Peter Angelos, the longtime owner of Major League Baseball's (MLB) Baltimore Orioles, has died at the age of 94.
Angelos's death was announced by his family on Saturday, March 23, 2024. The family released a statement, which has been published on social media on the Orioles' official account.
A statement from the Angelos family: pic.twitter.com/vRtrc4Y6Gq
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) March 23, 2024
The family, in its statement, wrote, "Today, Peter G. Angelos passed away quietly at the age of 94."
The family went on to reveal that "Mr. Angelos had been ill for several years." The family then thanked those "doctors, nurses, and caregivers who brought comfort to [Angelos] in his final years."
And, the family concluded, "It was Mr. Angelos' wish to have a private burial, and the family asks for understanding as they honor that request. Donations may be sent to charity in lieu of flowers."
Angelos is most well known for two things: his ownership of the Orioles and his very successful law practice.
"Born on the Fourth of July in 1929 and raised in Maryland by Greek immigrants, Peter Angelos rose from a blue-collar background to launch a firm in his own name after receiving his law degree from the University of Baltimore in 1961," NBC News reports.
The outlet continues, "In August 1993, Angelos led a group of investors that bought the Orioles. The group included writer Tom Clancy, filmmaker Barry Levinson, and tennis star Pam Shriver. The price tag of $173 million — at the time the highest for a sports franchise — came in a sale forced by the bankruptcy of then-owner Eli Jacobs."
Angelos continued to practice law, after purchasing the team, and he is particularly known for going up against tobacco giant Philip Morris and for advocating on behalf of asbestos victims. Angelos also continued to play an active role with the Orioles up until recent times.
Currently, Angelos' son, John, is selling the Orioles to a group that includes David Rubenstein, the Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein.
Brandon Scott, the mayor of Baltimore has released a statement in which he praised Angelos for all that he has done for the city of Baltimore.
"Peter Angelos was a true Baltimorean. His impact on Baltimore & Baltimoreans will live for generations," Scott wrote.
He added, " Thank you, Peter, for never giving up on and always believing in our city! Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Angelos family & @Orioles organization today."
