Mitten State Sports Report

Friday, May 3, 2013

Top 10 Dormant Mitten State Franchises

     Throughout the years, several sports franchises in the state of Michigan have come and gone never to be heard from again.  This post is a top ten list of those dormant, or defunct sports teams seen through the eyes of the Mitten State Sports Report. Not every team that disappeared from existence qualifies for the list. If a franchise left the state of Michigan they are not considered dormant. For example, the Detroit Shock of the Womens National Basketball Association (WNBA) moved to Tulsa, the Detroit Wheels of the World Football League (WFL) moved to Charlotte, and my personal favorite the Detroit Drive of the Arena Football League (AFL) moved to Massachusetts. Top ten lists are sure to bring debate, and this publication will be no different. So let the arguments begin, and as always you can leave a comment for everyone to read, or email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com

                                       Top 10 Dormant Mitten State Sports Teams

10. Kalamazoo Kings- 2001-2008 - Frontier League

     The Kalamazoo Kings were a professional baseball team not affiliated with Major League Baseball. Along with the Traverse City Beach Bums, the Kings competed in the East Division of the Frontier League. The Kings played their home games at Homer Stryker Field, and in 2005 won the Frontier League Championship Series. Although the Kalamazoo Kings folded in 2008, the Frontier League lives on with fourteen current teams.

9. Detroit Neon- 1994-1997 - Continental Indoor Soccer League

     The Detroit Neon were an indoor soccer team created in the mid-90's to capture some of the success that the Detroit Rockers were experiencing. Although the Neon and Rockers played in separate leagues, they competed with one another for fans at a time when the sport was growing. With stars like Drago, and Andy Chapman, the Detroit Neon lead the Continental Indoor Soccer League in attendance their first season, and earned a television deal with PASS Sports in 1997. The crazy colors of their uniforms, along with home games at The Palace of Auburn Hills appealed to fans, but the Continental Indoor Soccer League folded along with the Detroit Neon. During their brief existence, the Neon were also known as the Detroit Safari.

8. Detroit Fury- 2001-2004 - Arena Football League

     Although the Fury did not endure the type of success that the Detroit Drive, or Grand Rapids Rampage experienced, they did reach the postseason in two of its four seasons. The Fury entered the league at a time when Arena Football was at its peek in popularity. Prime time television deals, video games, and rosters spattered with former NFL players, produced the perfect storm for the brief success of the Arena Football League. The Fury's record in four seasons was 22-41, and in 2004 the Arena Football League announced the termination of the franchise.

7. Detroit Demolition- 2002-2009 - Independent Women's Football League

     The Detroit Demolition were a women's semi-professional football team based in Detroit Michigan.  Originally known as the Detroit Danger, the Demolition switched leagues four times in seven seasons, and played some games at Livonia Franklin High School. The Demolition experienced much success in their brief history with an overall record of 72-9. They won five championships, and played in six championship games in their seven seasons of existence.

6. Flint Generals- 1993-2010 - International Hockey League, Colonial Hockey League

     The Flint Generals were a professional hockey team, and a staple of the Mid Michigan area. They played their home games at Perani Arena, and their games were broadcasted on (am) radio where loyal fans could tune in. During their seventeen year history, the Generals won the Colonial Cup twice, and played in the International Hockey League, the Colonial Hockey League, and the United Hockey League. None of those leagues exist today, but several of its teams currently play in the Central Hockey League, and also the East Coast Hockey League.  In the years spanning from 1969-1985, a separate minor league Flint Generals team existed, but is not affiliated with the team that existed from 1993-2010.

5. Detroit Rockers- 1990-2001 - National Professional Soccer League

     The Detroit Rockers survived the longest tenure as an indoor soccer team in Michigan. They played their home games at Joe Louis Arena, Cobo Hall, and the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Rockers won the NPSL Championship in the 1991-1992 season, and were bought by the Illitch family the following season. The Illitch family owned the Rockers from 1992-1996, but the National Professional Soccer League lost momentum when the Detroit Neon came into existence in 1994. The Neon took away star power from the Rockers when they lured away Andy Chapman, and Drago. There was not enough fan base to support two indoor soccer leagues, and the National Professional Soccer League, along with the Continental Indoor Soccer League both eventually folded.

4. Grand Rapids Hoops- 1989-2003 - Continental Basketball Association

     The Continental Basketball Association was a professional basketball league that served as a minor league to the NBA. Similar to the NBA D- League, the CBA would infiltrate small markets hungry for professional sports organizations. Each NBA team had an affiliated CBA team that they could use as a farm system for their organization. The Hoops never really found a home court of their own, playing in four home arenas in their fourteen year history. The Hoops were a welcome addition to a sports town that eventually included the West Michigan White Caps, and the Grand Rapids Griffins. The Continental Basketball Association ceased existence in 2009.

3. Detroit Ignition- 2006-2009 - Major Indoor Soccer League

     During their brief history, the Ignition played their home games at Compuware Arena, (in Plymouth) and were televised on the Versus Network, and on Comcast Local. Attendance was always solid for Ignition games, but the arena was to small, holding about half as many fans as other Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) venues. Jamarcus Beasley was the franchise player for the Ignition in their short but successful campaign. The Ignition lost in the MISL Championship game in 2006-2007, and in the following season they lost in the semi-finals. In 2008-2009 the MISL folded and the Ignition joined the bizarre XSL (Xtreme Soccer League) where they finished in first place with a 12-8 record. The XSL featured no playoff system, and the league along with the Ignition folded in 2009. Today the MISL is back with some of its original teams and games can be seen live online for free. Many of the Ignition's former players currently play in the reconstructed MISL.

2. Grand Rapids Rampage- 1998-2008 - Arena Football League

     Founded in 1998, the Grand Rapids Rampage were a successful Arena Football team that played their home games at Van Andel Arena. Winners of Arena Bowl XV, the Rampage made six playoff appearances in their ten year history. Some former Rampage players include former Detroit Lions wide receiver Scotty Anderson, former NFL wide receiver Troy Edwards, and former NFL quarterback Michael Bishop. Rampage games were often broadcasted on the ABC Network along with other Arena Football games. The Arena Football League lives on today, but without the inclusion of the Grand Rapids Rampage.

1. Detroit Vipers- 1994-2001 - International Hockey League

     The Detroit Vipers first season at the Palace of Auburn Hills was played during the NHL lockout, which gave the Vipers momentum from the get go. Perhaps the Vipers greatest claim to fame was when they beat a team of NHL all-stars, in an exhibition game during the lockout. During the Vipers seven years of existence they won four division championships, and captured the Turner Cup in 1997 lead by rookie Sergei Samsonov. Samsonov  was drafted the following season by the Boston Bruins (8th pick of the 1st round) and went on to become an NHL superstar. In the 1997-1998 season, Gordy Howe skated a shift with the Vipers making him the only player in history to play professional hockey in six different decades.  The Vipers also included veteran NHL players at the tail end of their careers, such as former Detroit Red Wings Jimmy Carson, and Shawn Burr. Many people feel that Vipers downfall began with the purchase of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning by owner Bill Davidson. Davidson used the Vipers as a farm club for the Lightning and both franchises struggled. In 2001 the Detroit Vipers along with the International Hockey League ceased operations.

Who do you think should have made the Top 10? Leave a comment and voice your opinion!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Best of March 2013!

     The month of March included seven dynamic posts that were all highly viewed by readers all over the world. "Red Wings Alumni Defeat Wild Wings 9-4" (posted 3/4/2013) received several views and is currently the fourth most viewed post of all time on the Mitten State Sports Report. Here are the top three most viewed posts of March! Be sure to check out all of your favorite archived material! You can always leave a comment at the Mitten State Sports Report! Go ahead, you know you have something to say! You can also email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at                   mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com

                                                           Best of March 2013

1. "Red Wings Alumni Defeat Wild Wings 9-4" posted 3/4/2013

2. "Hockey Night In Westland" posted 3/1/2013

3. "Henry Ford vs Delta Photo Album" posted 3/2/2013

                  The Mitten State Sport Report's champion of most viewed posts of all time is...

                              "Opening Night At Flat Rock Speedway" posted May 8th, 2012

Thank you for making the Mitten State Sports Report as viewed and as popular as you have helped make it!

Best of February 2013!

     The month of February included 24 posts, which was the most posted month so far on the Mitten State Sports Report. College basketball, college hockey, and OHL hockey were just some of the stories covered during the month of February. "College Hoops Back In Southfield" (posted February 7th) is currently the tenth most viewed post of all time on the Mitten State Sports Report. Here is a list of the top three most viewed posts of February. Be sure to check out all of the archived material.

                                                      Best of February 2013

1. "College Hoops Back In Southfield" posted 2/7/2013

2. "School Bus Racing Photo Album" posted 2/4/2013

3. "Ocelots Oust Alpena 87-83 In OT" posted 2/15/2013

The Mitten State Sports Report's most viewed post of all time is still...

"Opening Night At Flat Rock Speedway" posted May 8th, 2012

Leave a comment or email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com

Best of January 2013!

Although the month of January did not contain a high quantity of posts, it did include high quality posts. I've decided to post a "Best of January", so be sure to check out all of the archived material. "Back by Popular Demand", (posted 1/29/2013) and "Extreme Midget Wrestling in Taylor" (posted 1/30/2013) are already amongst the top ten viewed posts of all time on the Mitten State Sports Report. Two other posts from this year have joined the top ten.

Best of January 2013

1. "Back by Popular Demand" posted 1/29/2013

2. "Extreme Midget Wrestling in Taylor" posted 1/30/2013

3. "Midget Wrestling Photo Album" posted 1/31/2013

                         The Mitten State Sports Report's most viewed post of all time is...

                            "Opening Night at Flat Rock Speedway" posted May 8th, 2012

Leave a comment or email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Flat Rock Photo Album! Opening Night 2013!

Derrick Sheppard, (#11 car), and Terry Bogusz (#550 car) get set to race the Late Models! Dakota Carlson claimed victory!

There was a good crowd on hand for opening night!

Take a look behind the scenes at Flat Rock Speedway!

The track crew experienced problems with the asphalt!

For more info on Flat Rock Speedway click on flatrockspeedway.com

Leave a comment! Email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Opening Night At Flat Rock Speedway 2013

Jeremy Vanderhoof and the #6 car won the 20 Lap Figure-8 Race

     Flat Rock Speedway kicked off another season last Saturday, and the Mitten State Sports Report was there for all the action.  Mother nature was cooperative, providing a pleasant evening for late April racing. The action began with a 50 lap Late Model race won by Dakota Carlson and the #8 car.  Carlson lead the entire way in a race that was ran clean and accident free. Officials did have to stop the race during the Figure-8 heaps, and during the Street Stock 25 lap race to fix problems with the asphalt. The Late Model 50 lap race did not experience any of these delays.
     The Street Stock drivers took the stage next for a 25 lap race that started in broad day light, and ended under the lights of Flat Rock Speedway. Rob Moore and the # 82 car lead the entire race, and eventually took home the checkered flag. Asphalt repairs, crashes, and spin outs, occurred during the street stock race, and one driver experienced a smoke filled car that followed a loud pop. The delays did not take away from the excitement however, as fans used the opportunity to walk around, and utilize the refreshment stands.
     The "Motor City Mad Men, and One Crazy Lady" came out to a loud cheer from the crowd, as the Figure-8 races are a staple main event at Flat Rock Speedway. The 20 lap race capped off the night with several close calls, and plenty of heart pounding moments.  Jeremy Vanderhoof and the #6 car took home the checkered flag in a race that he controlled from the get go. Vanderhoof won his eleventh (all time) Figure-8 Race at Flat Rock Speedway currently placing him seventeenth all time in Figure-8 race wins at Flat Rock Speedway. Bill Early and the #9 car finished in third place on Saturday night, and is currently in fifteenth place (all time) with eleven Figure-8 Race victories at Flat Rock Speedway. Bob Studt holds the record at Flat Rock Speedway for most all time Figure-8 Race victories. Studt accumulated a total of 115 victories.

For more info on Flat Rock Speedway click on flatrockspeedway.com

Leave a comment or email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com

Monday, April 29, 2013

UofM at EMU Photo Album

Wolverines #10 Michael O'Neill is the nephew of former Big League slugger Paul O'Neill!

The EMU Eagles defeated the UofM Wolverines 15-10. The two teams will meet again May 7th, in Ann Arbor.

For more info about the UofM athletic program click on https://mgoblue.com

For more info about the EMU athletic program click on https://emueagles.com

Leave a comment! Email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com

EMU Outlasts UofM 15-10

Wolverines #26 Patrick Biondi had six stolen bases on the night.

Last Tuesday, Eastern Michigan University hosted the University of Michigan for a date on the diamond at Oestrike Stadium, in Ypsilanti. The rain poured down heavily throughout the contest, and both offenses came out swinging the sticks. Each team scored four runs in the first inning, and the scoring continued in the second. The Wolverines plated one run in the top of the second inning, while the Eagles answered with five runs in the bottom half, taking a 9-5 lead into the third. The Eagles tacked on two more runs in the third, and the Wolverines responded with two runs in the fourth. The Wolverines were very aggressive with runners on base lead by senior leadoff hitter Patrick Biondi, who swiped six bases. The score remained 11-7 until Eastern Michigan broke the game open in the sixth inning adding four more runs. Michigan added two runs in the seventh inning, and one in the ninth, to give them ten runs on the evening. Ten runs would be enough on most nights, but the Wolverines fell to Eastern Michigan for a fifth straight time with a final score of 15-10. The two teams will meet again for a make up game on May 7th, in Ann Arbor. Eastern Michigan has a current record of 20-20, with a MAC Conference record of 9-9. Michigan has an overall record of 22-20, with a Big 10 Conference record of 8-7.

For more info about the UofM athletic program click on https://mgoblue.com

For more info about the EMU athletic program click on https://emueagles.com

Leave a comment! Email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com