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Peter Angelos, the billionaire lawyer and longtime owner of the Baltimore Orioles, died Saturday.
As a personal injury attorney, he secured millions in judgments against the asbestos and tobacco industries, representing local labor unions and the state of Maryland, respectively. He used his personal wealth to bring the Orioles back under local ownership in 1993, though his stewardship of the team over the ensuing years was often met with derision.
Tributes poured in from across the Baltimore region and throughout baseball following the news of Angelos’ death.
Incoming majority owner David Rubenstein
Rubenstein is leading a group to purchase a majority stake of the team that is awaiting a vote by MLB owners before it is finalized. Angelos’ death will not impact the impending sale, a Rubenstein spokesperson said.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the Angelos family on the passing of Peter Angelos,” Rubenstein said in a statement. “Peter made an indelible mark first in business and then in baseball. The city of Baltimore owes him a debt of gratitude for his stewardship of the Orioles across three decades and for positioning the team for great success.”
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde
“I want to start out by offering my condolences to the Angelos family. I know he meant a lot to a lot of people in the city of Baltimore community and baseball. I just want to offer my sincere condolences to the family.”
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti
“I am saddened to learn about the passing of Peter Angelos. As a native Baltimorean, Peter was an important figure in our city’s rich sports history. He was a smart businessman who wasn’t afraid to stand up to issues he felt were important. Above all, the impact Peter made through his philanthropic efforts left a lasting impression on our community. My heart goes out to the Angelos family during this difficult time.”
Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis
“RIP Peter Angelos. I feel privileged to have known Peter. Peter was a proud Greek, a father, a fierce advocate for the city of Baltimore, and for his clients. He was the man who saved the Orioles - because he loved the City of Baltimore.”
Gov. Wes Moore
“I just learned of the passing of a true Baltimore icon. While I never met Peter Angelos, I know his legal, business, and sports legacy left a lasting mark on our state. I’m praying for his family and wishing him eternal rest.”
Mayor Brandon Scott
“Peter Angelos was a true Baltimorean. His impact on Baltimore & Baltimoreans will live for generations. Thank you, Peter, for never giving up on and always believing in our city! Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Angelos family & Orioles organization today.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred
“Peter Angelos was a proud native of Baltimore who deeply appreciated owning the Baltimore Orioles. Peter’s lifetime of philanthropy greatly benefited numerous worthy causes throughout his hometown. He championed the Orioles’ historic 1999 series with the Cuban National Team. Peter ably served the game on our Labor Committee, and I will always remember his personal support when I was first elected to this role in his home city in 2014.
“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my condolences to Peter’s wife, Georgia, their sons John and Louis, and the entire Angelos family.”
Hall of Fame shortstop Cal Ripken Jr.
“Peter was a significant influence in Baltimore for decades. His impact on our region through his ownership of the Orioles and his many charitable contributions has been undeniable. Peter and I had a good relationship and following my retirement, his generosity towards our family’s foundation and assistance in making the IronBirds an Orioles affiliate in our hometown were greatly appreciated. Laura and I have Georgia and the Angelos family in our thoughts today.”
Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer
“Peter Angelos, legal icon, O’s owner passes. My sympathies to the Angelos family. Kept the O’s in Baltimore. And did so much for so many, with little fanfare. Always treated so well by Mr A.. RIP.”
Rick Dempsey, MVP of the 1983 World Series, former Orioles broadcaster
“Peter was so good to me and my family. We had a very good relationship. I am sad to see him go with dementia like he did, but I am happy he is not suffering anymore. God Bless him. He was a very good man.”
Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, former Baltimore Sun baseball writer and columnist
“Yes, we had our issues from time to time – ok, almost all of the time – after he purchased the Orioles in 1993. But even though Angelos was not always the best owner, the Orioles were only part of his story, and a small part, really ...”
“He was a larger-than-life figure, a man of tremendous energy and accomplishment. He left an indelible mark on both his city and state.”
