With the ushering a new uniform, the Baltimore Orioles kicked off an era of success. Let’s take a look back at the 1966-1970 O’s uniforms.
Anyone growing up during the mid to late ’60s and early 70s can remember the beginning of the Baltimore Orioles discovering their iconic look. The cream-colored wool jersey, the felt numbers, and swoosh-less word script.
Next came the thin black with orange piping on the sleeves and up the side of the pants with the introduction of the cartoon bird on the hat with an orange bill.
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Who could not escape the colorful three-striped stirrup?
These uniforms ushered fans into an era that they had never seen before as well as captivate an entire generation of Baltimore baseball fans.
The Oriole Way
When fans see this uniform they see the fruition of the ” Oriole Way.” The blueprint of success in the farm system to the pros shined during this period of Baltimore History.
In four short years of this era, these teams captivated a new fan base and created household names by taking the baseball world by storm. The next two decades worth of tapping into a spring of young players in a system continued because of the moves made earlier on for the mid-60s and the early 70s.
Team Makes the Uniforms
Boog Powell, Jim Palmer, Brooks Robinson, Andy Etchebarren, Luis Aparicio, Paul Blair are just a few names that wore these uniforms and what a trailblazer it was. So what is so special about these Unis? Why do they stand out? Even after 50+ years of their existence?
Well.. there is an easy answer and it has to do with winning and not just winning, but winning with legends. The acquisition of Frank Robinson via trade from the Cincinnati Reds during the offseason brought immediate results. In 1966, Robinson produced with a triple crown winner who led the AL with .316 average, 49 home runs, and 122 RBI.
Then you have Brooks Robinson, arguably one of the best third baseman in MLB history. He won 4 straight gold glove awards and a World Series MVP in 1970 during this period.
Jim Palmer, a member of the Hall of fame who started as a young up and comer who happened to be the only Orioles Player to play in all 6 world series and win 3 as well as seven Eastern Division title.
Don’t forget about Earl Weaver, the fiery manager who came along during the 1968 season and managed the team to their 1969 Pennant and their second World Series title in 1970.
LEGACY
The 1966-1970 uniforms will always be remembered for the short period of creating an identity and ushering in a new era of Baltimore Orioles baseball. They’re classic uniforms due to their simplicity and their luster.
Honestly one of the best uniforms that came out of the organization and is beautiful as ever be it a Mitchell and Ness or Majestic throwback. The uniform and its structure has been an inspiration for many other teams through the years and created a lot of classic inspirations. From the collar piping to the back name lettering this is a jersey worthy of remembering for decades.