1991 Baltimore Orioles season
Encyclopedia
The Baltimore Orioles
season was a season in American baseball
. It involved the Orioles finishing 6th in the American League
East with a record of 67 wins and 95 losses. Cal Ripken. Jr. would be the first shortstop in the history of the American League to win two MVP awards in a career. This was also the Orioles' last year at Memorial Stadium
. The O's would move into Oriole Park at Camden Yards
.
All-Star Game
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
season was a season in American baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
. It involved the Orioles finishing 6th in the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
East with a record of 67 wins and 95 losses. Cal Ripken. Jr. would be the first shortstop in the history of the American League to win two MVP awards in a career. This was also the Orioles' last year at Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium (Baltimore)
Memorial Stadium was a sports stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, that formerly stood on 33rd Street on an over-sized block also bounded by Ellerslie Avenue , 36th Street , and Ednor Road...
. The O's would move into Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a Major League Baseball ballpark located in Baltimore, Maryland. Home field of the Baltimore Orioles, it is the first of the "retro" major league ballparks constructed during the 1990s and early 2000s, and remains one of the most highly praised. The park was...
.
Offseason
- October 10, 1990: Dorn TaylorDorn TaylorDonald Clyde Taylor is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched parts of three seasons in the majors, and for the Pittsburgh Pirates and for the Baltimore Orioles-Sources:...
was released by the Orioles. - December 12, 1990: Todd FrohwirthTodd FrohwirthTodd Gerard Frohwirth is a retired professional baseball player. In the minor leagues, he played in Reading and Maine in 1987 before playing with the Phillies in 1987...
was signed as a free agent by the Orioles. - December 14, 1990: Mickey WestonMickey WestonMickey Weston is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Toronto Blue Jays. He pitched for five years in the major leagues and currently ministers to youth through baseball at...
was traded by the Orioles to the Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
for Paul KilgusPaul KilgusPaul Kilgus , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1987–1991 and 1993.-Fast Facts:* Kilgus won a career high 12 games for the Texas Rangers in...
. - January 1, 1991: Roy SmithRoy Smith (1980s pitcher)Le Roy Purdy Smith is a former professional baseball pitcher and executive. He played all or part of eight seasons in Major League Baseball from until . He is currently a scout for the New York Mets.-Playing career:...
was signed as a free agent by the Orioles. - January 10, 1991: Curt SchillingCurt SchillingCurtis Montague "Curt" Schilling is a former American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to the World Series in and won World Series championships in with the Arizona Diamondbacks and in and with the Boston Red Sox. Schilling retired with a...
, Steve FinleySteve FinleySteven Allen Finley is a former Major League Baseball outfielder.-Early life:Finley, who grew up in Paducah, Kentucky, attended Paducah Tilghman High School and Southern Illinois University, where he earned a degree in physiology and played for the baseball team from 1984–87.-College, Team USA,...
and Pete HarnischPete HarnischPeter Thomas Harnisch is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher.-Baltimore Orioles:Harnisch studied accounting, and was a star pitcher at Fordham University, compiling a 21-3 college record, 2.29 earned run average and 213 strikeouts in 204 innings pitched...
were traded by the Orioles to the Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
for Glenn DavisGlenn Davis (baseball)Glenn Earl Davis is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. While a member of the Houston Astros in the late 1980s, he finished three times in the top ten in National League MVP balloting . He batted and threw right-handed....
. - January 11, 1991: Mickey TettletonMickey TettletonMickey Lee Tettleton , is a former American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, and Texas Rangers...
was traded by the Orioles to the Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
for Jeff Robinson. - March 31, 1991: Pete Rose, Jr. was traded by the Orioles to the Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
for Joe Borowski.
Regular season
- April 13, 1991: Cal Ripken, Jr.Cal Ripken, Jr.Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr. , nicknamed "Iron Man", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles ....
had 7 RBI in game versus the Texas Rangers. - May 15, 1991: President George H.W. Bush attended a baseball game in Baltimore with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The two saw the Oakland Athletics play the Baltimore Orioles for two innings.
- Cal Ripken, Jr. became the fourth shortstop in the history of Major League Baseball to have 30 home runs in one season and won the AL MVP award.
- Cal Ripken Jr won the Gold Glove in 1991 after missing out in 1990 even though he set the single season record for both fewest errors by a Shortstop(3) and also the record for most balls fielded in a single season.
Opening Day starters
- Jeff Ballard
- Glenn DavisGlenn Davis (baseball)Glenn Earl Davis is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. While a member of the Houston Astros in the late 1980s, he finished three times in the top ten in National League MVP balloting . He batted and threw right-handed....
