The Orioles Pass the Torch to the Nationals…The Buck Goes to Angelos
Photo via Mr. Irrelevant
In August of 1993 Peter Angelos and a group of investors bought the Orioles for $174 million dollars $173 million dollars. The final sale price was deducted by $1 million for legal work credited to Mr. Angelos’s law firm and he’s been skimming off the top ever since.
Well, here we are 17 years later and I think it’s safe to say the Orioles are at rock bottom. Steven Strasburg struck out 14 batters in his debut for the cross town rival Washington Nationals, an amazing start that had the whole NOVA/DC/MD area buzzing with excitement. Meanwhile, across town the Orioles were on their way to losing their 9th game in the last 10 contests. Even though the game was against the Yankees (the Orioles only draw crowds nowadays against the Yanks/Sox) the O’s game had an announced crowd of 23K, or half of the attendance for Strasburg’s debut. Strasburg’s 14 strikeouts almost equaled the Orioles win total thru 1/3 of the season…16. The crazy thing is the Nationals newfound success is making Peter a ton of money, he owns the Nationals cable rights.
When Cal went, so did the fans…foreshadowing perhaps?
Cal hung up his spikes nearly 10 years ago. The Orioles are on pace to win 44 games, a record that would challenge the 2003 Tigers for the worst modern day record in MLB history, yes the Orioles are that BAD! Jon Miller is gone…his voice now serenading Giant’s fans ears. The Orioles best players of the early 2000’s are tainted by steroids. Brian Roberts is hurt, Adam Jones has regressed and Nick Markakis has lost his power. 13 straight years of losing. The Nationals have Zimmerman, Strasburg, a fanatic fan base, a possible pennant race…and Harper on the way. It’s safe to say that there’s a new sheriff in town.
It’s over Peter, it’s over. The Orioles are now reduced to being a laughingstock. However, the franchise is now worth more money than ever and your 80 freaking years old. SELL THE TEAM.
Forbes says you can get $376 million for the team, more than double what you paid…not a bad deal. Plus, I’m sure your law firm can collect another $5 million or so in legal fees.
Cheers and Hail
