Baltimore Orioles: The best designated hitters in the team’s history

Ken Singleton played for the Baltimore Orioles between 1975 and 1984. He was the designated hitter when the Orioles won their last World Series in 1983. Singleton began his baseball career playing for the New York Mets and the Montreal Expos, but his best years were in Birdland.

During his younger years, he played in the outfield, with most of his time spent in right field. His first time appearing as DH on the lineup card was in 1976, when he filled that spot 19 times. In 1982, 83, and 84, he was the full-time designated hitter. He started 457 games as the designed hitter.

During his 10 years in the American League, he hit .284/.388/.445. He was an All-Star during three of his years with the Orioles. His post-season batting slash was .333/.391/.421.

Singleton’s best season was 1979. He was an All-Star that year and he finished second in the voting for league MVP, losing to the California Angels Don Baylor. George Brett of the Kansas City Royals finished third. Keith Hernandez won the MVP in the National League that year. The switch-hitter batted .295/.405/.533 with 35 home runs and 111 RBIs. He was intentionally walked a league-leading 16 times.