Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Alan:

Those Ripken photos I believe originated from the first Orioles Winter Carnival (now known as Fan Fest) which took place in the Omni Hotel in January 1988...Here are the program covers from their first two Carnivals:

I also have these Esskay photos which I had signed at their January 1990 Carnival (I also have a few that you already pictured

Bill,

Thanks. That makes perfect sense that they were photos from winter carnivals. I've never been close enough to Baltimore to attend any of the fanfests.

I appreciate you adding to my wantlist Would it be safe to say in your opinion the 5x7 photos (white caps) are from 1988, the 5x7 photos (black caps) are from 1989 and the smaller 4x5 photos are from 1990? Do you think the 4x5 Ben McDonald with the larger Esskay logo is later than 1990 or just a variation from 1990 photos?

I love the other Billy Ripken photos. I have the Luskins photo, but had never seen the second Herman's Sporting Goods photo.

I also have an Adidas Scott McGregor photo. It is 6x9 and same format as the 1986 Ripken.

McGregor, Scott (Adidas).JPG

[ksfarmboy]

Mark I love those proofs and transparencies you have. Really dig those one of a kind items.

[Mark70Z]

Day 105 (April 14, 2020 – 105)

A 1967 ticket plan booklet for the upcoming season after coming off the 1966 World Series victory. Cover states, “Come on out…We had some fun last year.”

1967 Ticket Plan booklet

Day 105 a Publication 1967 Ticket plan pamphlet front.jpg
Day 105 b Publication 1967 Ticket plan pamphlet back.jpg
Day 105 c Publication 1967 Ticket plan pamphlet opened 1.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Posted for Clint (ksfarmboy)

1982 Scott McGregor white button down knit game used home jersey manufactured by Descente.

McGregor.jpg
McGregor 1.jpg

NICE jersey Clint!

[roarfrom34]

1964 Rochester Red Wings Team Photo.....Many Future/Past MLB Players on this team include Joe Durham, Tom Phoebus, Mickey McGuire, Bill Short, Darold Knowles, Steve Demeter, Joe Pignatano, Darrell Johnson (Mgr), Joe Altobelli, Herm Starrette, Gino Cimoli, Davey Johnson, Mike McCormick, Luke Easter, John Miller & Curt Blefary

The Red Wings would win the IL Title that season with a record of 82-72

[BaltOrioles]

A few more promotional photos

Brooks Robinson (Waverly Tower Mechants)

Robinson, Brooks (Waverly Tower Merchants).jpg


Luis Aparicio (Wilson Sporting Goods)

Aparicio, Luis (Wilson Sporting Goods) #1.jpg


Chuck Estrada (Spaulding Sporting Goods)

Estrada, Chuck (Spalding Baseball).jpg


Jim Palmer (Macy's)

Palmer, Jim (Macy's).jpg


Ken Singleton (Central Savings Bank)

Singleton, Ken (Central Savings Bank).jpg


Fred Lynn (IBM)

Lynn, Fred 1.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

A few more promotional photos

Brooks Robinson (Waverly Tower Mechants)

Alan,

It’s so cool to see a Brooksie item posted that I’ve never seen before. It’s a common photo of Brooks, but a unique item just the same. Now, is that facsimile autograph even Brooks’? Never seen him sign in this manner in the past or currently.

[roarfrom34]

I was saddened to hear earlier today about the passing of Orioles long time coach (and Royals/Cubs skipper) Jim Frey....I was trying to think if I had anything unique of Frey & the best I could do was come with this picture of the '79 coaching staff (taken in Detroit). I also recall Frey often signing team signed baseballs on the sweet spot beneath Earl:

[ksfarmboy]

That’s sad to hear Bill. I guess Ray is the last one alive? Altobelli I think is alive too.

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by ksfarmboy

That’s sad to hear Bill. I guess Ray is the last one alive? Altobelli I think is alive too.

