7-06-2025 8:21pm

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MLB World Mourns as Last Surviving Member of Inaugural Orioles Team Dies at 97

A decorated chapter in the Orioles’ history has quietly come to a close. Bill Hunter, the last surviving member of the franchise’s 1954 inaugural team, has passed away at the age of 97. The Orioles lost not only a player but a living bridge to their very beginnings. And in a game built on history and heritage, moments like these echo louder than box scores or stat lines.

For the Orioles, it marks the end of an era etched in the spirit of their foundation. Right after the Orioles’ official X handle posted the news, tributes started pouring in from fans.

Hunter kicked off his baseball journey with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He spent five years working his way through their minor league system. Eventually, Bill Hunter was traded to the St. Louis Browns, and that’s where he made a name for himself as a shortstop. Notably, in 1953, he played 152 games at the position, leading all AL shortstops in assists with 512 and also in errors, with 25!

Interestingly, Hunter held a unique piece of history. He was the last living St. Louis Brown just before the team became the Baltimore Orioles. And when the franchise moved to Maryland in 1954, Hunter became the very first shortstop for the modern Orioles.

Hunter was also a part of the Yankees, appearing in 98 games at shortstop in 1955.

While he bounced around a few teams and holds a notable spot in the Orioles’ origins, it was really in coaching that Hunter found his lasting spotlight. And that successful coaching stint was also with the Orioles.

After wrapping up his playing days, Hunter jumped right into coaching, starting as the Orioles’ third base coach. Notably, he held that spot for nearly 14 seasons. During his tenure, the team won four American League titles and took home two World Series championships. His long and successful run with the Orioles earned him a well-deserved spot in the team’s Hall of Fame in 1996.

Tributes pouring in for the Orioles legend

Fans worldwide are mourning the loss of the last living history of the inaugural Orioles.

“As the head coach at Towson University in 1982, he raked and got the field ready with 3 others so we could play the state championship game after a week of rainouts. A great Oriole, Coach, and Person. RIP Mr.Hunter.” Hunter went on to take the reins as head baseball coach at Towson State University from 1979 to 1988. And he later stepped into the role of athletic director from 1984 to 1995. 16 years of engagement – the loss feels real… During his time leading the athletic program, the men’s lacrosse team made it to the NCAA championship game. Getting the field ready to keep the game going even after weeks of washouts! That shows that Hunter has a larger personality apart from his on-field antics. He was a man of words, integrity, and principle.