1885 dawned with hope after the Orioles had a winning season in 1884.  Managed again this year by Billy Barnie the Orioles quickly dashed any hopes of a good year collapsing into last place (8th) with a 41-68 .376 -36  record for the year.  Bright spots for the year included a winning record of 7-6 against the New York Metropolitans  who had finished 3 games ahead in the standings. The Orioles had a .219 team BA for the year with their leading hitter being Dennis Casey hitting .288.  Team leader in HR's was first baseman Dan Stearns hitting 8.  Hardie Henderson led the pitching staff with 25 wins but led the league in losses with 35. 

1886 saw Billy Barnie once again managing the Orioles.  The results were about the same, another last place finish with a 48-83 .366 -41 record.   The Orioles hit as a team this year a very bad .204 with Chris Fullmer the team's catcher leading the team with a .244 average.  Milt Scott af 1B led the team in Homers with 2.  On the mound pitcher Matt Kilroy threw a no-hitter for the Orioles on October 6th, beating the Pittsburgh Alleghenys (now the Pirates) 6-0.  Kilroy led the league in games with 68, Games Started 68, Complete Games 66, Strikeouts with 513.  He led the team in wins with 29 and led the league with 34 losses. 

Despite the rough years Billy Barnie again returned as the Orioles manager for 1887.  However, this year was different.  The Orioles put it together and finished third in the American Association with a 77-58  .570  -18  record.  The team hit a robust .277 with SS Oyster Burns leading the team with a .341 BA.  He and 3B Jumbo Davis led the league with 19 triples.  Oyster edged out Jumbo for the team HR crown with 9 to Jumbo's 8, Oyster was third in the AA in Homers this year.  Jumbo however led the team with 109 RBIs.  Star pitcher Matt Kilroy had a banner year leading the league with 69 G, 589.1 IP, 69 GS,  66 CG, 46 Wins and 6 Shutouts.  His 217 Stikeouts led the team with Phenominal Smith getting 206.  The Orioles had a very good year this year with their whipping boys being the Cleveland Blues who they beat 17 times out of 20 tries.  Fans had to be looking forward to 1888 after such a decent year.