History
More than just a history, we’re
building a legacy
1960
A group of businessmen, civic leaders and government officials decide to explore ways to get local citizens to support their professional baseball club. Fan attendance was only around 30% capacity and the team scrambled to bring people to the park on a regular basis. The first formal meeting of the baseball enthusiasts was held at Memorial Stadium on July 9, 1960, and was attended by 25 individuals, including three officials of the Baltimore Orioles. “The Oriole Advocates” was adopted as the official name of the organization.
1961
The Oriole Advocates host their first promotion: Camera Day. Fans were allowed to take photos of and with current Orioles players on the field. This popular event remained a fixture for many years to come and allowed the average person a close-up look at their hometown team and heroes.
1962
A youth fan club named the Junior Orioles is introduced to recruit youngsters under the age of 15 into becoming life-long Orioles fans. It started off with more than 750 members in its first year and has attracted over a quarter-million members aged 14 or younger before evolving into the Kids Cheer Free program that is now run by the Orioles.
1963
In conjunction with the Orioles, the Advocates started the Birthday Box, which allowed children to hold birthday parties during the games in the West Side Press Box of Memorial Stadium.
1964
The Oriole Advocates sponsored the first Brooks Robinson Night, which honored the Orioles legend.
1966
The Baltimore Orioles win their first ever World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Oriole Advocates are there to drive cars carrying Orioles players during the local parade.
1967
The Oriole Advocates lead the campaign to save Babe Ruth’s birthplace and convert it into a museum—now known as the worldwide attraction, the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum.
1970
The Baltimore Orioles pull off their second World Series win against the Cincinnati Reds, and once again, the Oriole Advocates drive cars carrying Orioles players during the local parade.
1976
In partnership with the Baltimore Orioles, the Orioles Hall of Fame is established.
1977
The first members are inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame: Brooks Robinson and Frank Robinson. Eligible inductees include players, coaches, managers, non-uniformed personnel, and legendary fans.
1979
The Oriole Bird hatches on the Oriole Advocates’ parade float in Memorial Stadium as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the team moving to Baltimore. During the parade, dignitaries such as Tommy D’Alesandro, William Donald Schafer, and Billy Hunter were driven around the Stadium in 1954 vintage automobiles.
1983
The Baltimore Orioles defeat the Philadelphia Phillies to take home another World Series. During the local parade celebrations, the Oriole Advocates are there to drive the much-lauded players.
1984
The first Oriole Hall of Fame luncheon is hosted to raise funds for little league baseball and other community charitable events.
1985
The Oriole Advocates establish a college scholarship fund.
1987
The Oriole Advocates Charitable Foundation is founded to provide financial assistance and support for nonprofit organizations related to baseball and softball. As a 501(c)(3), it is tax-exempt and becomes the source of funding for scholarships, mentoring programs, and other initiatives.
1990
The Oriole Advocates launch Challenger Baseball.
1991
The Oriole Advocates sponsored the first Champions Little League event for children with developmental and/or physical challenges. This was the first event of what would eventually become the Challenger Baseball program.
1992
Cardboard to Leather® is launched and Oriole Park at Camden Yards opens to the public.
2008
Scholarships are provided to students participating in the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)’s baseball program at the Catonsville campus.
2012
The Oriole Advocates officially launches Challenger Baseball.
2018
The Don Blum Scholarship at Mount Saint Joseph High School is created, which is given to a rising senior on the school's varsity baseball team.
2019
The CCBC scholarship program expands to include players at the Essex and Dundalk campuses.
2022
The Oriole Advocates act as docents at the new exhibit by Home Plate Plaza honoring 30 years of Camden Yards.