Peter Angelos, the owner of the Baltimore Orioles during periods of both struggle and achievement, and a prominent figure in the legal world, passed away at the age of 94 on Saturday. His family confirmed his death, acknowledging the caregivers who supported him during his final years.
Angelos, who had been in poor health for several years, saw his public involvement wane as his son John moved forward with the sale of the Orioles to a group led by David Rubenstein of Carlyle Group Inc. According to legal proceedings involving his sons in 2022, Angelos underwent surgery in 2017 following complications with his aortic valve.
Rubenstein paid tribute to Angelos, recognizing his significant impact in business and baseball, particularly in his role with the Orioles over three decades.
Born on July 4, 1929, and raised in Maryland by Greek immigrants, Angelos transitioned from a modest background to establish his own law firm after earning his law degree from the University of Baltimore in 1961.
In 1993, he orchestrated the purchase of the Orioles along with a consortium that included notable figures like Tom Clancy, Barry Levinson, and Pam Shriver. Their acquisition, totaling $173 million, marked a pivotal moment for the franchise, rescuing it from bankruptcy under previous ownership.
Despite maintaining his law practice specializing in personal injury cases, Angelos took an active role in managing the Orioles, personally overseeing player acquisitions and decisions. His tenure included notable legal victories, such as securing a $4.5 billion settlement from tobacco giant Philip Morris on behalf of the state of Maryland in 1996.
Angelos also made headlines in the baseball world for his stance against using replacement players during the 1995 MLB strike, underscoring his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport and supporting players like Cal Ripken Jr.
Beyond sports, Angelos pursued his interests in politics and international relations, notably advocating for an exhibition series between the Orioles and Cuba’s national team, which culminated in historic games in 1999.
While the Orioles under Angelos never clinched a World Series title, his stewardship guided the team through significant milestones, including a resurgence in the early 2010s. His legacy extends beyond sports, encompassing philanthropy and a lasting impact on Maryland’s legal and political landscapes.
In his later years, Angelos entrusted the day-to-day operations of the Orioles to his sons, John and Louis, while maintaining involvement in broader community initiatives and his legal practice.
Peter Angelos leaves behind a legacy as a transformative figure in Baltimore, recognized for his contributions to both baseball and law, and remembered for his unwavering dedication to his hometown and its people.
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