Chapter XXV: "You're asking me to be Blackbeard" (ft. Ray Hudson)

12/22/23 • 73 min

In Chapter XXV: "You're asking me to be Blackbeard". Legendary announcer, player, and former coach of the Miami Fusion: Mr. Ray Hudson sends us off in style!
For this whole year, we've been charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable stories of this magical club in South Florida that existed from 1998-2001. We told the oral history of the Miami Fusion from those who actually lived it, speaking to former players, coaches, staff, fans, even the owner himself!
And now, what better way to close out this series than with the man most associated with the Miami Fusion, Ray Hudson. Ray joins us for the final 2 chapters in this series.
In this particular chapter, Ray details how he was in prime position to take charge of the Miami Fusion during their 2000 season, and how it eventually lead to their success in the 2001 season.
Ray shares as many stories and memories of the Fusion as he can muster. He shares personal anecdotes for many MANY players, coaches, and staff and even apologizes that he can't get to MORE folks associated with the Fusion.
I want to thank everyone who has come on the podcast to share their specific stories and memories, both of the early days of MLS and of the Miami Fusion specifically. What started out as wishful thinking has turned into a full-blown love letter. THANK YOU for everything, have a happy holidays, and let's continue to keep the memory of the Miami Fusion alive for years to come, cheers!
In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), the decision was made to fold the Fusion.
While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?
This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

Previous Episode

Chapter XXIV: "This was heaven" (ft. Ray Hudson)

In Chapter XXIV: "This was heaven". Legendary announcer, player, and former coach of the Miami Fusion: Mr. Ray Hudson sends us off in style!
For this whole year, we've been charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable stories of this magical club in South Florida that existed from 1998-2001. We told the oral history of the Miami Fusion from those who actually lived it, speaking to former players, coaches, staff, fans, even the owner himself!
And now, what better way to close out this series than with the man most associated with the Miami Fusion, Ray Hudson. Ray joins us for the final 2 chapters in this series.
In this particular chapter, Ray details how he came to play for the For Lauderdale Strikers, what drew him to, and kept him in, South Florida, and where his mind was 25 years ago, when he saw the Fusion kick off in MLS' 3rd season.
Next week, Ray closes us out with as many stories and memories of the Miami Fusion that he can muster, but for this week, we're keyed in on the Strikers!
In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), the decision was made to fold the Fusion.
While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?
This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

Next Episode

Epilogue: "The legacy of the Miami Fusion"

Happy Holidays!
I hope your end to 2023 has been fantastic!
Even though this series technically wrapped up with Chapter 25, it still felt as if there was one more episode which needed to be released.
At the end of every episode, I asked my guest 2 questions:
1. What is the legacy of the Miami Fusion, to you?
2. What do you want new fans of MLS to know about the Fusion?
For this "epilogue" of the series, I mashed together everyone's responses to send us out of 2023 in style.
Enjoy!
In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), the decision was made to fold the Fusion.
While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?
This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.