The Baltimore Orioles are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball history. Nicknamed the O’s, they have been playing in Baltimore since 1954 when they moved from St. Louis. In their over 100+ year history, the Orioles have won 9 American League pennants and 3 World Series titles. Their last World Series victory came in 1983 when they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4 games to 1. This marked the end of dominance for the O’s in the 1970s and early 1980s, where they were one of the best teams in baseball.
Quick Answers
The last time the Baltimore Orioles won the World Series was 1983. They defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4 games to 1 in the 1983 World Series. Their starting pitchers included Hall of Famers Jim Palmer and Mike Flanagan. First baseman Eddie Murray was named World Series MVP. Since then, the Orioles have not returned to the World Series.
Early Orioles Franchise History
The Orioles franchise dates back to the 1890s when they were originally the Milwaukee Brewers in the Western League. The team moved to St. Louis in 1902 and became the St. Louis Browns. As the Browns, they played in St. Louis for over 50 years as one of the worst franchises in baseball history. Some of their infamous lowlights include finishing with over 100 losses in 5 straight seasons from 1909-1913. In their 52 seasons in St. Louis, the Browns had only 12 winning seasons and just 1 playoff appearance, a loss in the 1944 World Series.
Move to Baltimore
By the early 1950s, the Browns were struggling financially playing in outdated Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis. In 1953, under new ownership, the franchise was moved to Baltimore and renamed the Orioles after the state bird of Maryland. Moving to Baltimore and getting a fresh start ignited the franchise, leading them to become one of the American League’s best teams throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
The Glory Years and 3 World Series Titles
After having some competitive but ultimately disappointing seasons in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Orioles broke through to win their first American League pennant and World Series title in 1966. This Orioles team featured Hall of Famers like Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson, and Jim Palmer. Frank Robinson won the AL Triple Crown in 1966 by leading the league in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in.
The Orioles continued their success by winning the AL East division from 1969 to 1971. In 1969, they met the New York Mets in the World Series but lost in 5 games in one of the biggest World Series upsets. The O’s returned to glory by winning the World Series in 1970 over the Cincinnati Reds and in 1983 when they again defeated the Phillies.
1970 World Series
In the 1970 World Series, Baltimore’s offense was led by Boog Powell, Frank Robinson, and Brooks Robinson as they defeated the Big Red Machine of Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Tony Perez in 5 games. Brooks Robinson put on a defensive clinic at third base to take home World Series MVP honors. Starting pitchers Dave McNally, Mike Cueller, and Jim Palmer held the mighty Reds lineup in check.
1983 World Series
In 1983, the O’s took on the Phillies who featured stars Pete Rose, Steve Carlton, and Mike Schmidt. Led by manager Joe Altobelli, the O’s triumphed in 5 games thanks to stellar pitching and timely hitting. Pitchers Scott McGregor and Mike Boddicker held the Phillies to just 8 runs in 4 games. Slugging first baseman Eddie Murray hit 2 home runs and had a World Series record 9 RBIs to earn MVP.
World Series Appearances
Here is a summary of the Baltimore Orioles World Series appearances and results:
Year | Opponent | Result |
---|---|---|
1966 | Los Angeles Dodgers | Won 4-0 |
1969 | New York Mets | Lost 1-4 |
1970 | Cincinnati Reds | Won 4-1 |
1971 | Pittsburgh Pirates | Lost 3-4 |
1979 | Pittsburgh Pirates | Lost 3-4 |
1983 | Philadelphia Phillies | Won 4-1 |
Playoff Drought Since 1983 World Series
Since last winning it all in the 1983 World Series, the Orioles have not made it back to the World Series in almost 40 years. They have suffered numerous losing seasons and have made the playoffs only a handful of times since their last title.
In 1996 and 1997, the Orioles returned to the ALCS but lost both times to the New York Yankees. Those teams featured stars like Roberto Alomar, Rafael Palmeiro, Bobby Bonilla, and Cal Ripken Jr. Cal Ripken Jr. also broke Lou Gehrig’s record for consecutive games played while on the Orioles, one of baseball’s most storied records.
More recently in 2012 and 2014, the Orioles won the AL East division title but lost in the ALDS playoffs both seasons. They haven’t had a winning record since 2016.
Overall, the period since their last World Series win in 1983 has been a playoff drought for the O’s. For their fans, the team’s last World Series title seems like a distant memory as the franchise has struggled to return to its winning ways.
1983 World Series Roster
Here is a look at the key players from the 1983 Baltimore Orioles World Series winning roster:
Position | Player |
---|---|
1B | Eddie Murray |
2B | Rich Dauer |
SS | Cal Ripken Jr. |
3B | Doug DeCinces |
C | Rick Dempsey |
OF | Ken Singleton |
OF | John Lowenstein |
OF | Dan Ford |
DH | Tito Landrum |
SP | Scott McGregor |
SP | Mike Boddicker |
SP | Mike Flanagan |
SP | Jim Palmer |
RP | Tippy Martinez |
Hope for the Future
Despite not making the World Series since 1983, the Orioles still have a dedicated fanbase who fondly remembers the team’s glory years. There is hope the team can return to its winning ways in the next few seasons.
The O’s have some young talent on their current roster like Trey Mancini, Austin Hays, and Adley Rutschman. They also have the #1 overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft which they could use to draft another cornerstone player.
While the 30+ year World Series drought has been difficult, Orioles fans still have hope the team can capture another championship in the near future. The 2022 and 2023 seasons may give indications if the franchise is heading in the right direction. For now, 1983 remains the last time the Baltimore Orioles were World Series champions.
Conclusion
The Baltimore Orioles last won the World Series in 1983 when they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4 games to 1. Led by Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, and manager Joe Altobelli, the O’s claimed their 3rd World Championship. Since that title, the Orioles have not returned to the World Series, suffering numerous losing seasons and a 30+ year playoff drought. They had some very good teams in the mid 1990s and early 2010s who reached the ALCS but could not reach the World Series. Despite the long wait for another title, Orioles fans still have hopes the team can bounce back to its winning ways in the near future.