Longtime Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos dies. He was 94
BALTIMORE-- Peter Angelos, an attorney who purchased the Baltimore Orioles in 1993, died, his family announced on Saturday. He was 94.
#BREAKING: Orioles announce that Peter Angelos has passed away at the age of 94.
— Rick Ritter (@RickRitterWJZ) March 23, 2024
The latest tonight on @WJZ.. pic.twitter.com/AtJHF2XIe6
According to a statement given by the family, Angelos had been sick for many years. The family expressed their gratitude to the caregivers that brought him comfort in his final years.
"Today, Peter G. Angelos passed away quietly at the age of 94," the Angelos family said in a statement. "Mr. Angelos had been ill for several years, and the family thanks the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who brought comfort to him in his final years. It was Mr. Angelos' wish to have a private burial, and the family asks for understanding as they honor that request."
Peter Angelo’s’ public persona is well known for his missteps & criticisms of him as Orioles owner. His full story must also include the generous financial aid he privately provided to many employees, individuals, groups & charities. May he rest in God’s peace @wjz @WJZ13sports
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Angelos was a renowned attorney here in Baltimore before he led a group of investors that purchased the Orioles for $173 million in 1993.
He grew up in Baltimore and attended Patterson Park High School before earning his bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Baltimore.
Angelos was an actively involved owner for many years, leading the O's through difficult times like the players' strike in 1994 and 1995.
"Peter Angelos was a proud native of Baltimore who deeply appreciated owning the Baltimore Orioles. Peter's lifetime of philanthropy greatly benefited numerous worthy causes throughout his hometown. He championed the Orioles' historic 1999 series with the Cuban National Team. Peter ably served the game on our Labor Committee, and I will always remember his personal support when I was first elected to this role in his home city in 2014," MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred said. "On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my condolences to Peter's wife, Georgia, their sons John and Louis, and the entire Angelos family."
Angelos is also known for increasing the teams payroll and bringing on big-name free agents.
The Orioles have made six postseason appearances since Angelos purchased the team in 1993.
"He'll be known forever with the orioles because he owned them for so long and he did a solid job. And he was a local owner, which I think is great. So rest in peace Mr. Angelos. We will miss you!" said Dan McKee, Orioles superfan and baseball card collector.
"Peter was a significant influence in Baltimore for decades," former Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. said. "His impact on our region through his ownership of the Orioles and his many charitable contributions has been undeniable. Peter and I had a good relationship and following my retirement, his generosity towards our family's foundation and assistance in making the IronBirds an Orioles affiliate in our hometown were greatly appreciated. Laura and I have Georgia and the Angelos family in our thoughts today."
As Angelos' health was declining, he handed over the day-to-day operations to his sons John and Louis Angelos. John Angelos took over in 2020 as the Orioles' control person.
"Peter Angelos was a true Baltimorean," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said in a statement. "His impact on Baltimore and Baltimoreans will live for generations. Thank you, Peter, for never giving up on and always believing in our city. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Angelos family and Orioles organization today."
Earlier this year, the Angelos family agreed to sell the Orioles to Baltimore native David Rubenstein for more than $1.7 billion.
"Peter made an indelible mark first in business then in baseball," Rubenstein said. "The city of Baltimore owes him a debt of gratitude for his stewardship of the Orioles across three decades and positioning the team for great success."
Maryland Stadium Authority also wished their condolences to the family, friends, and former colleagues of Angelos, stating, "Through Mr. Angelos longtime ownership of the beloved Orioles baseball team and lifetime of philanthropic endeavors, he uplifted the City of Baltimore and Maryland. Our thoughts are with his family, and may it give them some comfort that Mr. Angelos will be missed and remembered well for his many contributions."