Baltimore Orioles Mount Rushmore
By David Hill
The Baltimore Orioles franchise did not find success until they ended up in Charm City. Their franchise Mount Rushmore certainly shows the difference.
It took three tries for the Baltimore Orioles to find their home. The Orioles franchise actually began in Milwaukee, as the first incarnation of the Brewers. They lasted for a year in Milwaukee, before moving on to St. Louis and becoming the Browns.
As the Browns, the franchise became known for futility and for a publicity stunt. Despite having great players like George Sisler, Bobby Wallace, and Urban Shocker, they rarely contended. In 1922, the Browns finished second, a game out of first. In 9144, they finally captured an American League pennant, only to fall to their city rivals, the Cardinals, in six games. After more years of futility, and the brief career of Eddie Gaedel, the Browns moved to Baltimore, resurrecting the Orioles franchise from the 1890s.
Success did not come immediately to the Orioles, but they began putting the framework in place. By the mid 1960s, the Orioles were ready to contend, and began their dynasty. With Hank Bauer, and later Earl Weaver, at the helm, they won six American League pennants in 18 years, and took home three World Series championships. The struggles from their earlier days, and their time as the Browns, had been left behind.
These days, the Orioles are searching for that return to the World Series. They have made the postseason five times since that last title in 1983, but have yet to return to the Fall Classic. As star players like Manny Macado, Adam Jones, and Zach Britton are nearing free agency, the 2018 campaign may be their last gasp for some time.
However, instead of looking forward, let us take a look back, and look at the greats in the history of the Baltimore Orioles. Here is their Mount Rushmore.