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Baltimore Orioles
Paul Brandley has been a fan of the Baltimore Orioles since he first started watching baseball. The Orioles are a highly-respected Major League Baseball franchise; they are currently a member of the East Division of the American League.
The Baltimore Orioles were one of the American League’s eight charter franchises. Founded in 1901, the Orioles were originally known as the Milwaukee Brewers. In 1902, the Brewers moved to St. Louis (and were known as the Browns); they called St. Louis home for 51 years. In 1954, however, the team was transformed into the Baltimore Orioles.
Some of Baltimore’s greatest success came between 1964 to 1983, as well as parts of the 1990s. In 1992, Oriole Park at Camden Yards was opened – it is considered one of the best ballparks in America.
Frank Robinson
One of Baltimore’s most well-known players was Frank Robinson. Playing with the Orioles from 1966 to 1971, Robinson won the MVP award in his first season with the Orioles. To date, Robinson is the only player to win the MVP award in both the American and National League.
During his MVP season in 1966, the Orioles won the World Series – sweeping the Dodgers 4-0. Robinson was very active in the civil rights movement due in large part to his time in Baltimore. After witnessing the segregated housing and discriminatory real estate practices, Robinson realized that he wanted to speak about racial issues.
The Orioles also won a World Series in 1970 due in large part to Robinson’s contributions.
Cal Ripken Jr.
Cal Ripken Jr., known as “The Iron Man”, played for the Baltimore Orioles for 21 seasons. He switched between shortstop and third base.
Ripken is noted as one of the most offensively gifted infielders to ever play the game. In total, Ripken accumulated 3,184 hits, 431 home runs and 1,695 RBIs. Ripken is also noted for being one of the biggest shortstops to play the game, measuring at 6’4″ and 225 pounds.
Ripken is noted for playing the most consecutive games in MLB history, racking up 2,632 games in a row before voluntarily removing himself from the lineup. During his career, Cal Ripken Jr. won two MVP awards and led the Orioles to a World Series win in 1983.
