Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 27, 1994 TAG: 9409270116
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: BALTIMORE LENGTH: Medium
Johnny Oates, whose high-priced lineup did not produce enough victories to satisfy ownership, was fired as manager of the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night.
The Orioles were 63-49, second in the American League East Division, under Oates when the players went on strike Aug.12. But new owner Peter Angelos had made it clear in the off-season that with the addition of free agents Rafael Palmeiro, Sid Fernandez and others, more was expected.
``He has served the Orioles not only well as a coach and manager, but has shown much character in the process,'' general manager Roland Hemond said of Oates. ``He is an extremely decent man and will leave with our gratitude and deep respect.''
Oates, a standout player at Virginia Tech, became the third manager fired since the strike, following Hal McRae of Kansas City and Butch Hobson of Boston. Two general managers, Tom Grieve of Texas and Dal Maxvill of St. Louis, also have been dismissed.
The Orioles did not name Oates' replacement. They reportedly are interested in Oakland's Tony La Russa, whose contract expires shortly.
Oates took over as manager when Frank Robinson was fired in May 1991. In his first full season, the Orioles went 89-73 in 1992 and finished third and they were 85-77 and tied for third in 1993, marking their first consecutive winning seasons since 1984-85.
``I want to thank the Baltimore Orioles' organization for giving me the opportunity to manage at the major-league level,'' Oates said in a statement released by the team.
``I leave the O's with my head held high. Last but not least, I would like to thank all the wonderful Orioles fans for their support and encouragement.''
In October 1993, Oates signed a two-year contract with an option for 1996. The Orioles were 61/2 games behind the New York Yankees when the strike began, and 21/2 games out of a wild-card playoff spot.
Hemond said the decision to fire Oates now was made to ensure he could find another position.
``It is because of that regard for Johnny that we thought it appropriate to make our determination at this time to maximize Johnny's opportunities to secure another attractive position,'' Hemond said. ``We are confident he will do so and we wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.''
Oates, 48, and Robinson are the only people to play for, coach and manage the Orioles.
Oates played parts of 11 seasons in the majors. He made his debut with the Orioles in 1970 and also played for Atlanta, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and the Yankees.
He managed for the Orioles' Class AAA Rochester team in 1988 and was Baltimore's first-base coach from 1989 until he was named manager. He also coached with the Chicago Cubs from 1984-87.
Angelos had said he would make personnel changes in the first week of November if they were to be made. The Baltimore Sun reported Sunday that timetable had been moved up.
Angelos led a group of investors that bought the team for a record $173 million in August 1993 and inherited Oates.
Keywords:
BASEBALL
by CNB