Last Updated: September 23rd, 2026 by Matthew Brown
The Baltimore Orioles have had a rich history of great players. A common perception of that theme has been dedication. Of course, Cal Ripken Jr. leads that theme and produces much of that perception.
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But there are many other guys who have dedicated their time to this organization. We wanted to make a list of the best O's who have not received the ultimate recognition of enshrinement in the Hall of Fame.
How We Made This List
There aren't a lot of measurements that can fit the theme of dedication. We can talk about longevity or impact, but it really just comes down to a feel. It isn't just about career Orioles; it's more about guys you can picture in that Orioles uniform when you hear their names.
This list should be a fun one to go through, as we went by our intuition to create it. Let us know who you would've felt should be included that's missing as you read.
20. B.J. Surhoff: The Ultimate Professional
In the mid-1990s, the Orioles were looking for a steady bat to provide some reliability. They found it in 1996 by getting B.J. Surhoff. The nine-year vet found his stride instantly, accumulating the highest WAR of his career at 3.1 thanks to his .292 batting average and 21 home runs.
It only got better as he earned an All-Star selection in 1999 by playing every single game like his legendary teammate while collecting over 200 hits on .308 hitting, 28 home runs, and 107 RBI.
| B.J. Surhoff — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2313 |
| AB | 8258 |
| H | 2326 |
| HR | 188 |
| RBI | 1153 |
| SB | 141 |
| AVG | .282 |
| OBP | .332 |
| SLG | .413 |
| OPS | .745 |
| All-Star selections | 1 |
19. Al Bumbry: The Bee Who Stung Pitchers
Al Bumbry is an Oriole through and through. Growing up on the East Coast in Fredericksburg, Virginia, he found a new home up the I-95 in Baltimore.
Bumbry burst onto the scene in his rookie season, leading the league with 11 triples and earning the Rookie of the Year award in 1973. He tallied over 1,400 hits in 13 years with the franchise, earning an All-Star selection in 1980.
| Al Bumbry — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1496 |
| AB | 5053 |
| H | 1422 |
| HR | 54 |
| RBI | 402 |
| SB | 254 |
| AVG | .281 |
| OBP | .343 |
| SLG | .378 |
| OPS | .721 |
| All-Star selections | 1 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
| Rookie of the Year | 1 |
18. Rich Dauer: The Iron Man Before Cal
Okay, it wasn't exactly a streak of games played, but Rich Dauer had a very trustworthy glove. The infielder had a streak of 425 errorless chances in 1978 to help stabilize the Orioles' defense.
He spent all 10 years of his career in Baltimore, showing his dedication, helping them win that 1983 World Series championship, and exemplifying the theme of this list perfectly.
| Rich Dauer — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1140 |
| AB | 3829 |
| H | 984 |
| HR | 43 |
| RBI | 372 |
| SB | 6 |
| AVG | .257 |
| OBP | .310 |
| SLG | .343 |
| OPS | .653 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
17. Doug DeCinces: The Man Who Followed Brooks
Taking over for a Hall of Famer is never easy. I'm sure Doug DeCinces would agree. The great Brooks Robinson won't be on this list because of his Cooperstown status, but his successor, DeCinces, certainly earns his way on here.
Over 1,500 career hits, with about half of them coming in Baltimore, it says something about the character and ability of this third baseman to follow a legend and still create a legacy to remember.
| Doug DeCinces — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1649 |
| AB | 5809 |
| H | 1505 |
| HR | 237 |
| RBI | 879 |
| SB | 58 |
| AVG | .259 |
| OBP | .329 |
| SLG | .445 |
| OPS | .774 |
| All-Star selections | 1 |
| Silver Sluggers | 1 |
16. Melvin Mora: From Utility Man to All-Star
Melvin Mora might have been the most underrated utility player of the 2000s. Over a decade-long stint in Baltimore, Mora saw action at seven different positions. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2003 while playing five positions, hitting .317 with a great .418 on-base percentage.
His second All-Star selection in 2005 was more focused at third base, as he hit 27 home runs for the second straight year, giving great value to the franchise over that time.
| Melvin Mora — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1556 |
| AB | 5422 |
| H | 1503 |
| HR | 171 |
| RBI | 754 |
| SB | 93 |
| AVG | .277 |
| OBP | .350 |
| SLG | .431 |
| OPS | .781 |
| All-Star selections | 2 |
| Silver Sluggers | 1 |
15. Dennis Martinez: El Presidente's Baltimore Years
Yes, I'm sure many remember Dennis Martinez as an Expo, but we can't forget that he actually spent more of his career in Baltimore.
His 11 years with the Orioles produced 108 wins as he grew from a young 22-year old prospect to a veteran of the game. This laid the foundation for what would be a four-time All-Star career.
| Dennis Martinez — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 245 |
| L | 193 |
| ERA | 3.70 |
| G | 692 |
| IP | 3999.2 |
| SO | 2149 |
| WHIP | 1.27 |
| SV | 8 |
| All-Star selections | 4 |
14. Don Buford: The Spark Plug of Dynasty Years
Some careers are short, but sweet. Don Buford was literally short, standing at 5'7, taking on the role of a spark plug for the Orioles.
In his five seasons in Baltimore, he held up a respectable .270 batting average, scoring 99 runs in three straight seasons, leading the league in one of them. He earned an All-Star selection in 1971, verifying his value to the franchise after helping them to a World Series title the year before.
| Don Buford — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1286 |
| AB | 4553 |
| H | 1203 |
| HR | 93 |
| RBI | 418 |
| SB | 200 |
| AVG | .264 |
| OBP | .362 |
| SLG | .379 |
| OPS | .741 |
| All-Star selections | 1 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
13. Scott McGregor: The Crafty Lefty of October
One of the more underrated workhorses in Orioles history dedicated his entire 13-year career to the franchise. He was a 20-game winner in 1980, receiving Cy Young votes for the first time in his career.
He followed that up with an All-Star season before leading the rotation to that 1983 World Series championship. McGregor was the ignition for the pitching staff throughout his career.
| Scott McGregor — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 138 |
| L | 108 |
| ERA | 3.99 |
| G | 356 |
| IP | 2140.2 |
| SO | 904 |
| WHIP | 1.29 |
| SV | 5 |
| All-Star selections | 1 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
12. Mike Boddicker: The Forkball Master
Another one of the rotation arms during the '80s produced a lot every fifth day. Mike Boddicker was one of the best pitchers in the league for a couple of years, as he had a breakout season in the 1983 championship year.
Then he earned an All-Star selection in 1984, winning 20 games and getting the ERA title at 2.79. Boddicker is certainly fondly remembered in Baltimore for his efforts.
| Mike Boddicker — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 134 |
| L | 116 |
| ERA | 3.80 |
| G | 342 |
| IP | 2123.2 |
| SO | 1330 |
| WHIP | 1.32 |
| SV | 3 |
| All-Star selections | 1 |
| Gold Gloves | 1 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
11. Rick Dempsey: The Puddle-Jumping Legend
One of the steadiest hands in Orioles history at the catcher position, it's hard to imagine Rick Dempsey in the five other jerseys he wore in his 24-year career. 12 of those years were in Baltimore as Dempsey guided the pitching staff masterfully.
He basically was the leader of the '83 World Series team as they had a first-year manager in Joe Altobelli. The value Rick Dempsey brought is immeasurable.
| Rick Dempsey — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1766 |
| AB | 4692 |
| H | 1093 |
| HR | 96 |
| RBI | 471 |
| SB | 20 |
| AVG | .233 |
| OBP | .319 |
| SLG | .347 |
| OPS | .666 |
| World Series titles | 2 |
10. Brian Roberts: The Switch-Hitting Dynamo
Brian Roberts was one of the better table-setters of his generation, giving the Orioles a bunch of run-scoring opportunities in many ways. He got into scoring position with his bat, leading the league in doubles twice.
He also got into scoring position with his legs, leading the league in steals once. Roberts really was top-tier at the top of the order.
| Brian Roberts — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1417 |
| AB | 5531 |
| H | 1527 |
| HR | 97 |
| RBI | 542 |
| SB | 285 |
| AVG | .276 |
| OBP | .347 |
| SLG | .409 |
| OPS | .756 |
| All-Star selections | 2 |
9. Brady Anderson: The Sideburns and 50 Homers
For much of his 15-year career, Brady Anderson was a solid player with a few All-Star selections to his name. But for one season in 1996, he was magical. 50 home runs, 110 RBI, and a massive .637 slugging percentage, Brady Anderson had an all-time season in the franchise's history.
It also helps that Cal Ripken Jr. has called him his best friend.
| Brady Anderson — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1834 |
| AB | 6499 |
| H | 1661 |
| HR | 210 |
| RBI | 761 |
| SB | 315 |
| AVG | .256 |
| OBP | .362 |
| SLG | .425 |
| OPS | .787 |
| All-Star selections | 3 |
8. Mike Flanagan: The Cy Young Philosopher
So many great arms have graced the rotation in Baltimore; Mike Flanagan was among the best. He earned an All-Star selection in just his second full season as a starter.
He led the league with 40 starts, becoming the Orioles' workhorse. Then he skyrocketed in 1979 as he led all pitchers with 23 wins, earning the Cy Young Award that season.
| Mike Flanagan — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 167 |
| L | 143 |
| ERA | 3.90 |
| G | 526 |
| IP | 2770.0 |
| SO | 1491 |
| WHIP | 1.33 |
| SV | 4 |
| Cy Young | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 1 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
7. Mike Cuellar: The Screwball King
One of the more beloved pitchers in Orioles history, Mike Cuellar spent eight great seasons in Baltimore. He is a four-time All-Star in his career, winning the Cy Young Award in 1969.
He won 23 games with a great 2.38 ERA and 182 strikeouts. He ended up winning a whopping 143 games in his eight years while maintaining a solid 3.18 ERA.
| Mike Cuellar — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 185 |
| L | 130 |
| ERA | 3.14 |
| G | 453 |
| IP | 2808.0 |
| SO | 1632 |
| WHIP | 1.20 |
| SV | 11 |
| Cy Young | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 4 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
6. Mark Belanger: The Wizard Before Ozzie
Mark Belanger is easily the most prolific shortstop Baltimore has seen. Eight Gold Gloves set a standard at the position that was followed by a Wizard in St. Louis.
For 17 years, The Blade was the cutting-edge defensive player who led Baltimore to success. He was a big part of their 1970 World Series championship, helping their pitchers shut down opposing offenses.
| Mark Belanger — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2016 |
| AB | 5784 |
| H | 1316 |
| HR | 20 |
| RBI | 389 |
| SB | 167 |
| AVG | .228 |
| OBP | .300 |
| SLG | .280 |
| OPS | .580 |
| All-Star selections | 1 |
| Gold Gloves | 8 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
5. Boog Powell: The Gentle Giant
The way he is treated in Baltimore, you'd think he's in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In actuality, Boog Powell is just an absolute legend for the Orioles organization.
His four consecutive All-Star selections were a time in Baltimore when they saw moonshots coming off his bat. 339 career home runs and a 134 career OPS+ prove that Powell was a prolific power hitter of his time.
| Boog Powell — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2042 |
| AB | 6681 |
| H | 1776 |
| HR | 339 |
| RBI | 1187 |
| SB | 20 |
| AVG | .266 |
| OBP | .361 |
| SLG | .462 |
| OPS | .823 |
| MVP | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 4 |
| World Series titles | 2 |
4. Ken Singleton: The Sweet-Swinging Voice
You can now hear Ken Singleton on MLB broadcasts, but he has that experience to draw from thanks to his decade-long run in Baltimore. The three-time All-Star had a consistent bat, building up an impressive 132 career OPS+.
Singleton hit 20 or more home runs in four straight seasons, being a big presence in the middle of the lineup for the Orioles.
| Ken Singleton — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2082 |
| AB | 7189 |
| H | 2029 |
| HR | 246 |
| RBI | 1065 |
| SB | 21 |
| AVG | .282 |
| OBP | .388 |
| SLG | .436 |
| OPS | .824 |
| All-Star selections | 3 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
3. Paul Blair: The Greatest Glove Center Field Ever Saw
Another one of the great outfielders in Orioles history, Paul Blair might be the greatest defensive center fielder in American League history. Yeah, I'm sure some Yankee fans would disagree, but Blair was prominently featured on the Gold Glove list, as he won eight total and seven in a row.
Somehow that only amounted to two All-Star selections, but nevertheless, Blair was indispensable during his 13 seasons in Baltimore.
| Paul Blair — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1947 |
| AB | 6042 |
| H | 1513 |
| HR | 134 |
| RBI | 620 |
| SB | 171 |
| AVG | .250 |
| OBP | .302 |
| SLG | .382 |
| OPS | .684 |
| All-Star selections | 2 |
| Gold Gloves | 8 |
| World Series titles | 4 |
2. Bobby Grich: The Revolutionary Second Baseman
For seven years, Bobby Grich was one of the top second basemen in the league as a Baltimore Oriole. He had arguably his best season in 1973, leading all position players in WAR with 8.3. Of course, that metric was not prominent at that time, but it's cool to see in hindsight.
Grich would earn three of his six career All-Star selections with the Orioles, along with all four of his Gold Gloves.
| Bobby Grich — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2008 |
| AB | 6890 |
| H | 1833 |
| HR | 224 |
| RBI | 864 |
| SB | 104 |
| AVG | .266 |
| OBP | .371 |
| SLG | .424 |
| OPS | .795 |
| All-Star selections | 6 |
| Gold Gloves | 4 |
| Silver Sluggers | 1 |
1. Rafael Palmeiro: The Sweet Swing That Turned Sour
As sweet a swing as anyone has ever seen, Rafael Palmeiro would easily be in the Hall of Fame if it weren't for his involvement in the steroid scandal of his era. 223 home runs of his 569 total came during his seven years in Baltimore.
He also earned an All-Star selection, two Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger during his first stint as he became one of the premier first basemen in all of baseball.
| Rafael Palmeiro — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2831 |
| AB | 10472 |
| H | 3020 |
| HR | 569 |
| RBI | 1834 |
| SB | 97 |
| AVG | .288 |
| OBP | .371 |
| SLG | .515 |
| OPS | .886 |
| All-Star selections | 4 |
| Gold Gloves | 3 |
| Silver Sluggers | 2 |
Final Thoughts
This list is just a fun collection of great Orioles that span many decades. I feel like a legitimate playoff team can be built with these players without even needing any Hall of Famers.
That's just how special this franchise has been to the game of baseball and will continue to be throughout history.
