditions on, and dynasties were built while Atlanta was still just a Podunk little town. Ah, but now, thanks to modern technology, Atlanta is a nice town in which to live — much like San Diego, Tampa, and Phoenix — all much nicer than the northeastern cities, from which the carpetbaggers now come in even greater numbers.

4. This is college football country. Always has been, always will be. College football means nothing in the northeast, where pro sports rule. Pro sports don’t matter much to most sports fans down here. You want to talk about passion? Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and Auburn fans all have more passion than all the northern pro sports fans combined.

5. Rankin Smith was a lousy owner. His sons had no business making football decisions. Losing begat more losing, and a losing mentality took hold.

6. Chief Nockahoma mocked the Native American gods, who took revenge on the Braves.

7. Danny White completed a touchdown pass with less than a minute to play, the Falcons blew a big lead in a pivotal game, and the Dallas Cowboys became the dynasty the Falcons were supposed to be.

8. Mark Wohlers hung a slider, the Braves blew a big lead in a pivotal game, and the New York Yankees became the dynasty the Braves were supposed to be.

9. Eugene Robinson solicited a hooker, and the Falcons lost their mojo and their only Super Bowl.

10. Matt Ryan threw a terrible interception at a terrible time, the Falcons pass rush forgot how to tackle a quarterback, and… well, here we are, still wondering why we still suck.

Oldatl

January 22nd, 2011
1:04 am

I remember that Falcon and Cowboys game because my father lost 20 bucks on them. I remember crying about that game and that probably why I never get my hopes up high for them at all. I have seen the entire Atlanta sports franchise to be disappointing from all angles. The Falcons are a sad story team. The Hawks were always average but at least we had a mega-star like Wilkins for excitement. That probably explain why so many was attach to Mike Vick. We can only get amaze by the players instead of the team. Primetime, the human highlight film, Spud Webb, Jamal Anderson (RB), Billy whiteshoe Johnson, Michael Turner, Steve Smith, Dale Murphy, all the Braves pitchers from the 90’s, you get my point. Just admire the player not the team.

gcs

January 22nd, 2011
1:06 am

You already mentioned it but the bad thing about that “one lousy title” was it came after the strike.
I have been a longtime Braves fan, way before Tom Glavine showed up in Atlanta.
Like many fans, I did not watch many games in 1995 because I was still angry about the strike. My sister stopped watching baseball all together and never came back to it.
I did not follow the Braves’ path to the World Series and when they won, it felt hollow. It’s almost as if it never happened.

.

JR1967

January 22nd, 2011
1:14 am

Speaking of 1995, even as great as the Braves WS Title was, that was also overshadowed that year, not only by the aftermath of the Strike, but Cal Ripken’s streak, which was also evidenced by him being honored during Game 1 of the World Series, including throwing out the first pitch.

Vick Supporter

January 22nd, 2011
2:21 am

Yep, Loserville.

Eric C.

January 22nd, 2011
5:00 am

Ironic that one of the best Atlanta sports moments (NFC Championship game) took place after one of the worst (Game 7 1991 World Series) in the same metrodome.

Eric C.

January 22nd, 2011
5:05 am

Yes, Eugene Robinson screwed up…but who was going to shutdown Bill Romanowski that night who was high on Rx ephedrine?

Eric C.

January 22nd, 2011
5:07 am

Yes, Eugene Robinson messed up…but who was going to stop Bill Romanowski who was high on Rx ephedrine?

Eric C.

January 22nd, 2011
5:09 am

One of the greatest Hawks teams ever assembled in 1986-87 unfortunately had to go up against one of the best Celtics teams ever.

McGarrett

January 22nd, 2011
6:28 am

snakebit

book em danno

Ben

January 22nd, 2011
6:40 am

If you count soccer, the Atlanta Chiefs won the NASL in 1968 I believe. Haven’t trolled through all these comments to see if someone pointed that out.

Sports Writing is a Vacation!

January 22nd, 2011
7:05 am

Forbes has Seattle as the worst and Atlanta second worst. So we have that going for us….which is nice!

On the negative side such miserable cities such as Buffalo, Cleveland and Kansas City are behind our great city!

I vote we all jump on the Atlanta Dream bandwagon!

MrDan

January 22nd, 2011
7:21 am

Hey, what about the Chiefs??

Hot and cold

January 22nd, 2011
7:29 am

Like I always said– Atlanta Falcons can only shoot for a winning season. They are NOT a post season team. They do well all year,they make the post season and then they are shocked to be there. It’s like they feel they don’t belong in the play offs because it is unfamiliar territory,so they come unglued.

Hot and cold

January 22nd, 2011
7:30 am

become unglued*

Angus

January 22nd, 2011
7:33 am

Folks leaving a game early doesn’t mean squat.

Look at the supposed, great fans of KC at the end of the KC-Baltimore game.

Or, oh-my-goodness, did the Pats fans not bail early in Gillette down by only two scores to the Jets? That just can’t be, huh?

Mr. White

January 22nd, 2011
7:40 am

We don’t count soccer in ATL!!!!!!

Jeff Roach

January 22nd, 2011
7:46 am

Wow, Mark! Once again you are so spot on with you refections. As a 53-year old native Georgian, I had no idea! I’ll tell you what’s even more sad than Atlanta’s sports history and that is the fact that a journalist with your insight and talent is being waisted in such a crappy sports town. I think maybe it’s time for you to find a city with a better sports history to share your amazing journalistic talents and where they can be appreciated. To quote another great Georgia native, Mr. Lewis Girzzard; “Delta is ready when you are.”
Oh yeah, has money changed you?

Kevin

January 22nd, 2011
7:47 am

One reason everyone left at 3rd quarter so Fox could see are pretty red seats empty to remind us of the old USFL then.also it sad that we let atlanta falcon fans so called till get in playoff come dress as there old team take Green bay 15,000 so there were there Fans…How they get any tickets when accordin tv news we sold out all here.This is not college where we have split for vistors here.If been eagles here at dome be 24,000 left to cheer Vick again as we would lose bad as did we to packers…Oh and bears will whip smart ass aaron rodgers down for count too..and thrashers will stay here till 2012 i afraid we be in quebec than.

Gordon

January 22nd, 2011
8:13 am

Right on cue, the Hawks score the fewest points in their Atlanta history.

Drill sargeant

January 22nd, 2011
8:41 am

Well why don’t all of us Atlanta sports fans just chug on back to mamby pamby land and gain some selfconfidence? Ya bunch of jackwagons!!

MM

January 22nd, 2011
8:44 am

Sherman did more than burn Atlanta, he put a curse on all sports franchises. Loserville’s motto, “EXPECT TO LOSE.” By the way Sherman never made it to Valdosta.

Keith

January 22nd, 2011
9:09 am

Man, as if winter wasn’t depressing enough, you had to remind us of THIS?

gt

January 22nd, 2011
9:23 am

It is not as much we have developed a generational fan base for college sports, as it is we are damn good at that level and there is a reason. Pro sports is so random. It is a pick up game in the back yard, with strangers. They have more and more taken the college element out of the pros. One and done players that pollute college sports and the campus. Pros have lost the name recognition marketing value, a great college player, who has developed a name in a community for 4 years, brings. I was more interested in Bill Walton’s pro career than I am a Josh Smith today. I felt I had an investment in Bill Walton. Pro scouts in the backwaters of high school basketball, brought a seedy shadow even at the high school level, college scouts are not much better since the kid is only there one or two years, who cares about character or entry requirements. The Las Vegas atmosphere delights a certain kind of person but being a father of two daughters I never felt these public displays of drunkenness and language was a good atmosphere for my kids, still don’t. Tech was the last venue outside a church I felt a large group of nice people gathered for an event. Pro sports started tacky and have gotten more classless as the years go by. The Braves have managed to keep it family oriented, don’t go to hockey games but the one I went to was a nice crowd, just the sport is a new language I can’t get into. We accept cheap entertainment as a norm now, and when the south refuses it the Bowery boys of the north act like we are the jackasses. There is a saying I don’t use often but will here. You came here we didn’t go there, must have been something that made you leave a community, but stop eating your apples in our garden and if you don’t like it the road goes both ways.

gabugman

January 22nd, 2011
9:25 am

I know it’s minor league but I was there and thoroughly enjoyed the Knights’ Turner Cup win. In hindsight, what a shame they were moved to make room for the Thrashers.

