1892 Baltimore Orioles

1892 Baltimore Orioles (NL) / Franchise: Baltimore Orioles (NL) / BR Team Page

Record: 46-101, Finished 12th in National League (1892 NL)

Managed by George Van Haltren (1-10), John Waltz (2-6) and Ned Hanlon (43-85)

Ballpark: Union Park

History, Comments, Contributions

The 1892 Baltimore Orioles finished dead last with 101 losses. However, in only two years, they would finish first in the National League, and follow up in 1895 and 1896 with two more first-place finishes.

The team featured some veterans who had come over from the American Association Orioles of 1891 after that league folded, such as Wilbert Robinson and George Van Haltren, as well as some new blood such as 19-year-old rookie John McGraw who had made his major league debut that year but who would get much more playing time in future years.

Van Haltren and third baseman Billy Shindle led the team in runs scored, while shortstop Tim O'Rourke had the highest batting average among the regulars, followed by Van Haltren. Van Haltren and Shindle also led the team in hits, doubles, and triples, while Van Haltren and Harry Stovey were the team home run leaders. Everybody stole some bases in those days, but Van Haltren's 49 were far above the rest.

In spite of being the team's top player, Van Haltren was traded in September for future Hall of Famer Joe Kelley, who would be an outfielder and top hitter for the Orioles in their pennant-winning years. Stovey, who was 35 in 1892, would finish up his major league career in 1893.

Other notable players in 1892 included rookie Monte Cross and veteran Ned Hanlon who managed part of the season and also played a bit. Hanlon would go on to manage the Orioles in their greatest years and also win a couple of pennants for Brooklyn.

Sadie McMahon led the pitchers with 19 victories, while George Cobb had 10.