A look at some former Atlanta sports teams

Sports

Photos: A look at some former Atlanta sports teams, May 2011.

As Atlanta waits to see if the Thrashers head north to Winnipeg and the city loses its NHL franchise for a second time, we take a look at some other bygone Atlanta sports franchises from the past, starting with...

... the Atlanta Crackers (1901-65): Although a minor league baseball team, the Crackers were essentially Atlanta's big league ball team for most of the 20th Century. The team was so successful it was nicknamed the "Yankees of the Minors."

Atlanta Black Crackers (1919-52): The Negro League counterpart to the Atlanta Crackers won its league's second half pennant in 1938.

Atlanta Chiefs (1967-73; 1979-81): Pro soccer team that played in NPSL and NASL. The Chiefs won the 1968 NASL championship but declining attendance proved too much for the franchise which, after a short late '70s revival, folded.

Atlanta Flames (1972-80): Named after the burning of Atlanta during the Civil War, the city's first NHL hockey team enjoyed moderate success but again, lacking attendance proved too much to overcome and the team relocated to Calgary in 1980.

This eye-catching 1973 billboard warned Atlanta Flames fans that "The Ice Age Is Coming" and that they should "Get Tickets Before The Freeze."

Atlanta Knights (1992-96): Over a decade after losing the Flames, Atlanta welcomed a minor league hockey team back to the ice at The Omni. The Knights were the top team in the Tampa Bay Lightning's minor league system, playing in the International Hockey League. Atlanta was among the first pro teams to play a female goalie, Manon Rheaume, in a regular season game.

1/7

As Atlanta waits to see if the Thrashers head north to Winnipeg and the city loses its NHL franchise for a second time, we take a look at some other bygone Atlanta sports franchises from the past, starting with...

Today's Gallery Headlines

PHOTOS: An early look at CNN Center's redevelopment in downtown Atlanta

PHOTOS: Wayfair opens first Atlanta store

PHOTOS: Hawks defeat Celtics in key East battle

People march in Bishop Park in Athens on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Protesters gathered in 10 different locations around Georgia’s Congressional District 10, leading up to a “Democracy Fair” at Bishop Park as part of a nationwide day of “No Kings” demonstrations. Organizers estimate that a few thousand people participated, many of them first-time protesters. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)

PHOTOS: 'No Kings' rally at Bishop Park in Athens, Ga.

More Galleries

PHOTOS: UGA Pro Day draws Falcons, others

Atlanta Hawks host the Orlando Magic in an NBA game

PHOTOS: Magic night as Hawks continue winning streak

Photos: North Paulding girls defeat Grayson for a 6A basketball state championship

Alerts