Lonaconing in Allegany County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Baltimore Orioles (1920 - 1924)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 17, 2019
1. Baltimore Orioles (1920 - 1924) Marker
In the middle of the 1920 season, John "Jack" Dunn I signed Grove with the Baltimore Orioles of the International League, a minor league team. Grove led the league in strikeouts during his four seasons with the Orioles, and the team won the league pennant each year during his tenure.On Sept. 9, 1921, the Orioles played an exhibition game in Frostburg, Md., against the Frostburg Demons. Special trains, commissioned to transport people from the George's Creek and Cumberland areas of Allegany County, allowed hometown fans to witness the game. Grove pitched, and the Orioles won 9-3.
In 1923, Grove set an International League record, striking out 330 batters — a record that remains standing today.
Major league teams quickly took notice of Grove, but Dunn was reluctant to part with his star player. At the time, the Orioles were not subject to a major league draft. The creation of the Federal League in 1914 caused wage inflation competition for major league players. As a result, Dunn sold Babe Ruth's contract in order to make payroll. After realizing later that he let Ruth go too cheaply, Dunn swore never to
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True to his word, Dunn repeatedly refused offers for Grove until Connie Mack of the Philadelphia Athletics offered a record $100,600 for the player at the end of the 1924 season. Grove later joked that the offer included $100,000 for his pitching, and $600 for his hitting!
[Caption:]
Warm-up with the Baltimore Orioles
(Courtesy Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, Baltimore, Md.)
Erected 2019.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is September 9, 1921.
Location. 39° 33.956′ N, 78° 58.819′ W. Marker is in Lonaconing, Maryland, in Allegany County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (Maryland Route 36) and Union Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Union Street, Lonaconing MD 21539, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Red Sox (1934 - 1941) (here, next to this marker); Philadelphia Athletics (1925 - 1933) (here, next to this marker); The Early Years — Lonaconing, Maryland (here, next to this marker); Coming Home to Lonaconing (a few steps from this marker);
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 17, 2019
2. Photos of Lefty with the Baltimore Orioles
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 17, 2019
3. Baltimore Orioles (1920 - 1924) Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 19, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
