Class of 2002

Al "B" Bumbry

Bumblebee, as Al Bumbry was affectionately known to Orioles fans, was an appropriate nickname for such a tenacious player.  He stung pitchers with his bat and frustrated defenses with his ability to steal bases at will.  The base paths were Bumbry’s highways; there were no speed limits and the light was always green!

Alonza “Al” Bumbry, a Fredericksburg native, was a late bloomer in baseball.  He first distinguished himself on the basketball court, averaging 32 points per game at Ralph Bunche High School (King George County).  After accepting a basketball scholarship to Virginia State College (now Virginia State University), Bumbry played four years and was captain during his senior year.  When Virginia State College restarted the baseball program during his final academic year, Bumbry decided to play baseball.  He captained the Trojans, batted .578 and was the team’s Most Outstanding Player.  The decision to play baseball led Bumbry to a lifelong dedication to America’s past time.

Following his graduation in 1969, Bumbry fulfilled his military obligation of two years.  He was discharged as a first lieutenant after serving a year in Vietnam, where he was decorated with the Bronze Star.

Bumbry joined the Baltimore Orioles in 1973 after a brief minor league career.  As was his style, he wasted no time in making an immediate impact on Major League Baseball.  That season Bumbry hit .337 and was named American League Rookie of the Year.  In 1980, he became the first Oriole to obtain 200 hits in a single season, prompting his selection as Orioles MVP and his selection to the American League All-Star team.  Throughout his career, Bumbry compiled statistics that rank him in 7 of 10 Oriole All-Time offensive categories.  His speed made him the Orioles all-time stolen base leader and he ranks second in career triples.  In 1987, the “Bee” landed permanently among Orioles legends with his induction into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame.

Al Bumbry was one of the Oriole’s most consistent players and remains a huge fan favorite in Baltimore.  His love of baseball has not diminished.  Since retiring, in 1985, Bumbry has worked for the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles.  He also served as the Outfield and Base-running Coordinator for the Cleveland Indians Minor League Player Development System.