Orioles Start Housecleaning After a Dismal Season, Fire Peters

Baltimore Orioles owner Edward Bennett Williams fired General Manager Hank Peters and farm system director Tom Giordano, who were with the team for 12 years, and announced Monday that he will take a more active role in running the team by hiring all department heads.

One day after the team ended the season with the third-worst record in its Baltimore history, Williams said he took the ultimate blame for the team’s poor showing this year. The Orioles finished with a 66-96 mark. Only in their first two years--1954, when they finished at 54-100, and 1955, when they went 57-97--did they have worse records.

Peters said he didn’t think he could have continued under the new policy Williams proposed. “So, in some ways, I guess I am relieved to have been relieved of my duties,” he added.

Williams named Doug Melvin, who has been serving as his special assistant, as acting director of minor league operations and scouting. Williams said he will announce his new front-office staff soon.

The Oriole owner said he was inclined toward retaining Manager Cal Ripken Sr.