Buster Olney, ESPN writer, former Baltimore Sun baseball writer
“Peter Angelos was an incredibly hard-worker, a self-made billionaire who went from working in a bar to becoming one of the most successful plaintiff lawyers in US history. He loved Baltimore. What made him great as a lawyer was his weakness as a baseball owner: he did not easily trust others.”
Dan Connolly, Sportskeeda Baseball and Sportsnaut, former Baltimore Sun baseball writer
“Here’s thing about Peter Angelos’ legacy. He made mistakes as an owner. No doubt. He solicited too many opinions instead of letting experts do the work, especially early. But he cared deeply about O’s & Balmer. He was stuck in an old-school mindset but his desire to win was legit”
Adam Jones, former Orioles player
“Saddened to hear the loss of Peter Angelos. Mr. Angelos was an incredible man and we both shared a deep love for the city of Baltimore and the Orioles. Sending my condolences to the Angelos family during this difficult time. Rest in Power Mr. A.”
Kent Conrad, a former U.S. senator and a close friend of Angelos
“Peter Angelos was a man of big accomplishments who helped thousands of people in Baltimore, in Maryland and across the country. He successfully took on the tobacco and asbestos industries winning compensation for people who had been hurt by them. He kept the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore, and they had the winningest record in the American League for the five years from 2012-2016. A major achievement for a mid-market team. And they just recorded the biggest turnaround in Major League history going from 110 losses three years ago to 101 victories last year. More than that, Peter and his wife often helped people who really needed it. They often did it anonymously never seeking or receiving public credit for their generosity. Peter Angelos was a good man, and he will be missed.”
U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen
“Peter Angelos started as a scrappy, up from the bootstraps lawyer who fought on behalf of workers & unions. Best known as owner of the O’s, I knew him as someone devoted to Baltimore who — even when he made it big — kept battling for the underdog. I’ll miss his fighting Greek spirit.”
U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin
“Peter Angelos loved Baltimore. He did so much to help our city — from the Orioles to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and so much more. My condolences to his family and loved ones. He leaves an immense legacy.”
U.S. Rep Kweisi Mfume
“Like many across Baltimore and across the sport of baseball I will miss the friendship and authentic personality of Peter Angelos. He was by all definitions ‘the real McCoy.’ He wore his never-ending love for Baltimore on his sleeve and his compassion for the less fortunate in his heart. Peter never sought credit or the spotlight for what he did to help others and never failed to speak out when he saw injustice. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Angelos, John and Lou.”
U.S. Rep. C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger
“Sad to hear of Peter Angelos’ passing. What a legend. He was a fierce competitor, usually for the underdogs and working class. He leaves an enduring legacy of philanthropy and commitment to Baltimore and will be missed.”
U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes
“Peter Angelos was a giant in the legal community, Greek American community and, of course, Baltimore. His philanthropic and economic impact on the City will never be forgotten. I send my deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him.”
Sheila Dixon, former mayor of Baltimore
“Whether in the courtroom or in Camden Yards, Peter Angelos’ passionate advocacy for Baltimore and its people has had an indelible impact on this city. While we have lost a true champion, he leaves behind a legacy that will endure. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family.”
Maryland Stadium Authority
“The Maryland Stadium Authority wishes to express our condolences to the family, friends, and former colleagues of Peter G. Angelos. Through Mr. Angelos’ longtime ownership of the beloved Orioles baseball team and lifetime of philanthropic endeavors, he uplifted the City of Baltimore and Maryland. Our thoughts are with his family, and may it give them some comfort that Mr. Angelos will be missed and remembered well for his many contributions.”
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Danielle Allentuck covers the Orioles for The Baltimore Banner. She previously reported on the Rockies for the Denver Gazette and general sports assignments for The New York Times as part of its fellowship program. A Maryland native, Danielle grew up in Montgomery County and graduated from Ithaca College.
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