Yep Clint, that's the sad truth (though I've heard that Altobelli isn't doing well)

[ksfarmboy]

Altobelli always seemed like a genuinely nice guy. I hope he’s doing ok.

[Mark70Z]

Posted for Clint (ksfarmboy)

Sad news about Jim Frey. Thanks for letting us now Bill; I didn't hear about his passing until you mentioned it here.

Clint has a nice 1972 Orioles road jersey worn by Jim.

Jim Frey.jpg
Jim Frey 1.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Day 106 (April 15, 2020 – 106)

This is a 1983 ASA The Brooks Robinson Story with red trim on the boarders. The other version of this set, which has green trim on the borders, I pictured on Day 100.

Day 106 a 1983 ASA Red.jpg
Day 106 b 1983 ASA set red borders.jpg

[roarfrom34]

Clint....Those '72 road knits are beautiful and very hard to find (my buddy has a Billy Hunter one)!

Mark...never have seen the red trimmed cards before

Here is a souvenir team photo of the 1966 Rochester Wed Wings (who won 83 games but unfortunately lost to Richmond in the playoffs).

Notable guys pictured include Mark Belanger, Frank Bertania, Ed Barnowski, Dave Vineyard, Ken Rowe, Mike Epstein, Larry Haney, Dave May, Dave Leonhard, Mike Fiore, Earl Weaver (mgr), Herm Starette, Cam Carreon, Mickey McGuire & Tom Phoebus

[roarfrom34]

Alan....When I saw your Singleton promotional photo from Central Savings Bank it reminded me of this 11x17 advertising poster from 1979 with Union Trust Bank (which he later signed for me)..

Also the spikes that Kenny is wearing in that action photo are similar to a pair that I own as well:

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Here is a souvenir team photo of the 1966 Rochester Wed Wings (who won 83 games but unfortunately lost to Richmond in the playoffs).

Notable guys pictured include Mark Belanger, Frank Bertania, Ed Barnowski, Dave Vineyard, Ken Rowe, Mike Epstein, Larry Haney, Dave May, Dave Leonhard, Mike Fiore, Earl Weaver (mgr), Herm Starette, Cam Carreon, Mickey McGuire & Tom Phoebus

Bill,

I've never seen that 1966 Red Wings team photo before. Here's the team photo in my collection, plus a couple other 1966 items.

1966 Rochester Red Wings 1.jpg

Program

1966 Rochester Red Wings.jpg

Mike Epstein

Epstein, Mike (1966 Rochester Red Wings).jpg

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Sad news about Jim Frey. Thanks for letting us now Bill; I didn't hear about his passing until you mentioned it here.

I hadn't seen the news about Jim Frey either. Like Bill, I don't have much for Jim Frey items except his team issued postcards and 8x10 photos. He was also included in the team publicity photos used by the media during the 70's.

Morton Tadder 8x10 photos

Frey, Jim 1.jpg

Frey, Jim 5.jpg

1975 Postcard

1975 Postcards 04.jpg

1979 Team Publicity Photo

1979 Tadder 5.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Posted for Clint (ksfarmboy)

Clint has another jersey of Jim Frey. This is a complete 1979 home worn full ensemble.

Jim Frey full.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Day 107 (April 16, 2020 – 107)

I think that both photos are from the 1971 American League Championship Series game against the Oakland Athletics; one home and one away (correct me if I’m mistaken). If you’re an A’s fan I’m sure you remember that the Orioles swept the A’s in three games 😊.

Day 107 a Photo October 4, 1971 A's Birds win 5-1 HR.jpg

8x10
Day 107 b Photo 1971 A's.jpg
11x14
Day 107 Photo c oversized O's and A's.jpg

Day 107 d 1971 ALCS NBC Special Pass.jpg
Day 107 e 1971 ALCS NBC Everywhere Pass.jpg

Day 107 f 1971 ALCS NBC Field Pass.jpg

[roarfrom34]

Mark....Super collection of '71 ALCS Memorabilia

Clint...Loving the Frey GU stuff; where did you get that complete uniform from '79?

