AboutJim Considine Expertise I can answer statistical questions about professional football. I am especially strong on the subject of the Baltimore Colts from 1947 through 1983, Washington Redskins, and the Baltimore Ravens.
My services are best used when an older, obscure question is posed. The newer NFL records are easily accessible through www.NFL.com
I do not appraise memorabilia. I am not an expert on Canadian Football, though I will take a shot at any questions you might
I have a good understanding and recall of the folklore about Baltimore football. Some of this information may be subjective in nature. I will give the best answer possible if this is the case.
Experience I am an NFL Statistician with the Washington Redskins. I grew up during the days of the Baltimore Colts in the 1960's. (Please refer to the movie "Diner" for more information about the Baltimore Colts fans)
Organizations Washington Redskins Statistician, 2005-present
Baltimore Ravens, 1996-2003
Publications The records were used by author Jon Morgan in his book, "Glory For Sale". The records have been part of the Baltimore Ravens Media Guides since their inaugural season in 1996.
I was interviewed for the cover story of The Press Box, a local, monthly sports tabloid newspaper.
http://www.pressboxonline.com/story.cfm?id=5594
Education/Credentials I researched and was able to piece together the statistical history of the AAFC Baltimore Colts 1947-49, and the 1950 NFL Colts. This information was used by The Baltimore Ravens for their 1996 Media Guide. The records were entitled "Baltimore Football Records". It was considered "unofficial" since the AAFC league records were not incorporated with the NFL records when the leagues merged.
The reason that this information was created was due to the fact that the NFL had prohibited the 1996 Baltimore Ravens from bringing the records, colors, and team name from the Cleveland Browns. The Baltimore football records were presented in order to create a frame of reference. The Ravens have kept these records since 1996, adding and amending as the Ravens football team challenge these records.
Awards and Honors I was awarded two game balls from the Ravens and was recognized for my work as the top game day employee.
Past/Present Clients Baltimore Ravens, Wise Guides, Washington Redskins
Question Jim,
Can you tell me where the Browns 'worked out' during the regular season BEFORE their current facility was built in Berea, Ohio. They have a modern NFL facility in Berea, but certainly had a HQ's before this place was built.
Thank You,
Bill
Answer Bill,
Boy did you pick a good question for me to answer! My best friend from my college days was the Director of Operations for the Cleveland Browns between 1987 & 1995. He moved back home to Baltimore in 1996 with the franchise and is still with the Ravens.
I remember when the Browns built Berea. I actually toured the facility when it had opened. It was absolutely the finest facility in the NFL at the time. Giving up Berea was quite loss for the Browns when they came to Baltimore. The facility was upgraded in 1999 in anticipation for the "new" Cleveland Browns franchise.
Getting to your question ... the Browns offices and practice facilities before Berea were located in Cleveland Stadium (a.k.a. the mistake by the lake). Art Modell, owner of the Browns was given charge of the stadium by the Cleveland city council. He became the landlord for the Indians. He was also in charge of booking events like college football and rock concerts at the stadium. This is where the conflict between the Browns and the Mayor originated. The Browns wanted a new stadium, and they were losing money as the landlord of the stadium.
I remember stories from my friend telling me how he would be leaving the Browns offices at Cleveland Stadium during the spring. He was a big baseball fan, so he might stick his nose in to see how the Indians were doing. He would be amazed to see crowds of a 1,000 people on a frigid April night, in a stadium that held almost 80,000 people.
As depicted in the movie "Major League", there was actually a fan who sat in the center field bleachers at every home game, beating on his drum.
Boston hurler, Denis "Oil Can" Boyd once said when asked about the conditions at Cleveland Stadium, "Well, that's what you get when you build a stadium next to an ocean".
Lakeland Community College was the site of the Cleveland Browns preseason practice before Berea. Lots of folks lament the fact that the Lakeland training camp could facilitate about 8,000 people for an open practice. Berea will only hold 2,000 fans for a training session. As I am sure you know, after the preseason training camp ends, the practices are not open to the public.
Best wishes,
Jim Considine/Baltimore, Maryland
