I am not sure if this is something you all are looking for here on CC so let me know if you don't want this type of posting here and I'll make sure this is the last one. I'll put a poll below so you can vote to let me know. :)  I get bored during the off season and enjoy expanding my knowledge about the history of Baltimore Baseball.  I'll share some here if you all decide you like this type of post. I'll probably post twice a week at most.

The Original Orioles began, not in the NL or in 1892.  The Club was actually a last minute fill in for another team that decided to not participate in the first season of the American Association in 1882.  Made up of whatever players the owners could find the Orioles got off to a rather rough start.  They had the worst offense and defense in the league and finished in last, of course.  The record was 19-54 .260  32.5 GB.  The team hit .207 and made 490 errors. Doc Landis led the team with 11 wins and led the league in losses with 27.  Henry Myers was the first manager.

1883 saw new owners named Von Der Horst, Houck and Barnie. The Von Der Horst's owned a Brewery. Barnie became the manager.   The team had another awful year, but made money for the new owners at Union Park which seated about 6,000.  Jim Clinton and Dave Rowe both hit .313 and led the offense which hit .246 for the year.  The Orioles again finished last  with a 28-68 .292 37 GB.  John Coleman led the team with 12 wins and led the league with losses, a whopping 48!

1884 saw the fortunes change for the Orioles.  In a 13 team American Association the Orioles finished 6 with a 63-43 .594 11.5 GB.  Jim Clinton led the offense with a .270 BA, Joe Sommer had 129 hits and scored 96 runs, the most on the team that season.  Bob Emslie led the team with 32 wins while Hardie  Henderson struck out 346 batters.  The Orioles pitching staff led the league with 635 K's in 1884.  Billy Barnie finally had a winning season as Manager.

Thats the first three years.... comments?