Alan...Interesting 1966 Rochester team photo..My version was issued after the season was over. You'll note that they are introduced as the "1966 Pennant Winning Red Wings" on the front and the back has final player stats and IL standings & states "Compliments of R.T. French" (perhaps a Giveaway at a playoff game?).

Here is their 1967 Team Photo (compliments of Central Trust Bank on the back). Notables include Tom Fisher, Camilo Carreon, Fred Beene, Mickey McGuire, Dave May, Curt Motton, Herm Starrette, Earl Weaver (mgr.), Bobby Floyd, Ron Stone, Gene Brabender, Ed Barnowski & Dave Leonhard.

The club went 80-61 however they lost to Columbus in the playoffs:

[roarfrom34]

Brooks Robinson autographed photos are common (which is a good thing) but here is an unique one that Brooks signed to Harry Figgie. To those who don't know who Harry was, he was the owner of the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company & this is a photo from Brooks after the '70 World Series and I believe in which Figgie gifted Brooks 977 shares of ATO/Rawlings stock (which represented his lifetime Fielding %)..Interestingly, it was Figgie who commissioned Norman Rockwell to do that famous painting of Brooks (that's why you see the Rawlings logo prominently on his glove/cleats):

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Day 107 (April 16, 2020 – 107)

I think that both photos are from the 1971 American League Championship Series game against the Oakland Athletics; one home and one away (correct me if I’m mistaken). If you’re an A’s fan I’m sure you remember that the Orioles swept the A’s in three games 😊.

Mark,

I love it when you and Bill post items. It makes it much easier for me to decide what to post that day.

Here are a few other 1971 ALCS items


Letter to season ticket holders

1971 Orioles ALCS Tickets Notice.jpg

Programs from Baltimore and Oakland

1971 ALCS (Baltimore).jpg 1971 ALCS (Oakland).jpg

Ticket from Baltimore

1971 ALCS (Baltimore  Game 2) #1.jpg

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Here is their 1967 Team Photo (compliments of Central Trust Bank on the back). Notables include Tom Fisher, Camilo Carreon, Fred Beene, Mickey McGuire, Dave May, Curt Motton, Herm Starrette, Earl Weaver (mgr.), Bobby Floyd, Ron Stone, Gene Brabender, Ed Barnowski & Dave Leonhard.

The club went 80-61 however they lost to Columbus in the playoffs:

Bill,

I love that you are more into the minor leagues stuff than I realized. I have 2 different 1967 Red Wings photos. The one you posted and this one...

1967 Rochester Red Wings #2.jpg

1967 Red Wings Program

1967 Rochester Red Wings.jpg

Plus bonus photos of Tom Fisher and Rick Delgardo

Fisher, Tom 1.jpg

Delgado, Rick 1.jpg

[ksfarmboy]

Bill, it was the first game used jersey I ever bought. It was on eBay and the seller slips my mind now.

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by ksfarmboy

Bill, it was the first game used jersey I ever bought. It was on eBay and the seller slips my mind now.

Thanks Clint...

mine was a 1980 orange alternate of Rich Dauer back in 1982, which in turn I traded for an Angels away jersey of Doug DeCinces a couple years later.

wish I had that Dauer back!

Bill

[ksfarmboy]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Thanks Clint...

mine was a 1980 orange alternate of Rich Dauer back in 1982, which in turn I traded for an Angels away jersey of Doug DeCinces a couple years later.

wish I had that Dauer back!

Bill

I can see why you would want it back. Once I got the Frey I was hooked. I had to get an orange next remembering the 78 Harlow and 79 Bumbry Topps from my childhood. The Flinn jersey was my first orange. I’m about out of jerseys so you’re going to have to step up when I’m done.

