Brief History of the Rams and the Stadiums

Rams History

In 1937 on Feb 13, the Cleveland Rams are granted a franchise. Bob Kelley is the radio play-by-play announcer for the Rams, "Voice of the Rams".

In 1941 Daniel F. Reeves and Fred Levy Jr. purchase the Rams in June.

In 1946 Reeves receives the approval to move the Rams to LA on Jan 11. The Rams
are now called Los Angeles Rams, played at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Rams in March sign halfback Kenny Washington and end Woody Strode, they are the first African-American players in NFL.

In 1963 Reeves sells 49% interest in the Rams. That year the Rams acquired Rosey Grier and formed the original Fearsome Foursome on Defense.

In 1966 George Allen is the Rams Head Coach. Bob Kelley the "Voice of the Rams" dies in September.

In 1971 on April 15 the owner Daniel F. Reeves dies of cancer in New York.

Former owner Carroll Rosenbloom

In 1972 Chicago industrialist Robert Irsay purchased the Rams for $19 million (Reeves, estate) then traded the franchise to Carroll Rosenbloom for the Baltimore Colts & several million dollars. The transaction was completed on July 14.

In 1979 on April 2 Carroll Rosenbloom died, Georgia Frontiere, widow takes over.

In 1980 the Los Angeles Rams moved to Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, Californian.
That year the Rams are in the Super Bowl and lose.

In 1982 NFL players strike ends 7 games and the Rams finished last.

In 1983 Rams hire USC coach John Robinson in February as the new Head Coach
for the Rams and draft first round Eric Dickerson RB.

In 1984 Eric Dickerson RB rushes 2,105 yards NFL record. Jack Youngblood sets
a Rams team record playing 201 consecutive games.

In 1985 fall one game short of the Super Bowl in a lost against the Bears in NFC Championship Game.

In 1987 NFL players' strike shortens season by one game (15). Also during the year
Eric Dickerson was traded to the Colts.

In 1990 Jackie Slater plays the most games for the Rams, 209 games a Rams record.

In 1993 NFL and Player Association representatives agree on a new free agency system for players with 5 years or more.

In 1995 Rams moved the organization to St. Louis & now called the St. Louis Rams. Jackie Slater becomes the first player in NFL history to play 20 seasons with the same team.

In 1997 Rams celebrate club's 60th anniversary of professional football. The Rams
hired Dick Vermeil as Head Coach and President of Football Operations.

In 1999 Kurt Warner starts at quarterback, leads the Rams to the playoff and the first divisional championship since 1985. That year I called it "The Year of the Rams". I have a slideshow of pictures taken during that year.
In 2000 the Rams are Super Bowl XXXIV champs, beat Tennessee 23-16. Dick Vermeil retires and is named NFL Head Coach of the Year. Mike Martz takes over as head coach.

In 2001 Rams have the best record in NFL and win the west.
In 2002 lose in the Super Bowl.

Rams Stadiums

League Park, Cleveland
Years Played: 1937, 1942, 1944-45
Record: 7-7 (.500)
First game: 10/3/37 lose Chicago Cardinals 6-0
Last game: 12/2/45 win Boston Yanks 20-7

Municipal Stadium, Cleveland
Years Played: 1937, 1939-41, 1945
Record: 6-8-2 (.438)
First game: 9/10/37 lose Detroit Lions 28-0
Last game: 12/16/45 win Washington Redskins 15-14

Shaw Stadium, Cleveland (named after high school on Shaw Avenue)
Years Played: 1938
Record: 2-2 (.500)
First game: 9/17/38 lose Chicago Cardinals 7-6
Last game: 10/30/38 lose Green Bay Packers 28-7

Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles
Years Played: 1946-79
Record: 145-79 (.647) (142-75 regular season; 3-4 postseason)
First game: 9/29/46 lose Philadelphia Eagles 25-14
Last game: 12/16/79 lose New Orleans Saints 29-14

Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim
Years Played: 1980-94
Record: 61-57 (.517) (60-56 regular season; 1-1 postseason)
First game: 9/7/80 lose Detroit Lions 40-21
Last game: 12/24/94 lose Washington Redskins 24-21

Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Years Played: 1995
Record: 3-1 (.750)
First game: 9/10/95 win New Orleans Saints 17-13
Last game: 10/22/95 lose San Francisco 49ers 44-10

Edward Dome Stadium, St. Louis
Years Played: 1995-present
First game: 11/12/95 win Carolina Panthers 28-17