The Sun Remembers: Sept. 24-30

Sept. 29, 1988: After their final home game, a 5-1 loss to the New York Yankees, the Orioles (54-104) peel off their jerseys, which are presented to fans in what is billed as "Shirts Off Our Back Night."

Sept. 25, 1983: "We've got the best fans in baseball," the Orioles' Ken Singleton tells a joyous crowd of about 5,000 fans who greet the team at Baltimore-Washington International Airport after a 5-1 American League East-clinching win over the Milwaukee Brewers. "Pretty soon," Singleton says, "we'll try to give you the best team in baseball."

Sept. 30, 1978: Maryland defeats Kentucky, 20-3, in football at Byrd Stadium. Steve Atkins rushes for 153 yards and a touchdown for the Terps, who'll go 9-2 before losing to Texas in the Sun Bowl, 42-0.

Sept. 24, 1971: At the Baltimore City Fair, a crowd of 15,000 jams Hopkins Plaza to hear a free concert by Joe Frazier and the Knockouts, featuring the world heavyweight boxing champion.

Sept. 24, 1960: Joe Bellino rushes for two touchdowns as Navy routs Villanova, 41-7, in Annapolis before President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who flies by helicopter to see the game.

Sept. 29, 1957: Johnny Unitas passes for four touchdowns as the Colts defeat the Detroit Lions, 34-14, in their opener at Memorial Stadium. Afterward, players present the game ball to Don Shula, a six-year veteran defensive back who was Baltimore's final roster cut.

Sept. 29, 1953: AL owners vote 8-0 to move the St. Louis Browns to Baltimore for the 1954 season. The city celebrates the Orioles' return to the major leagues after a 51-year drought.

Sept. 29, 1902: The last-place Orioles lose their final game of the AL season, 9-5, to the Boston Americans before an announced 138 at Oriole Park. "Not a man broke down, but ah! How often is a heavy heart hidden behind a calm exterior," The Sun reports. The franchise moves to New York in 1903.

Birthday

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