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by ksfarmboy

I can see why you would want it back. Once I got the Frey I was hooked. I had to get an orange next remembering the 78 Harlow and 79 Bumbry Topps from my childhood. The Flinn jersey was my first orange. I’m about out of jerseys so you’re going to have to step up when I’m done.

The next orange alternate I picked up was in approx. 1986 and somehow I've done a better job with holding on to this one:

[ksfarmboy]

That’s real nice Bill! Definite keeper!

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Brooks Robinson autographed photos are common (which is a good thing) but here is an unique one that Brooks signed to Harry Figgie. To those who don't know who Harry was, he was the owner of the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company & this is a photo from Brooks after the '70 World Series and I believe in which Figgie gifted Brooks 977 shares of ATO/Rawlings stock (which represented his lifetime Fielding %)..Interestingly, it was Figgie who commissioned Norman Rockwell to do that famous painting of Brooks (that's why you see the Rawlings logo prominently on his glove/cleats):

Bill,

Very nice picture and even nicer autograph.

[Mark70Z]

Day 108 (April 17, 2020 – 108)

Early Orioles team issue postcard, 1957-59, of a young Brooks. I usually call this example a 1959 (why; it looks like a later photo than the other 1957-59 postcard), but I’m sure it was issued by the team for a couple of years. Also, the Post Office stamp on the signed, mailed version, has a 1959 date so…we’ll go with 1959.

Day 108 a Picture 1959 Orioles Team Issue unsigned.jpg
Day 108 b Picture 1959.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Posted for Clint (ksfarmboy)

Today Clint has for us a fan favorite...a Rick Dempsey jersey. This example is a 1979 Orioles game used road jersey with noticeable use. Dempsey has always been a favorite blue collar type of catcher and brings added enjoyment to the fans whether he's singing "Old Time Rock and Roll" or playing Babe Ruth in a rain delay he was ever entertaining.

Rick.jpg
Rick 1.jpg

[roarfrom34]

Here is what I suppose is a 1970 Rochester Red Wings team photo only because this is an actual photograph (has no names, sponsor info, etc.). The team won 64 games and notables on this team include Don Baylor, Bobby Grich, Tom Shopay, Jimmie Schaffer, Cal Ripken Sr. (mgr), Fred Beene, Frank Bertania, Enzo Hernandez, Ron Shelton, Mickey Scott & Al Severinson.

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Day 108 (April 17, 2020 – 108)

Early Orioles team issue postcard, 1957-59, of a young Brooks. I usually call this example a 1959 (why; it looks like a later photo than the other 1957-59 postcard), but I’m sure it was issued by the team for a couple of years. Also, the Post Office stamp on the signed, mailed version, has a 1959 date so…we’ll go with 1959.

Attachment 394842

Mark,

I will agree with you that your postcard is probably after 1957 and most likely 1958 or 59. The similar style, lack of any uncut sheets or proof otherwise, leads most postcard collectors to lump the issues from 1957-1959 together. Postmarks on the back can sometimes confirm a year or two.

Here is what I believe to be the first team issued postcard of Brooks. It is postmarked in Aug 1957. It looks like Brooks was too nice to correct the printer on his middle name from the first to the second postcard.

195759 Postcard.JPG

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Here is what I suppose is a 1970 Rochester Red Wings team photo only because this is an actual photograph (has no names, sponsor info, etc.). The team won 64 games and notables on this team include Don Baylor, Bobby Grich, Tom Shopay, Jimmie Schaffer, Cal Ripken Sr. (mgr), Fred Beene, Frank Bertania, Enzo Hernandez, Ron Shelton, Mickey Scott & Al Severinson.

Bill,

You are correct. Nice job with identifying players. Here's the sponsored 1970 team picture.

