Peter Angelos, the owner of the Baltimore Orioles, passed away at the age of 94 after battling illness for several years. Angelos, a self-made man born to Greek immigrants in Maryland, rose from a blue-collar background to establish a successful law firm after earning his law degree in 1961.
In 1993, Angelos led a group of investors to purchase the Orioles for $173 million, marking the highest price paid for a sports franchise at the time. Despite his involvement in personal injury law, Angelos took a hands-on approach to managing the team, overseeing player acquisitions and decision-making.
Angelos gained recognition for his legal victories, including a $4.5 billion settlement against tobacco giant Philip Morris and successful asbestos cases. In baseball, he made headlines by opposing the use of replacement players during a union strike in 1995, ensuring the continuation of the season and Cal Ripken Jr.'s consecutive games played streak.
Angelos also played a role in fostering international relations through baseball, organizing an exhibition series between the Orioles and Cuba's national team in 1999. The Orioles, under Angelos' ownership, experienced both highs and lows on the field, culminating in a division title in 2023.
Angelos' legacy extends beyond baseball, as he was involved in politics and the horse racing industry. In his later years, he entrusted the operation of the Orioles to his sons, John and Louis, while maintaining a majority interest in the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.
Throughout his life, Angelos remained dedicated to his community and businesses, leaving a lasting impact on Maryland and the sports world.
