1970 World Series Championship
The 1970 Orioles dominated the postseason, scoring 59 runs in eight games to win their second World Series.
The 1970 Baltimore Orioles season involved the Orioles finishing first in the American League East with a record of 108 wins and 54 losses, 15 games ahead of the runner-up New York Yankees. The Orioles put together one of the most dominant postseason runs of all time, scoring 59 runs in just eight games as they swept the Minnesota Twins for the second straight year in the American League Championship Series and then went on to win their second World Series title over the National League champion Cincinnati Reds in five games, thanks to the glove of third baseman Brooks Robinson.
Quick Facts
- Series result
- Won 4-1
Lore & Background
The team was managed by Earl Weaver, and played their home games at Memorial Stadium. Bouncing back from their upset loss to the New York Mets in the 1969 World Series, the Orioles opened the season with five wins and ran away with their second straight American League East title. They won 19 of their last 22 games to finish with a 108-win season. Starting pitchers Mike Cuellar, Dave McNally, and Jim Palmer each won at least 20 games. On defense, Brooks Robinson, Paul Blair, and Davey Johnson won Gold Gloves. Offensively, Boog Powell was the AL's Most Valuable Player, leading the team with 35 home runs and 114 RBIs. The Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins were the only teams in the American League to have a winning record in the regular season versus the Baltimore Orioles.
Reader's Guide
It also states the Minnesota Twins were the only AL team with a winning record against the Orioles in the regular season.
Did You Know?
- Brooks Robinson won both the Babe Ruth Award and the World Series MVP in 1970.
- Moe Drabowsky, a relief pitcher, returned to the Orioles during the 1970 season after being lost to the Kansas City Royals in the expansion draft.
- Paul Blair was beaned on May 31 in Anaheim by Ken Tatum of the California Angels, missing three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final series score of the 1970 championship?
The Orioles finished the series with four victories while allowing only one win to the opposition. This result confirmed their status as champions after sweeping the necessary games in October.
Which pitchers were key to the 1970 victory?
Success relied heavily on starting pitchers Jim Palmer, Dave McNally, and Mike Cuellar dominating the mound. Their combined efforts were essential in limiting scoring opportunities for the opposing lineup throughout the series.
Who managed the Orioles during their 1970 World Series win?
Earl Weaver was the manager responsible for guiding the roster to this pinnacle moment. His strategic decisions helped steer the squad through the postseason challenges successfully.
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