A decorated chapter in the Orioles’ history has quietly come to a close. Bill Hunter, the last surviving member of the franchise’s 1954 inaugural team, has passed away at the age of 97. The Orioles lost not only a player but a living bridge to their very beginnings. And in a game built on history and heritage, moments like these echo louder than box scores or stat lines.

For the Orioles, it marks the end of an era etched in the spirit of their foundation. Right after the Orioles’ official X handle posted the news, tributes started pouring in from fans.

Hunter kicked off his baseball journey with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He spent five years working his way through their minor league system. Eventually, Bill Hunter was traded to the St. Louis Browns, and that’s where he made a name for himself as a shortstop. Notably, in 1953, he played 152 games at the position, leading all AL shortstops in assists with 512 and also in errors, with 25!

Interestingly, Hunter held a unique piece of history. He was the last living St. Louis Brown just before the team became the Baltimore Orioles. And when the franchise moved to Maryland in 1954, Hunter became the very first shortstop for the modern Orioles.

Hunter was also a part of the Yankees, appearing in 98 games at shortstop in 1955.

While he bounced around a few teams and holds a notable spot in the Orioles’ origins, it was really in coaching that Hunter found his lasting spotlight. And that successful coaching stint was also with the Orioles.

After wrapping up his playing days, Hunter jumped right into coaching, starting as the Orioles’ third base coach. Notably, he held that spot for nearly 14 seasons. During his tenure, the team won four American League titles and took home two World Series championships. His long and successful run with the Orioles earned him a well-deserved spot in the team’s Hall of Fame in 1996.

Indeed, the passing away of such a legend creates a huge gap in the baseball community, and fans are lining up with their tributes for Hunter.

Tributes pouring in for the Orioles legend

Fans worldwide are mourning the loss of the last living history of the inaugural Orioles.

“As the head coach at Towson University in 1982, he raked and got the field ready with 3 others so we could play the state championship game after a week of rainouts. A great Oriole, Coach, and Person. RIP Mr.Hunter.” Hunter went on to take the reins as head baseball coach at Towson State University from 1979 to 1988. And he later stepped into the role of athletic director from 1984 to 1995. 16 years of engagement – the loss feels real… During his time leading the athletic program, the men’s lacrosse team made it to the NCAA championship game. Getting the field ready to keep the game going even after weeks of washouts! That shows that Hunter has a larger personality apart from his on-field antics. He was a man of words, integrity, and principle.

“Inaugural Oriole, and 2 WS rings as a coach. A true inner circle Oriole HOF. Rest In Peace, King.” Another note to depict that it was the coaching stint that gave Hunter his due credit. Yes, he won a World Series in 1956 as a player with the Yankees. But his two rings in 1966 and 1970 as a coach with the Orioles made him an icon in Baltimore.

“A life well lived, RIP.“ Absolutely! Hunter lived life to the fullest when it came to spending time in the diamond. Starting in the minor leagues in 1948 to retiring as a player in 1958, and then coaching and managing till 1995, it was like a full circle moment for Hunter. Off the field, he lived a fulfilling life with his wife, two sons, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Of course, creating memories and now, leaving them behind…

“He was a baseball legend here in Baltimore. What a terrific person!” No MVP or any other batting title! But fans still call him a legend. Hunter was an All-Star and a World Series champion as a player. But the footprints he left behind as a coach and obviously, a longstanding member within the team, say how much Bill Hunter means to the Orioles nation!

“A little more about Billy…” When a legend lives life to the fullest, it’s not always a heartbreaking sendoff, but a reminiscing about his life. One fan shared a Bleacher Report article about Hunter, which gave us glimpses of the unknown. One such is about his tenure with the Rangers. Apart from the Orioles, his one-year stint as the manager of the Rangers was good enough. In the 197 season, he led the Rangers to win 94 games, which was their highest win total till 1999.

The baseball community has lost a living legend and a part of history for the Orioles. Bidding adieu to the man, we share our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, legend…