Peter Angelos, the long-time owner of the Baltimore Orioles, passed away on Saturday at the age of 94. Born on July 4, 1929, Angelos’s life was marked by significant achievements in both the legal world and Major League Baseball. His journey, from humble beginnings to owning a major sports franchise, is a compelling story of ambition and influence in Baltimore and beyond.
Angelos’s death was announced by his family through a statement released by the Orioles, acknowledging his passing after several years of illness. His legacy is multifaceted, encompassing his shrewd leadership of a prominent law firm and his ownership of the Orioles, a team that experienced both periods of struggle and success under his stewardship. At the time of his passing, the process of selling the Orioles to a group led by David Rubenstein, co-founder of Carlyle Group Inc., was underway, signaling a new chapter for the team.
David Rubenstein himself offered condolences, recognizing Angelos’s significant impact on Baltimore. “Peter made an indelible mark first in business and then in baseball,” Rubenstein stated, highlighting the city’s gratitude for Angelos’s three decades of ownership and his role in setting the stage for the team’s future success. Angelos’s public presence had diminished in recent years, with a 2022 lawsuit involving his sons revealing that he had undergone surgery in 2017 following aortic valve failure.
Born on Independence Day to Greek immigrant parents, Peter Angelos’s upbringing in Maryland instilled in him a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed. He earned his law degree from the University of Baltimore in 1961 and subsequently established his own law firm. This firm would become renowned for taking on significant cases against major industry players.
From Law Firm Success to Baseball Ownership
Angelos’s legal career was marked by high-profile victories, most notably a landmark $4.5 billion settlement against tobacco giant Philip Morris in 1996, achieved on behalf of the state of Maryland. His firm, The Law Offices of Peter Angelos, also secured substantial settlements in asbestos cases, representing workers in steel mills, shipyards, and manufacturing facilities. These legal successes solidified his financial standing and reputation as a formidable legal force.
In August 1993, Angelos ventured into the world of sports ownership, leading an investment group to purchase the Baltimore Orioles. This group included notable figures such as author Tom Clancy, filmmaker Barry Levinson, and tennis star Pam Shriver. The $173 million purchase price was a record for a sports franchise at the time, arising from the bankruptcy-forced sale of the team by previous owner Eli Jacobs.
Despite his continued involvement in his law firm, Angelos took an active role in managing the Orioles. Known for his hands-on approach, he was involved in key decisions, particularly player acquisitions. While he developed a reputation for fiscal conservatism regarding high-priced free agents, his estimated net worth in 2017 reached $2.1 billion, indicating significant personal wealth.
Controversies and Milestones in Baseball
Angelos’s tenure as Orioles owner was not without controversy. In 1995, he stood alone among MLB owners in opposing the use of replacement players during a players’ union strike that had begun in the 1994 season. His principled stance, declaring, “We’re duty bound to provide major league baseball to our fans, and that can’t be done with replacement players,” resonated with many, even as it set him apart from his fellow owners.
This decision was particularly significant as it potentially impacted Cal Ripken Jr.’s pursuit of Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record. Had replacement players been used, Ripken’s streak could have been interrupted. However, an agreement was reached before opening day, allowing Ripken to continue his historic run, which eventually extended to 2,632 games.
Another notable initiative under Angelos was his persistent effort to organize an exhibition series between the Orioles and the Cuban national team. This ambition culminated in a historic two-game series in 1999. On March 28, the Orioles played in Havana, with Angelos present alongside Fidel Castro. The Cuban team then visited Baltimore on May 3 for a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
This series marked a historic moment, being the first time a Major League team faced the Cuban national team and the first time since 1959 that a major league club played in Cuba. John Angelos, Peter’s son and the current chairman and CEO of the Orioles, noted his father’s long-standing interest in politics and foreign policy, which contributed to his drive to make this series a reality.
Team Performance and Stadium Legacy
Despite these notable moments, the Orioles under Angelos did not achieve World Series victory. After a long stretch of 14 losing seasons, the team reached the postseason in 2012 under manager Buck Showalter and advanced to the American League Championship Series in 2014. However, a significant downturn followed in 2018, with the Orioles recording a dismal 47-115 season, their worst since relocating to Baltimore.
A rebuild ensued, and under rookie manager Brandon Hyde, the team saw a resurgence, culminating in a 101-win season and a division title in 2023. Throughout these fluctuating team performances, Oriole Park at Camden Yards remained a consistent highlight. Opened in 1992, the ballpark became an instant icon, renowned for its retro design incorporating brick, mortar, and steel, setting a new standard for stadium architecture and fan experience. Angelos notably resisted selling the stadium’s naming rights, prioritizing the park’s identity over potential revenue.
In his later years, as Peter Angelos approached 90, he gradually transitioned the team’s operations to his sons, John and Louis. John Angelos also serves as president of the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN), which broadcasts Orioles and Washington Nationals games, with the Orioles holding a majority stake in the network.
Beyond baseball and law, Peter Angelos had a history in Maryland politics, serving on the Baltimore City Council from 1959 to 1963 and making an unsuccessful bid for Baltimore mayor in 1967. He also had interests in horse racing, owning several horses, including one named after manager Buck Showalter.
Peter Angelos’s life was a testament to a multifaceted career and enduring impact on Baltimore. Remembered as the owner of the Orioles and a successful lawyer, his legacy extends into the realms of sports, law, and local politics. His age at the time of his death, 94, reflects a long and impactful life, leaving behind a significant chapter in Baltimore’s history.
