The year 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of a baseball logo classic, the Orioles’ cartoon bird. The bird was worn on Baltimore's caps for 23 seasons, and then fell into disuse for another 23 seasons. Its 2012 restoration is linked to the Orioles’ return to baseball relevance after years in American League East cellar.
The original cartoon bird — or “smiling bird” — came into the world at the very moment the Orioles were emerging as a powerhouse franchise. Baltimore won its first World Series title the season it was introduced, 1966. After that came Fall Classic wins in 1970 and 1983, along with American League pennants in 1969, 1971 and 1979.