The Baltimore Orioles history marks the foundation of one of baseball’s most legendary teams. Originally a charter member of the American League, this club helped pave the way for what became the New York Yankees. By tracing Baltimore Orioles MLB roots, fans can better understand the origins of today’s iconic franchise.
Established
1901
City
Baltimore – New York
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1901 – 1999 / American League
Team History
1913 – Present / New York Yankees
1903 – 1912 / New York Highlanders
1901 – 1902 / Baltimore Orioles
Nickname
Orioles – The Baltimore Orioles have a long and storied history in Major League Baseball, with the team having been founded in 1901. One of the most exciting aspects of their history is how they got their nickname – the Orioles. The story dates back to 1902 when then-manager John McGraw changed his team’s name from its original moniker, “the Milwaukee Brewers” (they had moved from Milwaukee before that season).
Baltimore Orioles Origin
McGraw was inspired by a poem written by Lord Alfred Tennyson called "The Princess," which featured an image of a bowerbird or oriole on one page. He thought this bird's striking coloration would make for an excellent mascot, so he changed his team's name accordingly - henceforth, they were known as the Baltimore Orioles! As time passed, fans quickly adopted this new name for their beloved baseball franchise, which has stuck ever since.
This unique origin story makes sense considering that many other teams have nicknames derived from animals or birds - such as Cubs (Chicago), Tigers (Detroit), Cardinals (St Louis), etcetera – but none quite like this one! It shows how creative people can be when coming up with names for sports teams; even something seemingly mundane, like changing your club's nickname, can turn into something truly special if you take inspiration from literature or nature!
Championship
World Series 0
2009, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1996, 1978, 1977, 1962, 1961, 1958, 1956, 1953, 1952, 1951, 1950, 1949, 1947, 1943, 1941, 1939, 1938, 1937, 1936, 1932, 1928, 1927, 1923
Stadium
2009 – Present / Yankee Stadium II
1976 – 2008 / Yankee Stadium I
1974 – 1975 / Shea Stadium
1923 – 1973 / Yankee Stadium I
1920 – 1922 / Polo Grounds IV
1913 – 1919 / Brush Stadium
1903 – 1912 / Hilltop Park
*Baltimore*
1901 – 1902 / Oriole Park
Owner
2004 – Present / Yankee Global Enterprises LLC
1999 – 2004 / YankeeNets
1973 – 2010 / George Steinbrenner
1964 – 1973 / Columbia Broadcasting System
1945 – 1964 / Del Webb, Dan Topping
1939 – 1945 / Heirs of Jacob Ruppert
1922 – 1939 / Jacob Ruppert
1915 – 1922 / Tillinghast L’Hommedieu Huston and Jacob Ruppert
1903 – 1915 / William Devery and Frank Farrell
1901 – 1902 / Unknown Owners
- 1901
- 1903
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Baltimore Orioles Team Formation
Plans to put a team in New York City were blocked by the NL’s New York Giants, who had enough political power in New York City to prevent the AL from establishing a team. Instead, a team was put in Baltimore, Maryland, a city which the NL abandoned when it contracted from 12 to 8 teams in 1900. Nicknamed the ... -
Relocate to New York
The AL and NL signed an agreement after the 1902 season that ended the leagues’ battles for players, which had led to increasing salaries. Johnson sought the right to locate an AL team in New York City, which was granted as part of the leagues’ peace agreement. His intention was for the team to play in Manhattan, but the idea ...
Baltimore Orioles History
The Baltimore Orioles history, now linked to the origins of the New York Yankees, stands out as a key chapter in early Major League Baseball. From 1901 to 1902, the Baltimore Orioles MLB team was one of the most competitive clubs of its time, winning two straight National League pennants. With Hall of Famers like Wilbert Robinson, Joe Kelley, Hughie Jennings, and John McGraw, the franchise earned a reputation for strong leadership and remarkable play.
In their first season of 1901, the Baltimore Orioles MLB club finished second in the National League with an 82–57 record under manager Ned Hanlon, later a Hall of Famer himself. In 1902, now led by John McGraw, the Baltimore Orioles history reached its peak, winning the pennant with a 90–49 record and an outstanding .645 winning percentage—one of the highest in early MLB. This success reflected not just talent but also the discipline and style of play that helped shape future baseball strategies.
During this two-year stretch, the roster included standouts who left a permanent mark on the Baltimore Orioles history. Catcher Wilbert Robinson consistently hit .300 or better while excelling on defense. Joe Kelley posted batting averages above .350, driving in countless runs, while Hughie Jennings topped .330 with over 20 stolen bases each season. Legendary player-manager John McGraw added powerful offense and tactical brilliance, guiding the Baltimore Orioles MLB squad against fierce rivals like the Pittsburgh Pirates, who would defeat them in the 1902 World Series despite Baltimore’s dominant regular season.
Orioles Achievements
Even after the team’s relocation and transformation, the achievements of the Baltimore Orioles MLB roster of 1901–1902 are still celebrated. They set early standards for offensive production, defense, and managerial innovation in baseball, paving the way for the modern Yankees dynasty that would follow.
Today, the Baltimore Orioles history from this brief era is remembered for its extraordinary accomplishments. Two consecutive pennants, a roster stacked with future Hall of Famers, and a winning culture unmatched in its time solidified this team’s legacy. Even though financial issues and ownership disputes led to the franchise’s disappearance after 1903, its impact on baseball’s evolution—and its connection to the New York Yankees—remains a cornerstone of Major League Baseball lore.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
1 / Billy Martin
2 / Derek Jeter
3 / Babe Ruth
4 / Lou Gehrig
5 / Joe DiMaggio
6 / Joe Torre
7 / Mickey Mantle
8 / Bill Dickey
8 / Yogi Berra
9 / Roger Maris
10 / Phil Rizzuto
15 / Thurman Munson
16 / Whitey Ford
20 / Jorge Posada
23 / Don Mattingly
32 / Elston Howard
37 / Casey Stengel
42 / Jackie Robinson
42 / Mariano Rivera
44 / Reggie Jackson
46 / Andy Pettitte
49 / Ron Guidry
51 / Bernie Williams
*Blue is this team’s history