From Jerold Hoffberger to Cal Ripken Jr. – Baltimore Orioles Ownership Through the Years

With the sale of the Baltimore Orioles to a new ownership group led by David Rubenstein, perhaps it is fitting to do some retrospection on this historic franchise. With its legacy dating back to 1894, the Orioles are perhaps one of the oldest teams in sports. But that was a different time, and they were a different franchise. From being the original Milwaukee Brewers to becoming the St. Louis Browns, they gave many stories that became folktales. But this is a story of how the St. Louis Browns became the Baltimore Orioles of today. 

The Orioles have been through some tumultuous times but have also seen the highs that few manage to witness. During their entire existence, there have been many owners and even more visions that have guided the O’s. Now, with a brand new ownership coming to write new history, a little trip down the memory lane is perhaps necessary. 

Jerold Hoffberger (1953-79): The person who gave baseball fans in Baltimore an identity 

The year was 1953. Bill Veeck was the owner of the St. Louis Browns, conducting an all-out war on the St. Louis Cardinals. Ever since taking over the Browns in 1951, Veeck had decided that the city could have only one team and so began driving out the Cardinals. Until 1953, it looked like he was succeeding but then the Cardinals got sold. Suddenly in a weaker financial position, Veeck reluctantly left St. Louis.

After months of planning, Baltimore was chosen as the prime spot for the team. But trouble followed Veeck there as well. The Washington Senators objected to this move, calling it a market encroachment. It was then that Jerold Hoffberger, president of the National Brewing Company, stepped in. He made his National Bohemian Beer a sponsor of the Senators. Then, along with Clarence Miles, Hoffberger bought the Baltimore Orioles for $2.5 million and 40% of its shares. Initially, he remained a silent partner, but by 1965, Hoffberger was the majority owner.

It was then that Hoffberger signed Frank Cashen as the Executive Vice President. Such was their success that between 1966-71, the Orioles won four AL pennants and two World Series. Despite this, the attendance figures remained dismal, leading to Hoffberger seeking a buyer for the team. Eventually, he succeeded and sold the Orioles to his friend and Washington Attorney, Edward Bennet Williams.

A decade under Edward Bennett Williams (1979-89)

When Edward Bennet Williams took over the Orioles, they were the envy of the league. The O’s were wildly successful and had been the winningest team from 1966 onwards. A well-functioning machinery, most teams followed their lead. Eventually, crowds began lining up as well, partly due to the Washington area losing its football team Baltimore Cubs, and the baseball team Washington Senators. 

Though initially, Williams was met with skepticism as fans worried that he might shift the team to Washington DC, but that didn’t happen. Under him, the team witnessed the rise of the “Weaver Ball”, a term used for how skipper Earl Weaver chose to play. Eventually, the O’s won another World Series in 1983. The fans rejoiced, but no one could guess this would be their last win for 40 years.

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The O’s witnessed a decline after 1983 and never reached their previous heights. In 1986, they had their first losing season since 1967, and eventually, things bottomed out. During this time, Williams signed the long-term lease for a new ballpark, but he would not live to see the new ballpark as he passed away in August, 1988.

When Eli Jacobs handled the Baltimore Orioles (1989-93)

Williams’ wife, Agnes, sold the Orioles to Eli Jacobs and his partners in 1988 for $70 million. Jacobs owned 87% of the O’s and was thus the chairman of the board while Larry Lucchino became the managing director. Unlike previous owners, Jacobs wasn’t much interested in the on-field product, for him the Orioles were more of a trophy purchase. 

Nonetheless, the team nearly pulled off an upset in 1989 when it missed the AL East title by just two games. Still, the O’s were no longer the favorites they were just a decade before. Things lingered on as fans wondered if the team would ever regain its lost form. The environment changed a little in 1992 when the Oreos moved to their new ballpark, Oriole Park at Camden Yards. 

Read more: The Storied History of Baseball’s Coveted World Series Trophy

While things were going smoothly, tragedy struck Eli Jacobs as he was forced to file for bankruptcy in 1993. This led to him losing the Baltimore Orioles and in a court-sanctioned auction – a group led by Peter Angelos bought the franchise for $173 million.

Baltimore Orioles under Angelos family (1993-2024)

The difference between Eli Jacobs and Peter Angelos was like night and day. While the former barely cared about the on-field product, the latter became famous for his micromanagement. Things improved during Angelos’ first decade as the owner. The Birds made it to the playoffs in 1996 and 97. Perhaps the greatest moment came when Cal Ripken Jr. broke the long-standing record of Lou Gehrig (2130 consecutive games) on Sep 6, 1995.

But then, as luck would have it, the O’s once again fell off. From 2000 to 2010, the franchise fell behind its division rivals the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Fans began complaining regarding the lack of investment in the team by Angelos as the atmosphere surrounding The Birds became heavier. But then they got a momentary breathing space when Buck Showalter entered Baltimore as a manager.

From 2010 to 2016, under the tutelage of Showalter, the Orioles became a constant threat for the playoff spot. But the run ended in 2018 and the O’s began rebuilding. During this time, Peter Angelos’ health began to fail him and his son, John Angelos, began running the show. After a tumultuous few years, by 2023, the Orioles won their first division title since 2014 by winning 101 games. Soon after, the news emerged – the Baltimore Orioles has a new owner. 

The return of the favorite star: Cal Ripken Jr. joined Baltimore Orioles ownership (present)

A group led by David Rubenstein bought the Orioles for $1.725 billion this month. But they aren’t the majority owners yet as the deal stated that until Peter Angelos is alive, the Angelos Family will remain the majority owners. So the Rubenstein-led group owns 40% of the team but what’s interesting is who is in that group. This change in ownership also signaled a homecoming of sorts for a franchise legend.

Cal Ripken Jr. became a part owner of the franchise. Perhaps one of the greatest O’s of all time, Ripken Jr. is also a Hall of Famer. With Rubenstein stating that his primary objective is to get The Birds back to the World Series, the fans have high hopes from this new ownership. 

So, after a journey that had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, the Orioles fans are just as positive as they ever were. With the team back to its best and owners eager to show their ambition – one wonders just how high this Bird will soar in the coming days.

Read more: Who is Baltimore Orioles’ New Owner David Rubenstein? Net Worth, Ethnicity & More