West Ham United welcomed two loyal fans to London Stadium on Monday, having flown 3,700 miles from North America to witness the Hammers’ thrilling 4-2 win over Brentford.
Scotty Burkhardt and Aaron Houston traveled from Baltimore, Maryland, to see their beloved Hammers end their six-game Premier League winless streak.The club has a long connection with the city, dating back to 1969, when West Ham played as the Baltimore Bays in the summer North American Soccer League (NASL) tournament. That has not been forgotten in Charm City, and their passion for the Irons has been passed down through generations over the last 55 years.
And now, more than five decades later, they are the only real West Ham fan bar in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Every matchday, 40-50 Hammers fans gather at the Abbey Burger Bistro to watch the game and express their support from the other side of the continent.
Scotty and Aaron could have remained in their cozy comfort zone in the 20-degree Baltimore sunshine. However, they decided to make the memorable trip to east London on a cold night to cheer on their team.
It means everything; being here, seeing the stadium, the supporters, and being a part of the atmosphere is a dream come true,” they stated.
It’s truly mesmerizing. Yesterday, we embarked on a stadium tour and stepping onto the field brought tears to my eyes. The sheer beauty of it all is simply remarkable, and being here is an absolute joy.
The connection between East London and Baltimore runs deep, spanning generations. It feels like a perfect match, something profoundly meaningful to the Baltimore Hammers. Finding the right words is a challenge; the emotions are overwhelming.
The resonance between Baltimore’s blue-collar ethos and West Ham’s roots is palpable. Both started from humble beginnings, with local talents coming together to pursue football. This shared narrative of hard work and unity resonates deeply.
We admire what this club stands for, reflecting our common history of industry, craftsmanship, and solidarity. Despite its growth, moving to London Stadium, the essence of West Ham remains intact. It’s a club that embraces all, holding onto its identity steadfastly.
The dynamic duo, Aaron and Scotty, have been avid supporters of West Ham for nearly a decade. While Aaron’s visit to London Stadium marked his first, Scotty endeavors to make the pilgrimage annually. Every other weekend, they faithfully rise at dawn to catch the Hammers’ matches on TV at their local pub.
Their dedication extends beyond the screen; they aspire to launch fundraising initiatives soon, ensuring that their fellow Baltimore Hammers can relish a similar match-day experience.
“We’ve essentially made our local haunt, The Abbey, in Baltimore city’s harbor, our West Ham sanctuary. As far as we know, it’s the sole authentic West Ham establishment in North America, spanning the US, Canada, and Mexico,” Scotty shared. “It’s a haven exclusively for West Ham fans, where stepping inside feels like coming home. This club holds immense significance for us and the Baltimore city faithful.”
Their efforts have cultivated a thriving community; on quieter days, they draw in around 40-50 supporters, but during the UEFA Conference League final, they surpassed capacity. The camaraderie is palpable, whether it’s a local, away, or European fixture, with a dedicated crowd gathering at the early hour of 7:30 am on the East Coast.
Their aspirations stretch beyond mere fandom; they aim to organize nonprofit events, with the aim of subsidizing the expenses for those unable to afford the journey. “Attending a match in person is transformative. It’s my inaugural visit here, and the significance is immeasurable. I yearn to extend this opportunity to my comrades in the Baltimore Hammers community and contribute to charitable causes, bolstering youth leagues and the local environs,” Scotty expressed.
Despite enduring a grueling journey spanning 3,700 miles and 36 hours sans sleep, their enthusiasm remains unwavering. For them, the ninety minutes of football at the esteemed Club represent the pinnacle. Their privileged experience in London serves as a catalyst to infuse renewed vitality into Baltimore city. “Here, amidst our kin, I feel a sense of belonging. Bringing this essence back to Baltimore rejuvenates our spirits,” Scotty concluded, encapsulating their unwavering commitment to both club and community.
Both Aaron and Scotty emphasized the significance of fostering such bonds between the Club and its global fanbase, expressing profound gratitude for the opportunity.
“The club’s commitment to reinvesting in its supporters is truly remarkable, and the chance to establish personal connections with the club is invaluable,” they remarked. “It’s a dream experience for any fan, one we wouldn’t trade for anything, and we wish the same for every supporter.”
Aaron elaborated on his involvement with the Supporters’ Club, outlining plans to develop the non-profit entity in the USA. “The sport’s reach is expanding, especially with the upcoming World Cup in 2026. It’s an uncharted territory, but West Ham United is leading the charge, reminiscent of their endeavors in Baltimore back in 1969. The community is eager, and we’re prepared. West Ham is seizing the opportunity, and we feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this narrative and journey.
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