The Worst Team in Baseball History

Since 1899 the Cleveland Spiders have held the dubious mantle of worst record ever, 20-134. In the modern era the ’62 Mets are considered the worst, hindered by their expansion status, they managed a measly 40 wins. Despite its obvious significance, won-loss record should not be the only consideration in determining the worst team ever. From an owner’s standpoint, an underachieving team of malcontents can have a worse effect on ticket sales than a lovable lot of losers. Using the NBA for example, the Portland JailBlazers era likely resulted in more fan distaste than had they just been losers with character. Getting back on track, the point is that several factors must considered before anointing the title of worst MLB team of all-time. Won-Loss is important, but a locker room full of absolute cheats tarnishes the institution from GM’s to trainers. With this in mind, the 2005 Orioles, 4th place in the AL East with 74 wins are the worst team in MLB history. Why you ask? With 6 named on the Mitchell Report one would think that would be enough to brand this team the worst. Add the busted and snitching Rafael Palmeiro, and the notoriously sketchy Sammy Sosa, along with boozing’ and brawlin’ Sydney Ponson, and the 2005 O’s can field a starting 9 with each of the 7 deadly sins covered.

Both of these two cork their bats in one way or another.

With the Rays showing that anyone can contend in the AL East with carefully scouted talent, one has to wonder what’s in the water in Baltimore. Abandoning their once envied farm system, the Orioles have bought discounted and unproductive stars at prodigious rates for a decade now. Back in the Ripken era, “the Oriole Way” defined success through developing fundamentally sound players and selfless teammates.

Ever since Peter Angelos bought the team in 1993, the Orioles have abandoned their blue collar ways and engaged in the pinstripe prostitution that is free agency. By plucking players fresh off career seasons and fat from payday, the Orioles managed to fill their roster with overrated “names.” Heading into the weekend the Orioles were sitting at .500, but don’t hold your breath, the O’s haven’t sniffed the finer side of .500 at the close of a season since 2000. Even though others were taking notice as early as 1999 that Baltimore was signing bad apples, Angelos and others seemed blithely unaware. While talent is the most coveted asset, clubhouse character is vital to sustained success. “Bad Boy” teams can win championships, most notably Charlie Finley’s early 70’s Oakland A’s, and of course the ’86 Mets. But looking at the aftermath of the Mitchell Report, other than the Rocket’s emergence as Satan, one is struck by the rampant juicing of Baltimore Orioles. No wonder the team that held onto 1st place for 62 games fell apart down the stretch. If chemistry is the clubhouse buzzword it should mean unity, not ‘roid science.

Owner Peter Angelos seen with Fidel Castro and Bud Selig.

2005 Orioles: 1 Snitch, 1 Bitch, and 6 on the Mitchell Report.

Rafael Palmeiro 1B: Snitch/Liar in the league of Clemens, Bonds and Canseco, heady company indeed. 2005 was a busy year for Raffy, in March he testified before Congress denying any connection or use of steroids, by the end of July he was suspended for testing positive. In between he gathered his 3000th hit, ratted out Tejada, and pitched some boner meds.

Miguel Tejada SS: Ratted out again in the Mitchell Report, this time by Adam Piat, Miggy was caught red handed when personal checks of his were produced. With the B-12 controversy and Radomski connection, it’s safe to say Tejada has fudged more than his age thus far.

Sammy Sosa OF: Busted with a corked bat in 2003, Sammy managed to claim “no comprendo.” What harder to comprehend is how he escaped being named in the Mitchell Report. Always rumored, but never caught, Sammy’s timely power surge might be natural, but certainly is susceptible to hindsight.

Jason Grimsley RP: Once known for his sleuthing on behalf of Albert Belle, the Mitchell Report revealed a serious ‘roid aficionado. Some have reported that Grimsley was the gossip that got this whole mess unraveled, others have denied this. One thing is undisputed; Grimsely liked the juice and probably didn’t spend $35,000 solely for himself.

Jay Gibbons 1B: One of many nailed for receiving shipments of HGH from anti-aging clinics, after the Mitchell Report, Gibbons was suspended for 15 games to open the 2008 season.

Todd Williams RP: Named in the Mitchell Report as a client of Radomski, Williams has remained mum thus far.

Brian Roberts 2B: Named by teammate Larry Bigbie, Roberts has since fessed up to the Baltimore Sun.

Larry Bigbie OF: In addition to naming others, Bigbie admitted to regular steroid use via Radomski from 2001-05.

Sydney Ponson SP: 2 DUI’s in 2005, along with 11 days in an Aruban jail for assaulting a judge. No juice, at least not the kind you can spike with vodka.