1970 Rochester Red Wings.jpg

1970 Program

1970 Rochester Red Wings 1.jpg

A couple others in the team photo include Roger Freed and Ed Maras

Freed, Roger 1.jpg

Maras, Ed 1.jpg

[ripfan008]

Although I am too young to have seen Rick Dempsey play for the Orioles (I do remember seeing him play for the Dodgers at the end of his career), I always enjoyed the great stories people had about him and watching the videos of him sliding on the tarp during rain delays.

However, the one opportunity I had to meet Dempsey was during Orioles FanFest in 2003. When it was my turn to meet him, he turned to the table assistant and started screaming that he didn't have a cup of water on the table. He looked at her the entire time he was signing my ball. I could have been in a gorilla costume jumping up and down and he never would have noticed. It was such a disappointment.

But I did get to meet Paul Blair during the same FanFest. He may still be the nicest player I ever had the opportunity to meet.

I had every player sign the same ball during that day, so Rick Dempsey's and Paul Blair's signature are forever linked in my mind. (I display the Paul Blair side of the ball).

[roarfrom34]

Great Dempsey items Clint & Mike (i'm sorry your experience with him wasn't the best; I can assure you that it isn't typical)!

A few years back I won a small lot of 1986 Orioles worn mesh pre game tops (which included a Dempsey) in an auction. Coincidentally, I found a BP photo of Rick that I took myself that season. I subsequently had Rick sign his top after a game at his Camden Yards restaurant a couple years ago:

[roarfrom34]

The only other BP top from that auction lot that I've had signed (with help from his son) was Mike Boddicker's. Anyone who has met Mike knows he's always a class act!

[Mark70Z]

I’ve always liked team photos. Maybe I’m not too keen on the Topps team cards since you really can’t make out the players, but the regular team photos I’m a fan. I’m lovin’ the team photos being shown and appreciate you guys posting them for all to see; thank you!

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Mark,

I will agree with you that your postcard is probably after 1957 and most likely 1958 or 59. The similar style, lack of any uncut sheets or proof otherwise, leads most postcard collectors to lump the issues from 1957-1959 together. Postmarks on the back can sometimes confirm a year or two.

Here is what I believe to be the first team issued postcard of Brooks. It is postmarked in Aug 1957. It looks like Brooks was too nice to correct the printer on his middle name from the first to the second postcard.

Alan,

Appreciate the detail. Do you happen to have a scan of the back of the postcard you pictured? Man, that’s one nice autograph on that postcard...

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by ripfan008

Although I am too young to have seen Rick Dempsey play for the Orioles (I do remember seeing him play for the Dodgers at the end of his career), I always enjoyed the great stories people had about him and watching the videos of him sliding on the tarp during rain delays.

However, the one opportunity I had to meet Dempsey was during Orioles FanFest in 2003. When it was my turn to meet him, he turned to the table assistant and started screaming that he didn't have a cup of water on the table. He looked at her the entire time he was signing my ball. I could have been in a gorilla costume jumping up and down and he never would have noticed. It was such a disappointment.

But I did get to meet Paul Blair during the same FanFest. He may still be the nicest player I ever had the opportunity to meet.

I had every player sign the same ball during that day, so Rick Dempsey's and Paul Blair's signature are forever linked in my mind. (I display the Paul Blair side of the ball).

Mike,

I was worried about meeting Brooks the first time in the 80’s even though I heard about him being so nice. He was my hero growing up and if something like that happened I guarantee I wouldn’t be collecting him today. Thankfully that wasn’t the case, but it is disappointing to hear your experience with Dempsey.

[ksfarmboy]

Bill what years were those orange batting practice tops used?

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by ksfarmboy

Bill what years were those orange batting practice tops used?

1986

I have a Tony Arnold and Al Pardo if you have any interest....

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Alan,

Appreciate the detail. Do you happen to have a scan of the back of the postcard you pictured? Man, that’s one nice autograph on that postcard...

Mark,

Here's the back of the 1957 Brooks postcard. Hard to see the postmark date through the address, but it's Aug 14, 1957.

