The city of Baltimore was represented in the American League's first two major league seasons. In 1901, the Orioles showcased a number of former NL star players, including the notoriously intense 3rd baseman-manager John McGraw, catcher Roger Bresnahan, 2nd baseman Jimmy Williams, and legendary pitcher 'Iron Man' McGinnity.

However the best the team could do in 1901, was finish at 68-65, 5th place. Before and during the 1902 season, the National League launched attacks against the Orioles by re-signing many of their former players and Baltimore collapsed to 50-88, 34 games behind the first place Philadelphia Athletics.

Fan interest fell off and then AL president Ban Johnson decided the new league needed a team in New York, so after the 1902 season the club moved to N.Y. and became the Highlanders, later the Yankees.

Baltimore was left without a major league team for over 50 years, until the St. Louis Browns transfered there in 1954. Baseballhistorian.com - Archives Page 71