Baltimore Orioles: Ranking the Top Five Moments in 2021

Looking back at the top five most memorable moments throughout the Baltimore Orioles’ 2021 season

The 2021 Baltimore Orioles season was one that was meant to showcase the future of the franchise while building a culture that would help the O’s find winning ways in the coming years. The team ultimately finished with a record of 52 wins and 110 losses, which placed them last in the AL East Division.

The 2021 season had many outcomes that Orioles fans could look down upon. However, there were moments that the fans should appreciate during this season. These five glimpses of “Oriole Magic” give the Baltimore faithful hope for the future.

#5 RYAN MOUNTCASTLE BREAKS CAL RIPKEN JR.’S ROOKIE HR RECORD

On September 16th, Orioles rookie slugger Ryan Mountcastle broke MLB Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr.’s franchise record for home runs in a rookie season.

He hit his 29th home run of the season into the stands at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in the sixth inning of a 3-2 win over the New York Yankees. Ripken’s record had stood since 1982, which makes this feat by the Mountcastle that much more impressive.

#4 TREY MANCINI’S HOME RUN DERBY PERFORMANCE

Trey Mancini gave the fans at the 2021 home run derby their money’s worth with his performance at the All-Star weekend festivities at Coors Field.

Mancini ultimately finished in second place as the 6th seed in the home run tournament. He hit a total of 59 home runs and was able to win over the fans’ hearts.

#3 JOHN MEANS’ NO-HITTER

On May 5th, 2021, Baltimore Orioles ace John Means threw a no-hitter that gave Orioles fans a chance to see the potential of their future on the mound.

The last no-hitter thrown by a single Orioles pitcher was by Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer in 1969.

Means struggled with injury and consistency issues throughout the season but fans will be sure to remember the no-hitter Means pitched early on in the 2021 season.

#2 CEDRIC MULLINS JOINS 30-30 CLUB

At the end of September, Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins joined the 30 home run and 30 stolen base club. Mullins came into this season with hopes of just being an everyday player for the O’s. He finished as the team’s MVP and put his name in the history books.

Mullins has etched his name in the stones of history for both Baltimore and Major League Baseball as now he is the only Orioles player to be a valued member of the 30/30 club.

#1 TREY MANCINI AWARDED AL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR

In April of 2020, the Baltimore Orioles’ first baseman had surgery to remove a tumor and battled through his colon cancer diagnosis for roughly six months. He reported to Spring Training with a positive mindset and the goal of making a difference for his team. He did just that.

Mancini finished the season with 21 home runs, 71 RBIs, with a .255 batting average. He was a daily leader for this ballclub and gave fans a reason to come to Camden Yards.

Trey Mancini has been an absolute inspiration for fans, young and old, throughout baseball. This year has been tough on many people and it is not only great for baseball but the Baltimore Orioles as well to have a great man to represent their franchise and the sport itself.