- Mike DevereauxMike DevereauxMichael Devereaux is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth round of the amateur draft and made his debut on September 2, 1987...
- Dwight EvansDwight EvansDwight Michael Evans , nicknamed "Dewey", is an American former professional baseball right fielder and right-handed batter who played with the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball....
- Sam HornSam HornSamuel Lee Horn is a former baseball player who spent parts of 8 seasons in MLB and was an anchor for New England Sports Network, the flagship station of Boston sports teams.-Pro career:...
- Bob MelvinBob MelvinRobert Paul Melvin is the manager of the Oakland Athletics, and a former Major League Baseball catcher.During a 10-year playing career, he played from 1985–94 for seven different teams...
- Randy MilliganRandy MilliganRandall Andre Milligan is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1987-1994. He is currently a scout with the Baltimore Orioles. Milligan is nicknamed "Moose".-External links:...
- Billy RipkenBilly RipkenWilliam Oliver Ripken is an American radio personality for XM Satellite Radio, a studio analyst for MLB Network's "MLB Tonight," and is a former infielder in Major League Baseball from –...
- Cal Ripken, Jr.Cal Ripken, Jr.Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr. , nicknamed "Iron Man", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles ....
- Craig WorthingtonCraig WorthingtonCraig Richard Worthington is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. He played all or part of seven seasons in the majors, between and for the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and Texas Rangers...
Notable transactions
- April 2, 1991: Mike Flanagan was signed as a free agent by the Orioles.
- April 7, 1991: Ernie WhittErnie WhittLeo Ernest "Ernie" Whitt is a former Major League Baseball catcher and coach who is the current manager for the minor league Clearwater Threshers. He is noted for the twelve years he spent as a player with the Toronto Blue Jays...
was signed as a free agent by the Orioles. - June 3, 1991: Alex OchoaAlex OchoaAlex Ochoa is a former Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder. He is a Cuban American and is currently an assistant coach for the Boston Red Sox....
was drafted by the Orioles in the 3rd round of the 1991 Major League Baseball Draft1991 Major League Baseball Draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1991 Major League Baseball draft.-Supplemental First Round Selections:-Other notable players:...
. Player signed June 10, 1991.
Roster
| 1991 Baltimore Orioles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders Other batters |
Manager Coaches |
||||||
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Pos | Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 107 | 341 | 83 | .243 | 11 | 31 | |
| 1B | 141 | 483 | 127 | .263 | 16 | 70 | |
| 2B | 104 | 287 | 62 | .216 | 0 | 14 | |
| 3B | 118 | 391 | 91 | .233 | 16 | 45 | |
| SS | 162 | 650 | 210 | .323 | 34 | 114 | |
| LF | 143 | 486 | 135 | .278 | 5 | 43 | |
| CF | 149 | 608 | 158 | .260 | 19 | 59 | |
| RF | 101 | 270 | 73 | .270 | 6 | 38 | |
| DH | 121 | 317 | 74 | .233 | 23 | 61 |
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 209 | 36 | .172 | 1 | 15 | |
| 49 | 176 | 40 | .227 | 10 | 28 | |
| 4 | 1 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 123.2 | 6 | 12 | 5.60 | 37 | |
| 21 | 104.1 | 4 | 9 | 5.18 | 65 | |
| 17 | 80.1 | 5 | 4 | 5.60 | 25 | |
Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 2.38 | 55 | |
| 51 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1.87 | 77 | |
| 38 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5.08 | 32 | |
Awards and honors
- Cal Ripken, Jr.Cal Ripken, Jr.Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr. , nicknamed "Iron Man", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles ....
, American League Most Valuable Player - Cal Ripken, Jr.Cal Ripken, Jr.Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr. , nicknamed "Iron Man", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles ....
, All-Star Game Most Valuable Player - Cal Ripken, Jr.Cal Ripken, Jr.Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr. , nicknamed "Iron Man", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles ....
, Winner, All-Star Game Home Run Hitting Contest - Joe OrsulakJoe OrsulakJoseph Michael Richardson Orsulak III is a former Major League Baseball player from 1983 to 1997 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Florida Marlins, and Montreal Expos. Orsulak, who threw and batted lefthanded, played mostly in the outfield, although he played some games...
, Led American League, 22 Outfield Assists
All-Star Game
1991 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1991 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 62nd playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 9, 1991 at SkyDome in Toronto, Ontario, the home of the Toronto...
- Cal Ripken, Jr.Cal Ripken, Jr.Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr. , nicknamed "Iron Man", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles ....
, Shortstop