Baltimore, Maryland – Prominent Baltimore Orioles owner Peter G. Angelos passed away at the age of 94, announced the team on Saturday. Known as a billionaire personal injury attorney, Angelos played a crucial role in keeping the Orioles in Baltimore. However, his tenure was marked by a strained relationship with the fan base. The cause of his death was not disclosed, although he had been in poor health for several years.
Growing up in Baltimore’s Highlandtown neighborhood as the son of Greek immigrants, Angelos began his career in politics, winning elected office at the age of 29. He later shifted his focus to law and achieved significant success, winning millions of dollars in judgements against the asbestos and tobacco industries.
In 1993, Angelos intervened and ensured that the Orioles remained under local control. As the team’s owner, he was willing to invest financially to maintain competitiveness. However, he developed a reputation as a meddler within the organization, often forcing out popular team personalities and blocking player deals.
Despite leading the Orioles to two consecutive appearances in the American League Championship Series, Angelos presided over 14 consecutive losing seasons from 1998 to 2011. He faced criticism and became the subject of a Sports Illustrated cartoon, depicting him choking an Oriole bird.
Angelos’s death comes just before the opening day at Camden Yards and as the sale of the Orioles is being finalized. The team’s ownership group, led by Baltimore native David Rubenstein, agreed to sell a controlling stake to investors in a deal valued at $1.725 billion. The sale has received approval from the MLB ownership committee and the Maryland Stadium Authority, with the next step being a full vote by MLB owners.
Born in Pittsburgh on July 4, 1929, Angelos grew up working in his father’s tavern in Baltimore’s Greek immigrant community. He credited his father for instilling in him the values of hard work and integrity. Angelos’s success as a lawyer included representing various unions in asbestos-related compensation claims, leading to multimillion-dollar settlements.
Angelos entered the world of baseball ownership after the previous Orioles owner faced financial troubles. Alongside a group of investors, including author Tom Clancy and retail chain founder Leonard “Boogie” Weinglass, Angelos successfully bid for the team, breaking the previous record for a Major League Baseball franchise acquisition.
Despite early success in improving the team’s roster, Angelos’s involvement in baseball decisions created tension within the organization. He fired manager Johnny Oates after the 1994 season and clashed with general managers and front office staff. The team went through several losing seasons and struggled to attract top free agents.
Angelos’s ownership was marked by clashes with other team owners and his strong opposition to the relocation of the Montreal Expos to Washington, D.C. He also faced criticism for his handling of the team’s finances and a decline in attendance.
Toward the end of his ownership, Angelos delegated more control to his son, John Angelos, who led the team to a resurgence. The Orioles experienced a period of success from 2012 onwards, including reaching the playoffs and winning the American League East.
Despite the Orioles’ recent accomplishments, Angelos’s ownership tenure was marred by controversy and criticism. However, he leaves behind a significant impact as a visionary owner and renowned attorney.
Angelos collapsed in 2017 due to a heart condition and experienced declining health afterward. The Orioles were asked by Major League Baseball to designate a new control person, leading to a period of family disputes and legal battles. Ultimately, the team reached an agreement with Rubenstein’s group, securing the franchise’s future in Baltimore.
Peter Angelos is survived by his wife, Georgia Kousouris, and their two sons, John and Louis. He will be remembered for his philanthropy, political engagement, and his significant contributions to the Orioles and the city of Baltimore.