Dec. 25, 1964 - Baltimore Colt football fans were urged today by the team’s management not to come to Friendship Airport when the team returns from its championship clash with the Cleveland Browns.
A statement by the club read in part:
“It is the wish of the officials of the State of Maryland, Baltimore city and county authorities, Friendship Airport, and the Baltimore Colts that everyone enjoy a very happy and safe holiday season.
“These combined groups are requesting that no mass reception be planned to greet the Colts upon their return from the championship game in Cleveland. It is the deep concern of all parties that after the championship game the enthusiasm could again endanger the fans and plays.”
The team’s owners remember what happened in 1958 (pictured), after the Colts defeated the New York Giants, 23-17. A crowd estimated at 30,000 swarmed into Friendship Airport; traffic was tied up for hours.
When the plane carrying the Colts landed, the battle cry went up: “There they are!”
The players got into a nearby bus (pictured), but even that wasn’t safe.
Pushing aside 20 special policemen assigned to protect the players, the crowd surged around the bus. Fourteen youngsters scrambled on top of the vehicle and proceeded to crush the top. A police car rushed to the scene as an escort vehicle had its roof caved in. Windows on the bus were smashed.
Perhaps the most amazing part of it all was that no one was killed.
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