Double Zero Eight

January 22nd, 2011
9:29 am

The truth hurts.

Falcons Fan

January 22nd, 2011
9:31 am

So what Mark? You fit right in because you are a loser too!

bill

January 22nd, 2011
9:35 am

might have two if Tom Glavine and those greedy bast******* had not screwed us out of the 1994 series. Glavine and Joe Simpson said some ugly things about fans and for that they can both kiss my ***.

bobby

January 22nd, 2011
9:39 am

Mark, I have been reading your articles in the paper for a while now and have realized something. You are in the wrong profession my man! Yep that’s right. Instead of being a writer you should have been one of the following, a football coach, baseball manager or a Indian chief. You are one of those guys who has all the answers but not enough guts to coach anything or probably play anything but you are very quick to criticize those that do. Well your writing sucks and I will hound you until eternity.

bill

January 22nd, 2011
9:41 am

p rose. DENVER? another no water city that kicked our butt

Stopped Clock

January 22nd, 2011
9:41 am

Mark you remind of a stopped clock. A stopped clock is right twice a day.

brad

January 22nd, 2011
9:42 am

change cities M.B…….. your always negative! i love my atl teams! i will ride with them. we will get one soon.

AFDawg

January 22nd, 2011
9:48 am

P Rose, Regarding your second point — you forgot about the mighty Catahochee River, featured in country music and on the cover of National Geopgraphic for the world’s largest raft race. True statement — point number four. Regarding Pete Rose, I was at the game where Gene Garber ended his hitting streak. So, we’ve got that going for us. I passed on going to the game with a friend the night Hank broke Babe Ruth’s record in lieu of a Boy Scout meeting. Biggest regret of my life, but Atlanta will always be the home of the Homerun King. Regarding your fifth point, the only time I personally met Rankin Smith was walking back from a fishing trip on Wieuca Road, he was drunk and hit a curb and had a flat tire. You wouldn’t believe the rest of the story so I’ll just leave at that.

Gritz

January 22nd, 2011
9:55 am

Mark, I see you liked the Charlie Brown-Lucy cartoon I emailed you last Sunday after the Falcons blew it.

Billyboy

January 22nd, 2011
9:55 am

1 winner for Atlanta sports, but, still zero good articles by Mark Bradley. What should Mark do?

Tim

January 22nd, 2011
9:55 am

Less than a month ago, one of you guys ( I think it was Schultz) did an article about how all the Atlanta sports teams were on the verge of major success. C’mon man! Anybody that’s lived here 20+ years knew better than that.

Doc

January 22nd, 2011
10:00 am

I got everybody beat. Grew up in Philly where there hadn’t been a championship in generations, moved to Atlanta in 1973, felt things couldn’t get any worse by changing my allegiances to the Atlanta teams. Flyers win the cup the next year. Phillies win 2 world series. Eagles been to 2 Super bowls. Sixers win a championship.

Billyboy

January 22nd, 2011
10:02 am

To Doc: You moving anytime soon!

Navigator

January 22nd, 2011
10:05 am

The simple answer for all of the ineptitude, ownerships that had no knowledge of running a sports franchise successfully, and the other small pockets to pay for the best players and have the best facilities.

Falcon 34

January 22nd, 2011
10:11 am

So disappointing, yet so predictable, Mark.

You boom out one of your best articles ever with “5 things to Get Falcons a Super Surge” and then you come back with this trash. Smashing and belittling a city, their fans, and their franchises is just so typical, and frankly you come off as lazy and lame. Nothing like being the “pile on” king, eh?

What makes us true fans of Atlanta sports teams is that we DO continue to follow and support them in the face of such garbage from you and all the rest. Most just simply has to do with the fact that the previous owners could give a crap less about winning and just wanted to make money. Throw all the franchises in that bucket. That changed with the Braves when Ted Turner took over and its changing now that Arthur Blank took over. The Hawks and Thrashers are actually doing pretty good in the face of really terrible ownership.

We all could just jump to a franchise with tradition and previous championships, but that wouldn’t be considered a fan now would it? Or it might in your Benedict Arnold world. You must be taking the role of “Bad Cop” this week, while Schultz takes on “Good Cop.”

So very disappointed in this absurd writing, because you’ve proven you’re one of the best when you don’t go dumpster-diving like this.

Patman

January 22nd, 2011
10:11 am

Mark Bradley, you’ve finally hit the nail on the head! This is what us locals have been saying about Atlanta teams for decades now and the Falcon’s sorry performance against the Packers is just another in a long line of chokes and screw ups! Thaks for getting it!

Patman

January 22nd, 2011
10:15 am

But that was kind of petty to mention that the Braves ‘championship came aftger a strike. A championship is a championship is a championship is a championship. I’ll take it! I do agree that they should have won more and contrary to popular belief among local sprotswriters, they would have won more if it weren’;t for Bobby Cox’s ineptitude.

Robert

January 22nd, 2011
10:29 am

MB: Would you say it’s accurate to describe Atlanta as a transient city? Non-native Georgians moving in and out at a rate higher than the national norm for a big city? Maybe the rather obvious fickle fan base can be attributed to the transient nature of Atlanta residents.

Robert Barron

January 22nd, 2011
10:32 am

No one will believe this but I was planning to submit “The Falcons are Lucy which makes us all Charlie Browns” to the Sportsvent.
Meaning I think like Mark.
No wonder I’m not rich.

billybob

January 22nd, 2011
11:03 am

Almost watched the youtube video, but why pick at that scab? Considering there is nothing connecting that 81 team to the 2011 version why does this continue to happen? Two owners, fifteen coaching changes, thousands different players, forty six different teams. Maybe it a collective Atlanta psyche that can’t over come the past. And to think there are people who blog here about some kind of dynasty in the making….boggles the mind.

Oh Boy

January 22nd, 2011
11:04 am

Mark – I had forgotten just how PAINFUL that Falcon loss was. As I have said before it was the day I became emotionally detached from the FALCONS…..I just could not take it anymore. Now – I just don’t care, I’ve given up. Did not see one play of last weeks game v. Packers, chose instead to go have a nice dinner. I KNEW they would lose, the only question was by how many points.

KakNiqueTree

January 22nd, 2011
11:17 am

Do you all find it coincidental that Eugene Robinson and Cliff Levingston won championships in other cities. Brooks Conrad probably will, too. It’s like ‘Play for an ATL team, so you can screw around and not take it serious enough.’

Bradley=Asshole

January 22nd, 2011
11:20 am

Leave it to Bradley to trash our city and sports teams for no reason other than to have something to blog about. You are a hate-mongering piece of filth, Bradley. Our teams can suck and I will still love and support them. But you just suck and do nothing to deserve anyones respect.

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
11:34 am

You can’t sat Cleveland is a losing sports town because (#1) the Browns were the best team in the NFL in the 50s and early (pre-Super Bowl) 60s, and (#2) the fans there sued the owner for moving the team to Baltimore, and won the rights to keep the team name, colors and history — which makes them winners, in my book.

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
11:36 am

At least we have a great airport, the world’s biggest and best aquarium, the most beautiful springs and autumns on earth, two college football teams with rich histories, and the best-looking women in the country!

Grim Reaper

January 22nd, 2011
11:39 am

Atlanta lost its first championship and the “opposing fans” were the ones to party and burned the town down, turned over the carriages, blasted the windows etc., and since Disney World wasn’t built yet, they celebrated lying around the beaches of Savannah instead. Yes, the Yankees won it all, led by Manager William T. Sherman, the Yankees dressed in their road blue uni’s swept through Atlanta in the biggest lopsided victory in “history”, you can look it up! Never bet the house with arrogance when too many mint juleps distort reality, con’prende?

