In January 1953, a Baltimore-based group led by Carroll Rosenbloom won the rights to a new Baltimore franchise. Rosenbloom was granted an NFL team, and awarded the holdings of the defunct Dallas Texans organization, which lasted only one season. The new team was named the Colts after the previous team that folded after the 1950 season; Baltimore was without a team in 1951 and 1952. The 1953 Colts have the unusual distinction of having a losing record, despite having a league-leading 56 defensive takeaways. Baltimore had a winning record after five games, defeating neighbor Washington before a capacity crowd of over 34,000 at Memorial Stadium, then lost seven straight to finish the season.

This lot features (7) 1953 Baltimore Colts home game programs. They include:

Vs. Redskins 9/20/53 - Preseason w/ Ticket Stub
Vs. Bears 9/27/53 - First NFL Game w/ Ticket Stub
Vs. Lions 10/3/53
Vs. Redskins 10/25/53
Vs. Packers 10/31/53 w/ Ticket Stub
Vs. Rams 11/22/53
Vs. 49ers 11/29/53

The programs vary in condition with the Packers and Rams being the worst of the bunch. The First game program against the Bears is in excellent condition.