Thanks, my buddy was the seller of that McDougald bowl & he told me last week that it recently sold....I agree that it's too bad that the recipient's name weren't engraved on them.

Awesome photo! As an Orioles fan who grew up and now lives in Rochester - much appreciated!

1983 HOF Induction
 

Bill,

My wife and I attended the 1983 Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Brooks. It was in front of the library then and attendance was smaller than current inductions. My most vivid memory was the group of buses from Baltimore and the sea of orange that arrived, just before the start of the ceremony . They attended the induction ceremony and then all loaded back onto the bus to head back to Baltimore. There was at least a dozen buses, maybe more. I'm getting old ...

A few items from the weekend. I also picked up a HOF Brown Bat (349/500). The numbers were distributed randomly, so the fifth person in line wouldn't have received #5. The bat is at home and I don't have a photo to share. Maybe someone has one they can post.

Attachment 390465

Attachment 390464 Attachment 390466


Plus a 2013 Bobblehead celebrating his MVP and World Series championships

Attachment 390467

1983 HOF Induction
 

Found this online, but someone with a better scan feel free to post it.

1983 HOF Brown Bat

Attachment 390470

Mike,

That is a very cool piece. Would have been neat to have the players name, but still extremely nice...

Alan,

Wish I could have attended; was in school that the time and couldn’t make it even though I tried.

Also, do you really need two tickets?!? I have a stub and it’s all sticky for some reason.

Nice bobblehead; I’ll have to pick that example up at some point. