Orioles Alternate Logo
The Baltimore Orioles have a long and storied history with their alternate logos. The team has had several different looks over the years, from classic to modern. Some of these logos are iconic and beloved by fans, while others may be less familiar or even forgotten altogether. In this essay, we will explore some of the more popular alternate logos used by the Orioles throughout their history.
One of the most recognizable versions is known as “the Bird” logo which was first introduced in 1966 and featured an orange cartoon bird perched atop a black baseball bat with two white stripes running down its length. This version was used until 1988 when it was replaced with another design featuring an orange oriole headset against a blue background outlined in black trimming, complete with white stars representing each state within Maryland’s borders at that time (Delaware not included). This logo stayed in use until 1996 when it underwent minor changes but kept its overall shape intact through 1997 before being retired for good after the 1998 season ended.
The final official alternate logo came into existence during the 1999 season when they unveiled what is now considered one of their best-designed emblems: an interlocking B & O (Baltimore & Ohio Railroad) symbol surrounded by four stars – three red ones on top representing Maryland's original three counties plus one yellow star for Washington Dc below them all - placed inside a circle shaped like home plate cut diagonally across its centerline; this version remained unchanged up to today's current look save for few color tweaks here there such as making both main colors brighter so that they contrast better against each other along edges. With such memorable designs like these, no wonder why many consider Baltimore Orioles' visual identity among the most interesting ones Major League Baseball has ever seen!
2019 - Present
A black, white and orange Oriole perched on wordmark “Orioles” scripted in orange with a black trim and a tail. The color orange has a darker look.
Retired primary logo in 2019.
2012 - 2018
Smiling black and orange cartoonish oriole wearing a baseball cap sporting the Orioles alternate cap logo.
Todd Radom Design: Frank Cashen, Fresh-Up Freddie, and the Birth of the Orioles Cartoon Bird
This logo was used for 23 seasons, then fell into disuse for another 23 seasons. Its 2012 revival coincided with an Orioles resurgence that finds them one step away from the World Series for the first time in decades.
The current logo is closely based on the original, though not an exact replica. The 1966 origins of the original logo involve legendary baseball executive Frank Cashen, a 7 Up cartoon character named "Fresh-Up Freddie," Baltimore's National Brewing Company, and the Orioles' desire to successfully compete for marketing dollars with the National Football League's Baltimore Colts. Read More...
2009 - Present
Yet another design of a black and orange oriole facing to the left.
2009 - Present
Cartoonish black and orange Oriole bird in cleats and a baseball cap swinging a orange baseball bat.
2009 - Present
State flag of Maryland inside a orange and black circle with wordmark BALTIMORE ORIOLES” in white.
Changed the wordmark from the other “coat of arms” alternate logo.
2009 - 2011
State flag of Maryland inside a orange and black circle with wordmark “ORIOLES BASEBALL” in white.
2002 - Present
Wordmark “O’s” in orange with a black outline. The letter “O” stands for the team nickname Orioles.
2002 - 2003
A smiling Oriole in black and orange holding a orange bat in hitter’s stance facing to the right.
1999 - 2008
A new design of a black and orange oriole facing to the left.
1998
Black and orange oriole facing to the left.
1995 - 2008
“Orioles” script in orange with black shadow on a green and pale yellow baseball diamond.
A part of the primary logo. The oriole is removed.
1995 - 1997
A black and orange Oriole perched on top facing to the right of the script “Orioles” in orange with a black border.
A part of the primary logo. Removed the green and yellow baseball diamond as the background.
1989 - 1997
Black, orange and a little white oriole facing to the left.
A part of the primary logo. Enlarged oriole and removed the scripted wordmark “Orioles” and “BALTIMORE.”
1967
A angry black and orange Oriole wearing a Baltimore Orioles baseball cap and cleats, carrying a orange baseball bat.
1966 - 1988
A black and orange Oriole with cleats swinging a bat in a black circle. In the black ring is the wordmark “BALTIMORE ORIOLES.”
A black version of the primary logo.
1964 - 1965
A new design of a smiling black, orange and white oriole with baseball cap facing left.
1955 - 1963
Smiling black, orange and white oriole with baseball cap facing left.
1954 - 1964
First alternative logo for Baltimore Orioles featured a smiling orange, black and white oriole facing to the right.
A part of the primary logo. The oriole is enlarged and removed the baseball and bats.