SCAN8229.JPG

[ksfarmboy]

Bill, yes I’d be interested in one for my style collection. Send me a pm where I can send PayPal or a check. Either player would do. Thanks!

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Mark,

Here's the back of the 1957 Brooks postcard. Hard to see the postmark date through the address, but it's Aug 14, 1957.

Thanks! That back is “almost“ as nice as the front and all in Brooks hand. Wonder when Brooks started signing these ‘57 postcards; would be neat to know.

[Mark70Z]

Day109 (April 18, 2020 – 109)

When I was younger, I really didn’t care for the baseball related stamps, but now I personally like stamps. In 1961 Topps inserted stamps which were around 1 38” x 1 3/16” into wax packs in panels of two. The stamps are unnumbered and pictured on brown or on green stamps.

1961 Topps Stamp panel – Brooks Robinson and John Buzhardt

Day 109 1961 Topps Stamp Panel.jpg

Since we’re in 1961 I’ll also include a working press pass.

1961 Orioles Working Press Pass

Day 109 1961 Working Press Pass.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Posted for Clint (ksfarmboy)

Today Clint has ANOTHER great looking orange jersey... This time it's a 1979 Steve Stone game used orange example.

Steve.jpg
Steve 1.jpg

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Day109 (April 18, 2020 – 109)

In 1961 Topps inserted stamps which were around 1 38” x 1 3/16” into wax packs in panels of two. The stamps are unnumbered and pictured on brown or on green stamps.

1961 Topps Stamp panel – Brooks Robinson and John Buzhardt

Attachment 394974

Mark,

It's interesting that the stamp panel of Brooks also includes John Buzhardt. Buzhardt had a nice career, mainly with the Chicago White Sox. He also had stops with the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros. Finding items of John Buzhardt aren't that difficult.

One of my collecting goals is to have a photo of some kind of every player to ever appear for the Orioles, but pictured in their Orioles uniform. John Buzhardt tops the list as the only player to wear an Orioles uniform that I've never seen anything with him pictured as an Oriole. He appeared briefly for the Orioles in 1967. I wish somebody on the site can please prove me wrong.

For the record, here's my top five list.

John Buzhardt 1967
Grady Hatton 1956
Roger Marquis 1955
Buddy Peterson 1957
Sam Jones 1964

Honorable mentions go to Wally Westlake 1955, Babe Birrer 1956 and Shane Turner 1991

Westlake and Birrer have team issued postcards that I've seen, but I only have copies of them. I have copies of photos of Hatton, Marquis and Peterson from other collections. I been lucky to find a Sam Jones and within the last 6 months finally found a photo of Shane Turner.

Sam Jones 1964 Wirephoto

1964 Baltimore Sun Wirephoto (Orioles Get Pitching Help) MMS1.jpg

Shane Turner 1991 Spring Training photo

Turner, Shane 1991.jpg

[roarfrom34]

The 1971 Dallas Fort Worth Spurs finished the season with a 82-59 record in the Texas league (good for 2nd Place). They played in Turnpike Stadium which was retrofitted into Arlington Stadium the next year when the Rangers moved in (and subsequently played in for 20 seasons):

Here is their Team Photo with notable inclusions Mike Reinbach, Don Hood, Jesse Jefferson, Dyar Miller, Doug DeCinces, Enos Cabell, Wayne Garland, Tom Walker, Cal Ripken Sr. (MGR) & Junior Kennedy.



I always loved the "Mod Squad" look of their program:



Here is a nice vintage postcard of Turnpike Stadium that I had Cal Ripken Sr. sign with the year he managed there:

[roarfrom34]

Staying in 1971, here is a Rochester Red Wings program/roster insert (from the Little World Series vs. Denver) from the first season that Joe Altobelli managed there...While Cal Sr. wasn't the manager I remember picking this program up because he is pictured on the cover from the season prior: