The first and only two-time All-American to play baseball at Auburn, Gregg Olson will be inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame tonight, prior to the Orioles 6:05 p.m. game against the Texas Rangers.
Olson spent 14 years in the majors with nine different teams, but had his greatest success as an Oriole after being the club’s first-round draft pick in 1988. With a 90-plus fastball and devastating curveball nicknamed 'Uncle Charlie,' he racked up a club-record of 160 saves from 1989 through 1993.
During his three-year stay at Auburn, Olson compiled a 25-7 record with 20 saves and a 3.03 ERA, striking out 271. A Baseball America All-American in 1987 and an ABCA and Baseball America selection in 1988, Olson was also a 1987 USA National Team member.
In 1987 he led the NCAA with a 1.26 ERA and led the SEC in 1988 with a 2.00 ERA. He still holds the honor of the highest-drafted baseball player to come out of Auburn.
Once he joined the Orioles, Olson was named the 1989 American League Rookie of the Year, the first reliever to ever win the award, and he was a 1990 All-Star. He retired in 2001 after compiling 217 career saves and a 3.46 ERA.
Olson will be inducted alongside longtime Orioles traveling secretary Phil Itzoe and Orioles superfan William 'Wild Bill' Hagy. Olson will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
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