Ravens Salute The Fans

Some of the most-diehard Ravens fans celebrated their 50th anniversary in style last weekend at the Council of Ravens Roosts Convention, and in the midst of organized team activities, a few Ravens players were happy to trade the practice green for a taste of sandy beach.

But it wasn't the Ravens themselves that were being honored at this event, as the theme "Saluting the 12th Man" summed up the weekend. Held in Ocean City, Md., the annual convention attracted representatives from all 52 active Roosts, the majority of which began as the Council of Colts Corrals when the team played in Charm City (1947-83).

Jason Brown, Attiyah Ellison, Matt Katula, Mike Kracalik, Chris Pino and Derrick Martin were all happy to give their whole-hearted salute to this group.

"I didn't know much about the history of this fan club before I came down here," said Kracalik, who was attending his second Roost convention along with Katula. "When I'd talk to the fans, I kept hearing stories of how they remember watching Johnny Unitas and Lenny Moore play.

"It's amazing how dedicated they are to Baltimore and to us as a team."

The Ravens arrived Friday afternoon to the Castle in the Sand hotel, which served as home base for the festivities, greeted by a warm, sunny evening and a raucous welcome by the Baltimore faithful.

The Roost members had already enjoyed a day of a punt and pass competition, tug of war, horseshoes on the beach, and a tailgate party featuring brisket and fixings from Beefalo Bob's Catering.

When the Ravens took the stage for their introduction, though, Brown wanted to make certain the celebration was started.

"This is my first year out here, and I'm already overwhelmed," the center/guard told the crowd. "We really appreciate everyone's support, because I think we all know that the Ravens have the best fans in the league.

"Now, let's get ready to party!"

A deafening approval from the crowd roared with agreement.

The marquee event of the weekend was Saturday morning's parade up Ocean City's Baltimore Avenue. In addition to the players riding tall in convertibles, many of the Roosts spent weeks building Ravens-centric floats that cruised up the route.

All of the floats went along with the convention's theme: the fans and how they enjoy Sundays.

"Those floats were pretty amazing," affirmed Katula. "They outdo themselves every year. Roost 66 even had a Goodyear Blimp circling it on a track. Unbelievable."

Other than the obvious focus of the Ravens, the Roosts are also committed to supporting the community, and that air of service also hung over the event. One of the most-popular activities was Ravens Roost No. 4's dunk tank, especially when fans could take a shot at dunking a player.

Ellison, Kracalik and Pino all took a dip to help raise money for NFL veterans in need of assistance.

"This goes to a really great cause, and it was so fun to be able to interact with the players doing it," said Leslie Pacen of Roost 4.

Pacen certainly did her part by ringing the bell multiple times with Ellison in the tank.
As Saturday wound down, the Ravens were treated to another tradition, a private dinner at Ocean City's Blue Ox Steakhouse. The upscale establishment's steaks, oysters and crab cakes gave the players full stomachs to go with their full hearts.

For the fans, the Ravens Roost Convention served as a testament to all the hard work they put in year-round while they fly the Ravens' banner. For the players, it was a way to say thank you.