Bluefield Orioles
From SoSH
| Location: | Bluefield, WV & Bluefield, VA |
| Established: | 1946 |
| MLB Affiliation: | Baltimore Orioles |
| League: | Appalachian League |
| Level: | Rookie |
| Ballpark: | Bowen Field |
| Championships: | 14 |
| Division Titles: | 10 |
| Wild Card: |
The Bluefield Orioles are a Minor League Baseball team that plays in the Appalachian League, and are a Rookie League affiliate to the Baltimore Orioles. The team represents the twin cities of Bluefield, WV and Bluefield VA.
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Franchise History
Bluefield's link with the Orioles, which started in 1946, is currently the oldest continuous affiliation with the same major-league franchise in Minor League Baseball. The Orioles are celebrating their 50th season this year (2008).
The Bluefield Orioles play their home games at Bowen Field, a historic stadium (opened in 1939) in Bluefield's city park. The park, which straddles the West Virginia-Virginia state line, is operated by the West Virginia city; however, Bowen Field lies entirely within Virginia.
The team's nicknames are the "Baby Birds" or the "Baby O's." Their most famous former player is Cal Ripken Jr., who played with the club in 1978 when he was 17 years old. Another famous former Baby Bird is Boog Powell, who played in Bluefield in 1959, also as a 17 year-old.
Major League Affiliations
- Baltimore Orioles (1958-present)
- Brooklyn Dodgers (1957)
- Boston Red Sox (1954-1955)
- Washington Senators (1953)
- Boston Braves (1946-1951)
Team Names
- Bluefield Orioles (1958-present)
- Bluefield Dodgers (1957)
- Bluefield Blue-Grays (1946-1955)