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
12:02 pm

@Grim Reaper: you damn yankee, it’s a little insensitive to take glee over the burning of an American city, con’prende? I mean, didn’t your city burn in 2001? Of course I would never laugh about that, but then, I’m a southerner.

yo mama

January 22nd, 2011
12:04 pm

mark, your research needs work. the atlanta chiefs won an indoor title, the atlanta ruckus played for the title in 1995, but a title is a title, and therefore these franchises need to be included. sorry, but soccer is a major sport. americans just dont know it. ever heard of the world cup?

BraveGirl325

January 22nd, 2011
12:05 pm

Consider this:

Atlanta teams may not be the championship champions, but many teams haven’t been in the postseason half as much as we have. Just making it to the playoffs is an exclusive, exciting accomplishment that many teams don’t experience frequently.

When the Braves won the division 14 years in a row, we took it for granted. In 2010, we were foaming at the mouth at the possibility of winning the wild card. We couldn’t make it past the first round, but that scrappy, fledgling little team played their hearts out in Bobby Cox’s final season. In my book, that effort is worth more than any routine championship.

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
12:15 pm

this might make you atlanta whiners feel better, the calgary flames formerly the atlanta flames won the stanleycup in 1988, LOL HHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH LOL HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA LOL HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA LOL HAHAHAHAHAHAH LOL HAHAHHA LOL HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Wantangious Rivooten

January 22nd, 2011
12:16 pm

Who dat likes dem losing falcons?

Wantangious Rivooten

January 22nd, 2011
12:16 pm

Atlanta sucks

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
12:17 pm

Philly Fan, your air stinks and your women are butt-ugly.

jdawg

January 22nd, 2011
12:19 pm

And we jump on Pro Sports now, UGA is on the back burner…always something, still say that college is king in the area, and that really hurts some. The truth is, I see no major pro sports reacing the big dance. The Thrashers will be the next to leave..

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
12:19 pm

Wantangious, repeat after me: “Who is THAT? Who IS that?” Don’t be ashamed, there’s nothing wrong with having a speech impediment. But your city is a swamp and it stinks.

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
12:20 pm

ATLANTA=
A= ATROCIOUS
T= TERRIBLE
L= LOSERS
A= AGAIN ATROCIOUS
N= NEGITIVE TOWN
T= AGAIN TERRIBLE
A= AGAIN, AGAIN, ATROCIOUS

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
12:21 pm

P ROSE I LIVE IN TEMECULA CA, FOR LAST 11 YEARS AND I CAN ASSURE YOU CA WOMAN ALOT PRETTIER THAN THOSE GEORGIA PRUNES

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
12:22 pm

Philly fan, you may be dumb and your wife may be ugly, but at least you had the sense to get out of that stinkhole and move to California.

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
12:24 pm

P.S. Philly fan, your caps lock is calling. It wants you to turn it off. (Just like Philadelphians, always screaming and yelling like a dumb barking dog.)

Gurgaon

January 22nd, 2011
12:27 pm

Try being a Vanderbilt graduate living in Atlanta.

Cecil34

January 22nd, 2011
12:30 pm

Funny Story – I was in college down at West GA when the Falcons-Cowboys game was on, and being a Cowboys fan, caught unmerciful hades from all in the room for 3 quarters.

Then, as things got tighter, they all started to become quiet.

When the Cowboys finally won, I turned around the room to each one and said FU, FU, FU, and FU too!

I will never forget that as long as I live ha ha!

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
12:34 pm

I THINK THE THRASHERS I MEAN TRASHERS, WILL BE THE NEXT ATLANTA TEAM TO WIN A TITLE AND WE KNOW THAT IS NOT HAPPENING IN THIS CENTURY,
GO PHILLIES, GO FLYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
12:38 pm

P-ROSE YOU OBVIOUSLY NTB, DID IT EVER OCCUR TO YOU I NEVER LIVED IN PHILLY, IM FROM SOUTH JERSEY, IN CASE YOU DONT KNOW SOUTH JERSEY SUPPORTS THE PHILLY TEAMS IN ATTENDENCE, DONT ASSUME IT MAKES AN ASS OUT OF YOU, GO ANSWER YOUR PHONE AND DEAL WITH YOUR CREDITORS SCUMBAG

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
12:43 pm

CECIL34 THERES A PLACE FOR GUYS IN YOUR SITUATION ITS CALLED A PHCIATRIC HOSPITAL, I ADVISE YOU TO CONSIDER IT

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
12:47 pm

Philly fan, south Jersey is the only place on earth that stinks worse than Philly. The women there are so ugly because you all drink contaminated water. So I understand your rage, but for God’s sake, STOP YELLING!

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
12:48 pm

VILLANOVA UP ON SYRACUSE AT HALF 40-29 YOU

GO NOVA 1985 NCAA CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Escaped from Email Purgatory

January 22nd, 2011
12:50 pm

Ownership. It’s gotta be ownership. Preferably local ownership that’s committed to winning a championship and has the moxey and money to make it happen. Outside of Arthur Blank, does that sound like anybody who fills the role in this town? Maybe Kathy Betty (Dream) fits the bill too.

The Falcons often floundered when the Smiths’ owned the team. Although we did experience one of teams high-points in 1980 – and an all-time low point – the loss to Dallas. The Smith’s heart was in the right place. They just couldn’t get it done.

The Hawks flourished (relatively speaking) when Ted owned them. Particularly after he turned the reigns over to Stan Kasten. Of course Stan left the Hawks to revive Ted’s other team – the Braves. Maybe Stan gets credit for hiring Scheurholz – good move dude. Or was that Bobby Cox who brought in Jon?

Despite the Braves one World Series in five tries, they were a model franchise when Ted owned them. But soon as the team became a subsidiary of a multi-national corporation, the will to win it all disappeared quicker than Chipper’s name from the starting lineup due to a thumb cramp.

The Flames and Thrashers? Who cares?

Arthur Blank, our beleaguered sports town turns its lonely eyes to you. And you too Kathy Betty.

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
12:51 pm

Philly fan — you mean you grew up in south Jersey, root for Philadelphia teams, and live in California. So WHAT THE HELL are you doing on an Atlanta sports blog?? Do you troll every sports blog in the country, or is there some reason you are particularly obsessed with Atlanta? Get a life, loser.

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
12:52 pm

P-ROSE IS THE YELLING HURTING YOUR EARS, AND WHAT WOULD YOUR SAME-SEX PARTNER THINK OF YOU DISCUSSING WOMAN, A HOMOSEXUAL AS YOUSELF HAS NO CREDIBILITY OF WHETHER A WOMAN IS PRETTY ITS LIKE ASKING A DOG IF AN ALLEGATOR IS SEXY, NO RELIVENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
12:53 pm

Escaped from Email — you are dead-on, sir.

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
1:00 pm

Philly fan — calling another man gay, whom you’ve never even met and therefore have no reason to believe he is gay, is the last resort of an immature and simple-minded fool with some major masculinity issues. A nut who resorts to this kind of childish futility, can’t spell, always types in all-caps, and trolls sports blogs in cities 2,000 miles away is obviously deranged and not worth arguing with. I’m signing off for the day now, so I won’t see your “comeback.” But please try to make it witty this time, for the poor other readers who will have to continue to be subjected to your mindless rants.

