Orioles Fanfest will open today on a somber note as Charm City awakes to the news that Earl Weaver passed away last night at the age of 82. The team confirmed that Mr. Weaver died while on a cruise. Enshrined in Cooperstown in 1996 by the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee, Earl Weaver led the Orioles to 6 American League East titles and four American League pennants and a World Series Championship in 1970. The Earl of Baltimore is the 5th winningest manager in baseball history. Mr. Weaver replaced Hank Bauer as manager half way through the 1968 season. The team won 109 games in 1969 and made their first of three straight World Series appearances. In 17 seasons at the helm, Mr. Weaver posted only one sub-.500 record.

Mr. Weaver was born August 14, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1948, at age 17, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as a second baseman. He was later traded to the Pirates organization and then to the Orioles organization where he began his managerial career.

The colorful skipper was ejected from 98 games including both ends of a double-header 3-times. Mr. Weaver managed 2,540 games and ended his career with a 1,480-1,060 record. His last Major League appearance on the Orioles bench was October 5, 1986.