Earl Weaver, the retired, legendary, and always inspiring Hall-of-Fame Baltimore Orioles’ manager, died early this morning of an apparent heart attack while on an Orioles' fantasy cruise in the Caribbean. Weaver collapsed in his compartment on the ship around 2 a.m. and was unable to be revived by the ship's doctors.
His wife, Maryanne, was at his side. He was 82. ~ LiFMarketing
“The Earl of Baltimore” spent his entire 17-year managerial career with the O’s, leading the Orioles to six division titles, four American League pennants and one World Series championship during two terms as the team’s manager from 1968 - 1982 and again from 1985 - 1986 according to The Baltimore Orioles.
Weaver was infamous for his outspoken nature with both umpires and his own players.
The classic image of Earl during game time in any altercation with an ump was Weaver getting in an umpire’s face, turning his ball cap backwards, and ultimately kicking dirt at the target of his rage.
Earl was ejected from almost 100 games during the regular season, and several more times during post-season play. Weaver also received four multiple-game suspensions.
Earl Weaver was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1996.
Last summer, the Orioles honored their most celebrated and colorful manager of all time, along with fellow of Hall of Fame recipients Frank Robinson, Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken Jr., and Brooks Robinson, during the Birds’ Orioles Legends Celebration Series.
A larger-than-life 7' bronze statue of Earl Weaver resides just beyond left-center field in Baltimore’s Orioles Park at Camden Yards.
Of his former manager, Cal Ripken Jr. said at the statue’s unveiling ceremony:
"The impact Earl had on my career has been well documented." He had faith in me when I was a young and struggling player and stuck with me. Earl had a fantastic relationship with my dad and close ties to my family.
"He is a legendary manager and a large part of Orioles history."
Rest in peace Earl Weaver. Thanks for the memories.
For more on the passing of the great Earl Weaver, see the video accompanying this article.
"Every time I look at an Oriole, it's going to be missing a feather now without Earl." – Current Orioles’ Manager Buck Showalter via MASN Orioles
Also see:
O’s legend Earl Weaver to be honored today at Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Photos)
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