Top 50 Players In Baltimore Sports History: 50-41

42. Gregg Olson, Relief Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles

Olson also played for several different teams (nine to be exact), but unlike Alomar, his best years were on the Orioles. In his first full year with the O’s, he pitched to a 1.69 ERA in 85 innings. He then pitched to ERA marks of 2.42, 3.18, 2.05, and 1.60 in his remaining time with the Orioles.

Although he had instant success in Baltimore, this wasn’t the case when he departed. He played for eight different teams the rest of his career and only had an ERA of less than 4.00 once. However, he might have been one of the best relievers in Orioles history.

He recorded 160 saves as the Orioles closer and was a sure thing at the end of close games. It just comes to show: some people are more comfortable in different places. Olson might have played in a tough division with the Orioles, but his years in Baltimore were still the best seasons of his career.

41. Jim Gentile, 1B, Baltimore Orioles

Gentile’s career lasted only nine years but they were very effective. He was a powerful hitter at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds who got traded to the O’s in 1960 when he made the All-Star game for the first time in his career. His best season was in 1961 when he posted an average of .302 with 46 home runs and 141 RBIs, finishing third in AL MVP voting. He posted OBPs of over .400 in 1960 and 1961.

He then hit 57 home runs and 159 RBIs in the two years following. Those numbers weren’t as good, but everyone has a break-out season. In nine career seasons, Gentile batted .260 with 179 home runs, 549 RBIs, and 534 runs in 936 games. He is currently 80-years-old and one of the oldest players on this list.

Be sure to check back again next week for the next 10 names on  THE LIST of the greatest in Baltimore sports history!