The Baltimore Orioles are on a tear to start the 2024 Major League Baseball season. They’ve won 26 of their first 38 games with a +49-run differential. The Orioles have a slightly better record on the road (12-5) than at home (14-8).
While this season may seem like any other, the Orioles' 26-12 record holds a special place in the franchise's history. As the MLB's official account on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted, the Orioles have only achieved this record twice in their history.
At 26-12, the @Orioles have matched their best 38-game start in franchise history. The two other years they started 26-12?
— MLB (@MLB) May 12, 2024
1969: Won AL pennant
1970: Won World Series pic.twitter.com/eWcpX4GRgk
In 1969, the Orioles started with a 26-12 record and ultimately clinched the American League pennant with a remarkable 109-53 record. However, their journey was cut short in the World Series, where the New York Mets defeated them in a five-game series. Despite winning Game 1, the Orioles couldn't maintain their momentum, and the Mets sealed the series with four consecutive victories.
The following year, the Orioles had a 26-12 record and finished the regular season at 108-54. They swept the Minnesota Twins in the best-of-five American League Championship Series before defeating the Cincinnati Reds in a five-game World Series. Boog Powell was the American League Most Valuable Player, while Brooks Robinson was the World Series MVP.
Therefore, Orioles fans hope for the same result as the 1970 team, giving Baltimore its fourth World Series title. So far, their young core of Gunnar Anderson, Adley Rutschman, Jordan Westburg, Ryan Mountcastle, and Colton Cowser are leading the way for their 2024 campaign.
-Lance Fernandez