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
1:02 pm

NOVA,SYRACUSE 2ND GETTING READY TO START, GET YOUR POPCORN,

GO NOVA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
1:05 pm

I GUESS THE SAME APPLYS TO YOU FOR CALLING SOMEONE YOU NEVER MET CALLING THERE WIFE UGLY, AGAIN IRREVELENT AS YOU DONT LIKE GIRLS YOU DIG DUDES ESPECIALLY THE ONES RELATED TO YOU, WE KNOW HOW IT IS IN THE SOUTH

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
1:07 pm

GOTTA GO TROLLS, NOVA 2ND HALF STARTING
GO NOVA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FALCLOWNS and the HAWKS are the SAME

January 22nd, 2011
1:16 pm

Atlanta teams will be always be Second…most people living in the metro area are transplants and have a first team…applies to me and I am only interested in watching them lose…would never pull for them..i thoroughly enjoyed the Saints win, the Hornets BIG win last night and the complete domination of New Orleans over Atlanta…you may have a bigger city, but you don’t get the bigger game wins when they count…and, we don’t boo our teams and leave early like I witnessed last night at Philips and the Packers win…pathetic, bandwagon second-rate homer fans…..can’t be refuted….

Pete

January 22nd, 2011
1:33 pm

And………………….fans………………….people…………………. are still stupid enough to spend their hard earned money to support professional athletes, the most spoiled, pampered, over paid, over hyped, egotistical, out of touch babies on this planet.
Beyond dumb.

Nate

January 22nd, 2011
1:45 pm

Sad but true.

GW Salzer

January 22nd, 2011
1:52 pm

I love it Atlanta, Miami has won two NFL Super Bowls, two MLB World Series, one NBA Championship and runner up in the NHL Hockey Championship plus the UM has won five National Championship in football and three in baseball.

D man

January 22nd, 2011
1:54 pm

Wait till next year…

Mike In Woodstock

January 22nd, 2011
2:10 pm

Thank you Mark Bradley!

One week after another Falcons embarrassment, you run an article reminding us that we live in Loserville!

Dontavius Supremo

January 22nd, 2011
2:14 pm

Well, it’s better than none.

hack

January 22nd, 2011
2:34 pm

It’s the coaching. The mgt. It stinks. They couldn’t design an offensive play if they were on the goal line and the other team was taking a bathroom break.

that’s truth there, folks.

Wilbo

January 22nd, 2011
2:35 pm

Remember the Sports Illustrated article LOSERVILLE, USA? That’s us.

To me, the most embarrassing part of it all, the saddest waste of opportunity, was taking one of the best rotations in the history of baseball and leaving the team built around it in the hands of a man who proved early, he was a terrible post-season manager. ANYBODY else, and I do mean ANYBODY, and at least the city would have 3-4 World Series titles to point to. That, of course wouldn’t be much help to the incompetent Falcons. Please, PLEASE, get that goofy looking man off the sidelines!

devildog0300

January 22nd, 2011
2:41 pm

So we’re back to Loserville. We covered that pretty good in the ’70s, so maybe it IS time for a recycle.

Cecil Newton

January 22nd, 2011
3:55 pm

The only thing sad about Atlanta sports is we only have people like you, who hate the local teams, to write about them. Most Braves fans loved the 90s with division titles and world series trips. You see it as a decade of losing with one win.

Kapoonka

January 22nd, 2011
4:06 pm

I think the only stat that could make this sting more is how much we have paid the players and coaches for this .007 result. The only way this record could be worse is If we didn’t have any pro (sic) teams…sad.

I have lived in Atlanta for 25 years, but I have never abandoned my roots. Glad I’m from Chicago….Go Bears, Go Bulls, Go Blackhawks, Go White Sox..heck…go Cubbies!!!!!

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
4:31 pm

GREETINGS ATLANTA TROLLS, THERE IS GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS, THE BAD NEWS FIRST FLYERS LOST TODAY TO NJ HOWEVER STILL ARE FIRMLY IN FIRST PLACE,
AND THE GREAT NEWS IS #7 VILLANOVA THE WILDCATS BABY, WENT TO #3 SYRACUSE AND BEAT THEM SOUNDLY BY 12 POINTS,

ALL IN ALL NOT A GREAT DAY IN PHILLY SPORTS TODAY BUT A VERY GOOD ONE, GO PHILLIES,NOVA,FLYERS,EAGLES,76ERS,TEMPLE,

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
4:34 pm

PHILLIES REPORT FOR SPRING TRAINING IN EXACTLY 21 DAYS THATS 3 WEEKS FOR YOU ATLANTA FANS THAT DROPPED OUT BEFORE HIGHSCHOOL

PHILLY FAN IN TEMECULA CA

January 22nd, 2011
4:37 pm

NO MORE INFO AT THIS TIME WHO THE EAGLES WILL HIRE FOR DEF CORD. THE GUESS HERE IS 1 OF THE 4 TEAMS PLAYING TOMMOROW, AS WE KNOW ITS NOT THE FALCONS AS THEY ARE ELIMINATED BIG SURPRISE, LOL HAHAHAHAHAHA

Mark Bradley Atlanta

January 22nd, 2011
4:38 pm

[...] [...]

Lifetime opportunity for Auburn faithful | Low Fare Airline Tickets

January 22nd, 2011
4:47 pm

[...] Sad sports history [...]

F Troop

January 22nd, 2011
4:51 pm

Lord! The Cowboys guessed right on EVERY SINGLE ATL coverage. Zone countered with a deep slant. Deep zone countered with two screens. Red zone man-to-man with Pridemore late – as usual. Pearson goes in motion and White sees Rolland Lawrence going with him, you know Danny White was salivating at that point.

Gosh, Leeman, why not blitz Glazebrook at some point? White was just too comfortable back there. Kinda like Rodger was. I remember this like it was yesterday.

But in THAT loss and THIS one, the absence of a pass rush was pivotable.

Concern

January 22nd, 2011
5:00 pm

UGA has like 25 National Championships since 1999 if I heard correctly last week.

F Troop

January 22nd, 2011
5:13 pm

Bradley, you forgot to mention…

ATL probably hasn’t had more than 30 winning seasons out of those 148, so it’s not THAT bad. Not to mention…

The 1996 Braves WS loss was spooky. Ol’ reliable Mark Lemke can’t lay down three seriously key bunts. Crucial outs dropping in and around a Gold Glove Marquis Grissom and Jermain Dye. The unhittable Smoltz losing 1-0. We’d just held the Olympics for cripes mick!

In 1992 and 1999, I submit we got beat by better teams. The Bluejays and Yanks outclassed us those years.

In the 1993 NLCS, we lost to the Phillies on a freak liner off the invincible Maddux’s leg in game 6 taking him out of the series.

In the 1997 NLCS, we got “Eric Gregged” out of a trip.

You forgot that our starting CF, Otis Nixon, didn’t help us in 1991. Tested positive for cocaine and was ineligible. Mighta snatched one from the Twins in the noisy Metrodome.

So why not just get used to it? With that many seasons and opportunities you get the distinct impression – at least when it comes to sports – ATL is supposed to lose. The rest of the nation gets it and that’s why we get no respect.

Reality Check

January 22nd, 2011
5:16 pm

We never hire good coaches. We could have hired Rex Ryan. Nooooooooo… We hire Mike “Bobby Cox” Smith. Nice guy but, too easy going.

Prince of Alabama

January 22nd, 2011
5:21 pm

Too many lousy Yankees in Atlanta now!

one tainted title

January 22nd, 2011
5:35 pm

The 1995 baseball title was during a strike year. the title is a fluke and shouldn’t be counted.

Bravissimo

January 22nd, 2011
5:39 pm

MB I was living in the Bay area when that playoff game happened in ‘80. I remember the letdown like it was yesterday. Lost money on it to boot.
Several of my work buddies were 49ers fans, and this was the year before they went on to win 4 SB’s in the decade. Even SI had Bartkowski on the cover touting them as the team of the decade to come (the jinx?)

I enjoyed the game in 78 when the Falcons were the wildcard, beat the Eagles 14-13 then went to Dallas on Dec. 30th. The defense was awesome in the first half,taking a 20-13 lead into the half. Even knocked Staubach out of the game. This is where the Falcons got intorduced to Danny White. And we all know how that turned out.

Ive been a Braves fan from the start and remember how bad the 70’s were.
(The Falcons were just as bad) But at least the 90’s were great,with the exception of Leyritz homer,Lonnie Smiths baserunning blunder etc etc.

Havent watched much of the Hawks in the last 20 yrs, but do remember the days of nique,spud and others. At least they made it exciting.

Im not much of a hockey fan, so I cant speak to the Thrashers.

But overall,yes its been frustrating to watch Atlanta teams over the years. But I keep coming back for more year after year after……

The future sure looks brighter for the Braves and Falcons than it did all those years ago.

Dick

January 22nd, 2011
7:01 pm

I can’t understand it. Everyone said Bobby Cox was teh greatest manager around yet he has one world championship to celebrate.

lombardi

January 22nd, 2011
7:27 pm

Put it into real perspective MB: How have smaller MSAs , ie Tampa Bay fared w/ championship seasons among their Major League franchises. I use Tampa as an example because of familiarity w/ ownership issues during the “developmental years” of a franchise.

JSS

January 22nd, 2011
7:57 pm

The Bucs made the NFC championship game within 4 years of entering the League… Culverhouse had a pony and whore problem… The Lightning won a Stanley Cup, and the long time floundering Rays have been righted… Tampa’s a good example…

native

January 22nd, 2011
8:05 pm

and who can forget the Falcons first (almost) 1,000 yard rusher, Dave Hampton? He hits the 1,000 yard mark, runs the ball one more time and loses yardage, finishes with 996.

Kennesaw

January 22nd, 2011
8:10 pm

Mark:

Atlanta has actually won two.

1995 Braves
1968 Chiefs (soccer)

Bradleyisterrible

January 22nd, 2011
8:33 pm

And an awful reporter reporting on it all….sounds like a perfect match!!! oh Plus, a crappy paper as well.

Seminole

January 22nd, 2011
9:54 pm

Mark,

The college teams have been heart breakers as well. Ga Tech was in the final four twice and the title game once, lost both times. UGA was in one final four and lost. UGA football has been close but no cigar except for 1980? Ga Tech won the UPI in 1990 but didn’t really play anybody. I was born and raised in Atlanta but moved away when i joined the military and it’s sad, i thought the Falcons might be good but i guess i was wrong.

The Braves have no excuse, they should have won the 1991 and 1996 World Series. Choke City, USA!

cdog

January 22nd, 2011
10:31 pm

atlanta should thank the lord for that one. some cities don’t have any championships.

Jim Ragan

January 22nd, 2011
11:15 pm

Mark Bradley-this is definitely a stretch, but what about that “California Trophy” that Jerry Glanville got back in 1991 in honor of the Falcons going 6-0 vs. California teams that year? That was quite funny in itself and I still chuckle about it today when remembering it.

TOM

January 23rd, 2011
7:42 am

You were probably the first one out the door. I have lived in Atlanta much longer than you and the Falcons are losers now and have always been along with their transplanted and fair weather fans. Look at the no show in their first ever playoff game against the Eagles,, LOSERS ALL.

Outside Robber

January 23rd, 2011
8:08 am

Question: Would I prefer to live in the Atlanta area with its mild winters, beautiful women and great food with no sports winners as opposed to freezing my azz off in the frozen north with horrid wind chills and depressing overall climate coupled with sports winners galore? Hmmmmm. I’ll take the Atlanta area 10 times of 10.

saintsSB44champs

January 23rd, 2011
8:44 am

Falcons Will need a new QB.before they win a SB,as a Saints fan I’ll say last year was the best year of my life:-)..I’m 46 an I witness my team,win it all.what an awesome feeling..One day falcons will “rise up”…

Underground Atlanta

January 23rd, 2011
8:56 am

`
A record of 1-148 is just plain awful.

poopdawg

January 23rd, 2011
9:12 am

The only thing sader is looking at the AJC sports writers during those years. YOUR PATHETIC BRADLEY! Delta is ready when you are!

BullDawgMike

January 23rd, 2011
9:13 am

Mark, you forgot to mention that Falcons would have won the game if they had NOT knocked Roger Staubach out of the game. Roger was probably having ( for him) as bad a day as he ever had throwing the football. But he was knocked out ( I believe by Robert Pennywell) a Falcon Linebacker. In steps a cold Danny White off the bench, and the rest is history…….

Dogham

January 23rd, 2011
10:17 am

All Georgians really truly care about is UGA and except for 1980, they are always the bridesmaid and never the bride. Having lived there for 11 years, i couldn’t believe the high number of fair weather fans that live there. It’s absolutely embarrasing to see so many out of town fans take over their stadiums when they come to town (Steelers, Cowboys, Packers, Bears, Yankees, Redsox, Cubs). If the Braves and Falcons are doing well the fans will come, but as soon as there is any rough waters, the fans jump ship and distance themselves as quickly as possible. For whatever reason, the fans don’t seem to live and die with the Braves, Falcons, Hawks and Thrashers like other cities do and everyone’s allegiance is to the state university 80 miles east of Atlanta. When the fans are passionate enough about their teams, their voices are heard when changes are need. Take Denver for instance, the fans forced Broncos owner Pat Bowlen into firing their Head Coach with 2 years remaining on his contract and still paying Mike Shannahan the previous coach. Why? Because the fans matter there and they make their voice heard. Atlanta has the same opportunity, it just take the fans to commit to the teams win or lose and grow a pair.

Dogham

January 23rd, 2011
10:20 am

Concern

January 22nd, 2011
5:00 pm
UGA has like 25 National Championships since 1999 if I heard correctly last week.

Sweet — Dominating in Gymnastics and Tennis. Maybe someone from Atlanta won a World Series of Poker bracelet too!

1969

January 23rd, 2011
10:23 am

go JETS !

Dogham

January 23rd, 2011
10:27 am

Outside Robber

January 23rd, 2011
8:08 am
Question: Would I prefer to live in the Atlanta area with its mild winters, beautiful women and great food with no sports winners as opposed to freezing my azz off in the frozen north with horrid wind chills and depressing overall climate coupled with sports winners galore? Hmmmmm. I’ll take the Atlanta area 10 times of 10.

Great Food? What is Atlanta famous for? The Varsity and Waffle House?

BobbyDawg

January 23rd, 2011
10:31 am

I’m not giving up! We’ve had some of the best teams in the country. There’s a lot to be said about peaking at the wrong time.

Jim Pierce

January 23rd, 2011
10:34 am

Mark: Why are 99% of your articles negative? You seem to find a weed in the middle of a flower garden in most articles. I challenge you to go back and look at your article titles. FIND A POSITIVE NOTE on things, and write about those !!

Dogham

January 23rd, 2011
10:35 am

P Rose

January 22nd, 2011
12:42 am
Top 10 reasons why pro sports suck in Atlanta:

2. Geography. Atlanta and Phoenix are the only major U.S. cities not located on a major body of water (an ocean, a Great Lake or a major river). Not sure why this matters, but it does. Phoenix is a lousy sports town, too.

What ocean, Great Lake or major river is Denver located next to? Thought so…..

Johnny Rebel

January 23rd, 2011
10:39 am

Atlanta has too many cockroaches to be a successful city.

athdogbird

January 23rd, 2011
10:53 am

Well, that hurt.
The good side is this: The estimable Steve Young, HOF qb, said before the playoffs started that he felt Atlanta was a year early. He said it was possible the Birds could get to the SB this year, but he felt the timetable was a year early. Hopefully, a year in which we can come up with a speed back, a big DT to collapse things from the inside, and perhaps we’ll keep our other players healthy, as well.
Either way, these Birds are the best Birds since Reeves’ Birds.

Billy Bob

January 23rd, 2011
11:14 am

I guess that means that I was fortunate being witness to the World Championship in 1995. I remember looking around the stadium and thinking “IT” finally happened.

“IT” hasn’t happened since then in any sport, but there is always next year.

Bill

January 23rd, 2011
11:18 am

I was there on 1/4/1981 sitting in the endzone where the Cowboys scored. I remember it being very very cold. Anyone remember what the temp was that day?

Sopwith Camel

January 23rd, 2011
12:28 pm

Mark,
Could you do a little more research and list for us all of the cities which have sports teams and the number of championships won by each over the years? You mentioned a few of these in your next-to-last paragraph, but I sure would like to see the complete list.

Thanks!

dude

January 23rd, 2011
12:52 pm

Bradley, that’s about the same ratio you have writing a good story.

doug h

January 23rd, 2011
1:26 pm

mark, you are the most negative writer i have ever seen. The fact is when things are good you are on the bandwagon and when not you jump off. Why don’t you quit here and find another state. ( if you could find another paper to write for )

Chief pitchanono

January 23rd, 2011
1:33 pm

Can’t totally agree on this one Mark, true only one world title, and at least its not all being blamed on the Braves this time. However the amount of success the Braves have had since 1991, 15 trips to the postseason in 19 yrs cannot be overlooked. No city with a team with that much recent success can feel too sorry for themselves. Most any team in any league out there would take that in a second if you offered it to them. I don’t think its fair to judge a team just on World titles. When you can pretty much bank on your team being competitive every season and getting to watch them in the postseason almost every year for the better part of 20 years, as a fan how can you ask for more. I certainly would not trade a few great seasons that ended in a World title for several years of cellar dwelling, which is what most teams do. The Braves have come back into form after a few years of rebulding and the I think the Falcons are finally laying the foudation for a lot of years of continued success. Things seem to be looking up for the Hawks and Thrashers too. I don’t like a one and done in the playoffs anymore that anyone else, but as a fan if my team can be relevant and keep me interested all season long, almost every year, and sprinkle in a League title or divison title every now a then, I’m thrilled! At least If they come up a little short of the World title, I really can hope for next year.

5150 P.O.A.D

January 23rd, 2011
1:38 pm

1 Title?
Atlanta teams have 1 World Championship
Atlanta teams have many more divisional or league championships.
maybe to make it look better we need to add WC and Olympic and Boxing Championships.
We do have a better record in all sports than you’re making is look Mark.
It ain’t great but is is better than MANY MANY MANY states in the US.

A Fan

January 23rd, 2011
1:49 pm

Classic Bradley,
I bet you go to Haooloween parties as AL Bundy. One word in the Caption is right. Lousy. So, who’d you really root for last week? I’m sure the Birds would love to have you at practice. We’re not Buffalo, nor Minisota, or Northwest. It was a pretty good season for the birds. And all these people ocming on here and bitching about paying for tickets? Well, you should be a practice dummy with Bundy / Bradley. Go talk to your thearpist about abuse.

Falcons

January 23rd, 2011
2:03 pm

Atlanta’s sad sports history: One lousy title in 149 pro seasons:

That lousy title is not even real because it happened on a strike season so we actually do not have a title.

You get what you pay for and you are where you live.

If the falcons work hard they can be in Dallas in two weeks. It sounds good, falcons are Super Bowl bound to Dallas. I think they will win this time against Pittsburgh or Jets.

Falcons

January 23rd, 2011
2:16 pm

What do you mean by one lousy title? That title was not even real because it happened in a strike season so we do not have any.

You get what you pay for and you are where you live.

I think if the falcons work hard they can be in Dallas in two weeks. It sounds good as falcons are Super Bowl bound for Dallas. They will win this time against Pittsburgh or Jets.

Falcons

January 23rd, 2011
2:21 pm

Things are looking up for the thrashers? What do you mean? In three weeks, they have gone from the second seed to out of the playoffs race. Looking up because they are getting higher draft pick or you just cannot tell the difference because you are up-side-down due to drinking and smoking grass?

Dejay

January 23rd, 2011
2:23 pm

Folks, read what was said. The bottom line in pro sports is WINNING WORLD TITLES; NOTHING ELSE MATTERS. No one cares who was the 4th seed in the 1993 NBA playoffs or who won the NL East in 2007 unless they make the conference finals and beyond. Sure, we have good teams here but there still aren’t any banners hanging up (save the 1995 one and the 1998 NFC one) that really matters in the grand scheme of things. And it’s no secret to folks in the know that the guys running the Braves and Hawks are completely satisfied with regular season success and nothing more (I dare you to tell me I’m wrong) so that leaves the Falcons as the city’s lone hope for a championship.

I’m a born and raised Atlantan and the thought of having to see another team hoist a Super Bowl trophy instead of mine makes me sick inside. Losing in the manner that the Falcons did in the playoffs renders the rest of the season meaningless because 48-21 is the only thing most people are going to remember until next season kicks off; and even if they go 12-4, it will still be in the back of most people’s minds. Just like the Braves when they’d win a division, only to watch the Cubbies or Astros splash champagne on each other in the middle of Turner Field in October.

The bottom line is that the bar has to be raised in regards to what fans here are willing to accept. It isn’t 1976 anymore when we’d pray for the Falcons to win 6 games, the Braves to finish .500 and the Hawks not to embarrass themselves too badly in the first round of the playoffs. It’s time to get beyond the ‘well, they made the playoffs, we should be happy about that because I remember when they used to be soooo bad in 19…’ mentality that we hold onto with grips of iron.

The Braves had 14 straight cracks at it and only came through once because Bobby Cox ran into an even worse postseason manager. He should’ve gotten his walking papers over a decade ago, not given a sendoff like some wartime hero. The Hawks have never won more than one playoff series yet their GM still crows about them being an elite team after getting swept by the most points in NBA history while their owner demands that more of us buy $50 tickets and $7 beers. It’s no small wonder why they can’t give away tickets nowadays. Meanwhile, Arthur Blank has already stated that he is willing to do what it takes to get a Super Bowl trophy here. It’s safe to say that I’ll be renewing my Falcon season tickets after the CBA is done…

the real Old Gold

January 23rd, 2011
2:46 pm

The Atlanta Knights won the Turner Cup, and The Crackers had International League championship, as I’m almost certain the Black Crackers had as well…

5150 P.O.A.D

January 23rd, 2011
3:38 pm

Dejay
Not really. Pro sports is the ABILITY to fund the SPORT and therefore your ENEMY. Pro sports is the only business that if you kill your competition you KILL yourself. The NBA is the greatest proof of that with NASCAR learning that very quickly.

Eric B.

January 23rd, 2011
4:37 pm

Finally someone gets it. It not that we do not support our teams. It’s that we want support a bad or mismanaged team, Or a team whose ownership is clueless. Or saddled with one of the worst GM;s in history.( Pete Babcock). No why should I pay my money to a team that has yet to deserve it. Or earned it, and yes thanks for the World Series moment. But as Bobby himself said. We were better in three of them.
So thanks for one of you media guys for understanding the mindset of some of us fans. And not to just jock sniff the teams and players and blaming the fans for their lack of success and our support

Tony Geinzer

January 23rd, 2011
4:51 pm

I was hoping Atlanta would turn the boat around for the Falcons. I know that it feels Simpsonian that the Speedway was good until they redid it, the Braves should have won more, 1998 should have been a title and the Knights departure ruined the IHL down the line, which is the city’s lone Pro Hockey Title. Also, I feel Wilkins was one of the most memorable NBA Players never to win it all (Thanks, Boston.)

fballnut

January 23rd, 2011
4:56 pm

As an ATL native and life-long (aka,long-suffering) Falcons fan, I feel more optimism than ever before. Yes, we got bumped out by GB last week – but Chicago still has not even scored in the 3rd quarter and it looks like GB is going to burn them too unless there is a drastic change in the next 23 minutes.

Nothing takes away the fact we’ve had 3 consecutive winning seasons, 2 of those to the post-season, and are current NFC South Champions and #1 NFC team for 2010 season. That’s the best sustained play record in the history of earth for our Birds! It bodes well for continuing forward momentum of this young team (remember we’re in just the 3rd year of rebuilding) – and gives ATL fans the best hope ever of finally winning a Super Bowl in the near future.

DHD

January 23rd, 2011
5:06 pm

Hey Mr Sour Apples, how about an article about Atlanta being the only city with 3 playoff teams this past year?

fballnut

January 23rd, 2011
5:35 pm

Wouldn’t you know that the year when our Falcons got hot, so did several other teams in the conference? The #6 seed GB Packers had a better season record than most years’ top 3 seeds have. Would I like to still be playing? Of course. But that does not minimize how many other teams we outranked this year.
Mark, you and all the other transplants who are here taking up jobs and enjoying living in our city need to either get some civic loyalty – or as Grizzard always said, go back where you came from “Delta is ready when you are.” With the 10% unemployment rate in GA, your job could be filled by one of the over-qualified category of the currently jobless Georgians. Get your heart in or get your tookus out.

1eyedJack

January 23rd, 2011
7:25 pm

We ain’t been the same since that low-down reprobate Sherman burned the place down. Bastid!!

fballnut

January 23rd, 2011
7:26 pm

Hell Yeah!

J-Man

January 23rd, 2011
7:59 pm

Well if we had Nnadami Asomugah things might be different but Bradley won’t admit to this because he didn’t say it first

scottbravesfan

January 23rd, 2011
8:19 pm

At least the Braves won one. They have a good shot at winning another one this year as well and with all the young pitching in the minor league system the Braves should be good for awhile. Falcons will be back as well. They have too much talent and Aaron Rodgers was in the zone the other day. The Falcons would have beaten the Bears.

scottbravesfan

January 23rd, 2011
8:23 pm

Kapoonka,

Take your dumb ass back to Chicago then. If you have lived in Atlanta for 25 years and you don’t support their teams, you are part of the problem. I wish Atlanta fans would start giving people like you the Philly treatment.

Scott

January 23rd, 2011
8:30 pm

Go back to Kentucky you glass half empty all the time, UGA hating, negative energy blowhard. Oh, and have a great day.

PMC

January 23rd, 2011
8:52 pm

They may not have but 1 title to show for it, but The Braves have been a pretty entertaining summer for 20 years now. The Falcons have been fun since we finally got a decent coach in Dan Reeves. The Vick era was really fun and now it seems like they have things ironed out going forward even if they did finish with a face plant.

The Hawks last year if you watched them were ridiculously entertaining, especially when Josh Smith was on. Really fun, just not quite good enough. No real trancendent player due to some missed opportunities drafting players.

The Thrashers have a bleak and mostly sad history, but they have been really fun to watch over the last couple of years too and they have a nice young corps of talent.

It’s really not so bad anymore even if the endings are still horrid.

dagnabit

January 23rd, 2011
9:44 pm

Have you considered “working” for a big city newspaper?

Yellow Fuzz

January 23rd, 2011
9:45 pm

1eyeJacked

Wish he had torched Athens a little better.

kaminari

January 24th, 2011
2:18 am

From someone born and raised in ATL, a die-hard sports fan of the the three-headed monster (Hawks-Braves-Falcons), I thank you for writing this article. Now I hope we put our sorry history to rest & watch as Fredi rebuilds a dynasty, Joe rise up and lead the Baby Hawks into championship maturity, and hope that TD is right in building us a tough, gritty football team that will respond to humiliation by dishing out more of the same to opponents. But something good is brewing in ATL Mr. Bradley, and it ain’t the ghosts of Nightmare’s past.

Super Bowl XXXIII

January 24th, 2011
2:30 am

[...] Atlanta’s sad sports history: One lousy title in 148 pro seasons – Atlanta Journal Const… Atlanta's sad sports history: One lousy title in 148 pro seasonsAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)On the eve of Super Bowl XXXIII, safety Eugene Robinson got himself arrested for solicitation hours after receiving the NFL's Bart Starr Award for … Jan 06, 2011 2:36pm [...]

RMikel58

January 24th, 2011
7:18 am

Knocking out Roger Staubach in return knocked us out! We had a really good Defense that year and i remember praying that Dallas wasnt gonna come back but after Roger retired Danny White had alot of comebacks. Dallas had alot of hall of Fame players on that field that night.
I remember celebrating after knocking Roger Staubach out of the game cause i’d never seen Danny White, who’s Danny White? Oh we got this game in the bag, up by 2 TD’s, 4th Quarter then BAM BAM Dallas just beat us. My heart dropped.
The Atlanta Hawks playing game#7 against Larry Bird and the Celtics i remember Dominique and Bird swapping points back n forth with Boston pulling it out and they had 4 Hall of Famers on that team.
Those guy’s that beat us know how to win……like the NY Yankee’s did even after we had them down 2-0 going to Atlanta, Andrew Jones 1st rookie to homer in his 1st at bat. Yankees barely had a heart beat until they evened the series at 2.
Then Charlie Brown shows up and we flop. We are a joke in Atlanta, i will sit there and cheer but will always fear of comebacks in the back of my mind because we have such a history of choking in the playoffs.
We have really great management during the regular season but no one to put us over that hump beyond that.
I fear we have angered the Sports Gods with the “Chop Chant”, maybe we have buried Indian Tribes under the city of Atlanta that no one remembered.
Gosh to look back with all those great teams such as the Flames that went to Calgary and won the NHL there, Gritz Blitz with the Falcons, 14 Divisional Titles with the braves and just 1 World Series Win with perhaps the best baseball team ever will be forgotten because they couldnt get over the hump and win more World Series, 1 great team with the Hawks none of them Hall of Famers, The Falcons getting to 1 Super Bowl but seemed to have hangovers at the start of the game and doing all that partying the night before while Denver stayed out of the Lime Light and practiced at a undisclosed location only focusing on the game, well Denver got into the Lime Light after the game didnt they?
I dont think that we will ever get a team like the Braves had in the 90’s, less optomistic about our hockey team and our basketball team with ownership trouble and the Falcons with a nickname “Dirty Birds” to add to our calamity.
Yeah im pestimistic but our sports teams made me this way.
We can only help other teams break their records after beating us here or there. 40 years of misery is enough to make anyone have a bad taste in their mouth when we finally reach the playoffs.

Nativebird

January 24th, 2011
7:49 am

I’ve been to a number of NFL games in other NFL cities and Atlanta fans are not NEAR with fair-weatheredness of these other fans. Not near. It’s a ridiculous rap.

FogHorn LegHorn

January 24th, 2011
8:16 am

Love It! My thoughts exactly! This is what I always say and of the Atlanta teams, I am a baseball fan above any other (with the Falcons in a close 2nd)! Anyway, I’m not even getting my hopes up this year. My relationship with the Braves always ends in a heartbreak, so this year my guard is up and I’m not expecting much! However, I say that and October will roll around, they’ll be in the playoffs and I won’t be able to help myself and I will fall (just like for a hot girl) and then….I will start the process over again! Sad……….

Dawglasville

January 24th, 2011
8:35 am

I was a Tech fan in 1980 when UGA won the NC because my dad went to Tech. I was a Georgia fan in 1990 when Tech won because I graduated from Georgia. One championship in 40 years is my reward for being a dedicated homer. Sports fan = masochism.

GT65UGA89

January 24th, 2011
8:56 am

Timely article Mark. on my Facebook account I recently posted my Top 10 “Worst Sports Defeats of All Time” –it’s a list that I have kept for a long time (I also have a Top 10 “Greatest Sports Victories of All Time).

Without the written detail, my Worst Sports Defeats are:

1) ‘81 NFC Playoffs: Falcons lose to Cowboys 30-27.
2) ‘96 World Series: Braves lose to Yankees in six after staking a 2-0 series lead …and heading HOME for games 3-4-5.
3) ‘86 NCAA Basketball regionals: GT upset by LSU 70-64 in the Omni …blowing an opportunity to reach the Final Four at “home” so to speak.
4) ‘87 NBA Playoffs: Hawks outduel Pistons to win the Central Division, but bow out to the Pistons in five games.
5) ‘11 NFC Playoffs: 13-3 Falcons blown out in the Dome by #6 seed Packers 48-21.
6) ‘91 World Series: Braves lose to Twins in 7 …All I need say is, “Lonnie didn’t run!”
7) ‘88 NBA Playoffs Game 6: Hawks win Game 5 in Boston to take a 3-2 series lead, but lose 102-100 …”‘News lefty hook!”
‘79 Super Bowl XIII: Cowboys lose to Steelers 35-31 (I was a huge Cowboys fan in the ’70s, up until Jan. 4, 1981) …”Jackie Smith’s dropped pass in the end zone!”
9) NBA Playoffs Game 7: In a continuation from #7 on this list, Hawks lose Game 7 in Boston 118-116 …”Bird vs Dominique” (Bird= 34 pts, 20 in 4th –’Nique= 47 pts, 14 in 4th).
10) ‘78 World Series: Dodgers lose to Yankees in 6 …again! (huge Dodgers fan in the ’70’s).

UGASlobberknocker

January 24th, 2011
9:01 am

After 470 comments, may we please put this sad column to rest?

UGASlobberknocker

January 24th, 2011
9:05 am

Re above top 10 worst sports defeats of all time

Heck, I had #3 in my Top 10 favorite moments of the 80’s.

That was about the same time that me and some old college buddies put on our bulldog red shirts and went to the exhibition basketball game between Russia and Tech. We sat behind the Russian bench and cheered for them. They kept looking back at us not knowing who we were..they were laughing, giving us thumbs up , etc. it was great. The Tech fans weren’t so appreciative.

I’m more mellow now .

Kelvin

January 24th, 2011
9:18 am

Mark,

Some people are posting that you are being negative. I don’t think so, sometimes the truth hurts. There is a difference of being negative and being truthful. Fans, sometimes don’t won’t to hear the truth about their city or their team, but it is what it is. We have one championship with four major franchises and the sad part is that as a fan base we have become apathetic instead of outraged.

North over South

January 24th, 2011
9:34 am

Loserville USA” Atlanta fans are loser too

Top Recruit

January 24th, 2011
9:44 am

Metro Atlanta … you get what you deserve. Metro Atlanta … a bunch of losers! The rest of the Georgia has to pay your bills. You guys could not handle a little bitty snow and ice. You all are a bunch of screw-ups. You do not work hard enough … for you people it is all talk, commentary, and critism ..24/7. If it gets tough or hard, you all quit.

Don Gill

January 24th, 2011
9:58 am

Give me(us) a break Bradley. I seem to recall some great times wi each team. There was a time that you could say Atl. was losers’ville. About 1975. The Braves have not done badly in the last 20 yrs.The Falcons have had some very interesting times. It’s now just you and Shultze who make up the most negative sports reporting, maybe on this planet. Terrance Moore capped that off until he was asked to leave. By the whole city. The Hawks are coming. And they’ve had a few memorable years. And the most entertaining of all were the players who made up the Knightmare on Peachtree St. Before them, the Flames. To support a city you don’t have to always be negative. Seriously, give us all a break.

2WHITTER

January 24th, 2011
10:01 am

WE KNOW! WE KNOW! WE KNOW! OKAY! we suck. Can we please stop highlighting it to remind the world?! I HATE losing and am sick of reading articles and hearing announcers talk about it. I think this is Mark’s favorite topic. NY press must adore him.

Don Gill

January 24th, 2011
10:01 am

Incidentally, the Atl Knights got shut down because of the Thrashers and Ted Turner because the Knights got too cocky.

UGASlobberknocker

January 24th, 2011
10:04 am

Top Recruit

pls go back to whatever rock you crawled out from under. If GA so bad, why are you here? Maybe your paradise has no jobs? maybe you moved here to find a decent looking woman? Maybe to get away from all that snow that we only have to worry about once a yr? Whatever.. If life doesn’t suit you down here, pls dont let anything hold you back from returning to Shangri La. .Delta is ready when you are.

Rickster

January 24th, 2011
10:18 am

C’mon, Mark. You had the weekend off. How about a new thread?

News Roundup, AFC Champs edition | jimcofer.com

January 24th, 2011
12:00 pm

[...] at the hands of the Packers a week ago. Long time Atlanta Journal sports columnist Mark Bradley has this piece about Atlanta’s sad history in pro sports: 148 seasons with only one title. Read it and [...]

.Christopher.Chance

January 24th, 2011
1:43 pm

I have to agree with Thomas’ 11:21pm post on January 21st. He hit the nail on the head with the “Atlanta media sucking up to Braves management (especially Bobby Cox).

In a “dog eat dog” media environment like New York….I seriously doubt that any of the Atlanta media types could survive up there. The Atlanta media makes a fluffer in the adult movie industry look like a prude when it comes to sucking up.

David O’Brainless (O’Brien) is the worst at this. Now that Booby Cox has retired, he’s turned up the gears on the love fest he’s lathered on The Dipper (Chipper Jones). The Braves have to not only pay him $13 mil in each of the next 2 years….but they’re also going to have him bat in the #3 hole (when Jason Heyward should be batting there). Will the Atlanta media every question Braves management on this? NOPE!

After all, we all know that when The Dipper retires and goes to Cooperstown, a number of Atlanta media types are going to want invitations. They also want the free food in the locker rooms and free alcohol in the bars at hotels when these guys are on the road.

Until the Atlanta Media starts reporting stories that is critical of mistakes that management makes when it comes to running Atlanta’s sports teams…..1 championship in 148 season will turn into 1 in 248 in about 25 years.

Jim Ragan

January 24th, 2011
4:09 pm

Nativebird: You are right on concerning fair-weather fans in other cities besides Atlanta-I went
to an LA Rams-Denver game back in the 90’s in Anaheim and there were so many Bronco fans there that it felt like Mile High Stadium at times.

Coddling Coverage

January 24th, 2011
5:42 pm

Talent or coaching levels vary through the decades, but the key reason Atlanta teams have failed to be champions is that they are soft.. And the key factor in that softness is the media… “Atlanta Media” really means AJC — which is our one and only major rag, despite this city’s massive growth in the past 30 years.. Where else would guys like Bobby Cox and Jeff Francouer last so long without being run out of town?.. Oh sure, we might see something about Bobby Petrino after he goes 3-10 and walks right out the door or Joe Johnson after he chokes it up in the playoffs.. But how many times do you see an ATL star blow up in a face-to-face press conference?

Martin

January 24th, 2011
6:09 pm

Stop printing articles while drunk. Get yourself together, there is no curse. It was not luck win Braves won. As long as all teams stay in competition they have a valid chance of winning.

GO BIRDS!

January 25th, 2011
10:33 am

Frozen Tundra

January 21st, 2011
11:11 am
I find it amazing that UGA and Ga Tech each have the same number of national championships as all the professional sports combined.

Your an idiot. GT has 4: (1917,1929,1952,1990) and georgia has 5:(1927,1942,1946,1968,1980)

Pro is Pro

January 25th, 2011
6:03 pm

It is your article, Mark so you can count what you want to but if you get paid to play it then you are a professional. and if the league you are playing in is the top league in the country then that should certainly qualify as a title and not just the big four sports that you know something about without having to do any research on. Soccer was and is a professional sport and ids the biggest sport in the world. The NASL didn’t survive but it did get legitimate crowds while it was in existence. And it planted he seed for Major League soccer which despite what you or anyone else on this blog want to thin kis a major sport in this country. I can certainly see not counting a minor league team but there is no way that the chiefs feat should not be counted.

Big Chicken

January 28th, 2011
1:02 am

Arrived here in ‘78, and have seen all manner of flukes, chokes, collapses, losing press conferences, and many good players leave for fame elsewhere. Coming close, almost making it, falling just short, are the hallmarks of Atlanta pro sports…. and I still remember that night in ‘95 when MY team won in MY town and we didn’t make some other place happy for a change. Jaded, yes, but still ever hopeful that Lucy gets kicked in the head someday!

Atlanta’s sad sports history: One lousy title in 149 pro seasons

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Atlanta’s sad sports history: One lousy title in 149 pro seasons

491 comments Add your comment

About Mark Bradley

We’ve Moved!

One Subscription. Total Access.

Search this blog

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More from the AJC

Categories

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