The O's came so close to being (A) a dynasty team and (B) the team of the decade, but on both accounts they come up a bit short. From 1966-1983 the O's were the model franchise for MLB. From 1969-71 they won 3 straight AL Pennants, but only sealed the deal once in that stretch. First they lost to the Miracle Mets, which still to this day ruffles Frank Robinson's skin. Then then after beating the Reds in 1970, they lost a close 7 game series to the Pirates. Baltimore won just 1 World Championship during the decade, in 1970. They won the AL Pennant in 1970, 1971 and 1979. They took the AL East Flag 5 times (1970, 1971, 1973, 1974 & 1979), which makes them the AL's model for consistency.
Why did the O's come up short ? Was it the pitching ? Heck no ! When you boast a staff anchored by HOF'er Jim Palmer and Cy Young / 20 game winners like Mike Cuellar, Dave McNally, Mike Flanagan, Scotty McGreggor and Dennis Martinez it certainly can't be about the pitching.
There was no power shortage in Baltimore either. Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson, Boog Powell, Ken Singleton, Don Baylor, Bobby Grich and Eddie Murray could bang it out of the park with the best of them. The fielding which was led by Brooksie and Belanger was gold glove all the way. So how did they come up short so often ? Was it bad luck ? Possibly. Was it poor managing ? Not likely with Earl Weaver at the helm. So what's the conclusion ? It has to be the fact that these Oriole teams were built around Weaver's favorite weapon: The 3 run homer. Unfortunately when you get to the post season you face the best pitching in the league and it will always win out over good hitting. Baltimore's lack of ability to play "small ball" doomed them in a short/close series. Over a 162 game marathon they could outlast everyone, but those short sprints in the playoffs require teams to have guys who can surely run. Baltimore lacked that part of their game for the most part other than Al Bumbry.
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