The rebuilding phase began in Baltimore as the Orioles began mixing rookies and youngsters with their veterans and finished 74-88 under first-year manager Mike Hargrove. Cal Ripken was limited to just 83 games in the first injury-plagued season of his amazing career while Albert Belle hit a team-leading 23 homers playing with what eventually would be a career ending hip injury. Veteran pitcher Jose Mercedes led the staff with 14 wins while the club lost stalwart Scott Erickson to elbow surgery.

This was a landmark season in Baltimore, as Cal Ripken announced that it would be his last in the Major Leagues. What was another rebuilding season for the Orioles transformed into a farewell tour for the most durable player in the history of the game. Ripken received numerous gifts and accolades as he stopped by visiting Major League parks for the final time. The season ended at home and the Orioles and Major League baseball agreed to switch the season finale to Saturday, and Ripken played his final game on Oct. 6, 2001. He finished the year hitting .239 with 14 homers and 68 RBI. He capped his career by hitting a home run in the All-Star Game and winning the MVP award.

A young Orioles club took the field and was one of the league's surprises through the first 126 games, winning 63 and seemingly en route to a winning season. A 4-32 finish put a damper on the year, but there were some bright spots. Rodrigo Lopez was named Team MVP and the Sporting News American League Rookie Pitcher of the Year while Jay Gibbons hit 28 home runs. It was the fifth consecutive fourth place finish for the Orioles, who finished the year on a 12-game losing streak.