The Bird Tapes

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The Ace Who Came Out of Nowhere
The Orioles' acquisition of Mike Cuellar was a total steal that paid dividends for years. But when the deal was made, the success Cuellar would…
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John Eisenberg
5
The Bird Tapes Interview: Peter Angelos (Part 2)
In the second part of his vintage interview, the late owner vehemently denies he's a meddling owner, yet takes the blame for the doomed signing of…
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John Eisenberg
3
What Dave McNally's Teammates Really Loved About Him
He was a stubborn competitor on the mound, as his career record indicates. But he was just as stubborn when negotiating his annual salary with the…
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John Eisenberg
2
The Bird Tapes Interview: Peter Angelos (Part 1)
He wasn't going to talk to me for my book on Orioles history. Then he changed his mind and we spoke for two hours. Here's a rare chance to hear the late…
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John Eisenberg
Lost Voices: Steve Stone
His career record was below .500 before he set the Orioles' record for pitching wins in a season in 1980. I asked him the obvious question: What in the…
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John Eisenberg
3
Election Stress Relief: The Bird Tapes
If you're stressed about Tuesday's presidential election and need a distraction, here are parts of several of the Bird Tapes' most popular interviews…
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John Eisenberg
1
His Home Run Traveled 573 Feet
The Orioles thought record-setting bonus baby Dave Nicholson was the next Mickey Mantle, and he did clout some mammoth homers. Just not very many.
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John Eisenberg

October 2024

The Bird Tapes Interview: Don Buford
The Orioles thought they were getting a utility infielder when they traded for him, but he wound up playing a much larger role when Baltimore ruled the…
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John Eisenberg
Spirit of '66: Wally Bunker
Arm pain curtailed his promising career, but it didn't stop him from throwing a gem in the most important start of his career -- Game 3 of the 1966…
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John Eisenberg
3
The Bird Tapes Interview: Ron Hansen
Playing alongside his friend Brooks Robinson, he became the first Oriole to win a league award when he was voted the American League's Rookie of the…
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John Eisenberg
He Taught Earl Weaver How to Argue
The Orioles' iconic skipper learned a lot from Paul Richards, such as the importance of pitching and defense and, yes, just maybe, how to berate an…
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John Eisenberg
1
The Bird Tapes Interview: Rick Dempsey
Earl Weaver rode him mercilessly but played him day after day for years. In an interview from 2000, the popular catcher recalls a glorious era and…
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John Eisenberg
2
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