Bridgeport Jets

The Bridgeport Jets were a minor league American football team based in Bridgeport, Connecticut. They began play in the Atlantic Coast Football League in 1966 as the Waterbury Orbits. The Orbits, already officially affiliated with the New York Jets of the American Football League, became the Bridgeport Jets in 1968.[1] After relocating from Waterbury, the Jets played their homes games in John F. Kennedy Stadium.

Bridgeport Jets
Founded1966
Folded1974
LeagueAtlantic Coast Football League
Seaboard Football League
Based inBridgeport, Connecticut
ArenaJohn F. Kennedy Stadium
Championships0
Division titles1 (1973)

History

The Jets were founded in 1966 and owned by Fiore Francis “Hi-Ho” D’Addario. The “Hi-Ho” commonly used on Jets program covers alludes to D’Addario’s nickname.

In the 1980’s after the folding of the Jets, D’Addario became the primary sponsor of the Connecticut Brakettes, a women’s softball team who were known as the Hi-Ho Brakettes during his time as sponsor.

The ACFL suspended operations for the 1972 season after losing several franchises.[2] While the Jets did not dissolve they were inactive for the year. They returned as part of a six-team ACFL in 1973 and enjoyed their most successful season. They finished atop their division with an 11–1 record and faced the New England Colonials in the league championship game, which they lost 41–17. It turned out to be the final game for the ACFL, which folded soon after.

The Jets moved to the Seaboard Football League in 1974, and advanced to their second league title game in a row. Once again they lost, this time 20–9 to the Wilkes-Barre Bullets.[3] Both the Jets and Bullets were the only teams in the league to complete their seasons.[4] With the cessation of the Seaboard Football League, the Jets' franchise ended.

Season-by-season
YearLeagueWLTFinishCoach
Waterbury Orbits 1966Atlantic Coast Football League8312nd, Northern DivisionFred Wallner
19676602nd, Northern DivisionNick Cutro
Bridgeport Jets 19686512nd, Northern Division
19697502nd, Northern DivisionRay Mathews
19707503rd, Northern Division
19714803rd, Northern Division
197311101st, Southern Division
1974Seaboard Football League630N/A

References
  1. "Bridgeport Jets". The Hartford Courant. Associated Press. March 27, 1968.
  2. "Atlantic Coast Football League". The Herald (Provo, UT). UPI. May 31, 1972.
  3. "Bullets Beat Jets in Finale". The Bridgeport Post. October 13, 1974.
  4. "Bridgeport Jets Face Wilkes-Barre for Title". The Bridgeport Post. October 12, 1974.


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