Baltimore Orioles

Lore & Background

The 1979 Orioles were built on strong pitching and power. Their rotation included Mike Flanagan (23–9, 3.08), Dennis Martinez (15–16, 18 complete games, 3.66), Scott McGregor (13–6, 3.35), Steve Stone (11–7, 3.77), and Jim Palmer (10–6, 3.30). The bullpen, with 30 wins against 13 losses, was led by Don Stanhouse (7–3, 21 saves) and Tippy Martinez (10–3, 2.88). In the World Series, each game was played under National League rules, so Orioles pitchers had to bat. Tim Stoddard got his first major league hit and RBI in Game 4. Lee May, Baltimore's designated hitter, was reduced to three pinch-hitting appearances. Eddie Murray hit a home run in Game 2 and tied the game with a double in the sixth, but was thrown out at the plate by Dave Parker. Murray did not collect another hit or RBI for the rest of the Series. In Game 3, Benny Ayala hit a two-run homer, and Kiko Garcia went 4-for-4 with four RBIs. In Game 4, the Orioles rallied from a 6–3 deficit in the eighth inning, scoring six runs on a two-run double by John Lowenstein, a two-run double by Terry Crowley, an RBI single by Tim Stoddard, and an RBI groundout by Al Bumbry.

In Their Own Story

The 1979 World Series was a best-of-seven playoff between the NL champion Pittsburgh Pirates (98–64) and the AL champion Baltimore Orioles (102–57). The Pirates became the fourth team ever to come back from a three games to one deficit to win the World Series. This marked the second time in the 1970s that the Pirates won a World Series Game 7 on the road against the Orioles, the previous time being in 1971. In Game 1, a steady rain factored into six total errors, and all five Orioles runs were scored in the first inning: two on a throwing error by Phil Garner, one on a wild pitch by Bruce Kison, and two on a Doug DeCinces home run. In Game 2, Eddie Murray homered and doubled in Ken Singleton, but was thrown out at the plate by Dave Parker. In the eighth, Murray's hesitation on the bases led to a double play. In the ninth, Manny Sanguillén hit a single off Don Stanhouse to score the winning run. In Game 3, the Orioles won 5–3 after a 67-minute rain delay. In Game 4, the Orioles won 9–6. In Game 5, the Pirates staved off elimination with a win. The Pirates won the series in seven games.

Reader's Guide

The 1979 Orioles were managed by Earl Weaver. Key players included Eddie Murray (first base), Ken Singleton (right field), Al Bumbry (center field), Gary Roenicke and John Lowenstein (left field platoon), Doug DeCinces (third base), Mark Belanger (shortstop), and Rick Dempsey (catcher). The starting rotation was Mike Flanagan, Dennis Martinez, Scott McGregor, Steve Stone, and Jim Palmer. The bullpen was led by Don Stanhouse and Tippy Martinez. In the World Series, the Orioles played under National League rules, meaning no designated hitter. Lee May was reduced to three pinch-hitting appearances. Tim Stoddard got his first major league hit and RBI in Game 4. The Orioles won the American League East by eight games over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Did You Know?

• The 1979 Orioles won the American League East by eight games over the second-place Milwaukee Brewers.
• Mike Flanagan won the 1979 Cy Young Award with a 23–9 record and a 3.08 ERA.
• Eddie Murray hit a home run in Game 2 of the World Series but did not collect another hit or RBI for the rest of the Series.
• Tim Stoddard got his first major league hit and RBI in Game 4 of the World Series.
• Kiko Garcia went 4-for-4 with four RBIs in Game 3 of the World Series.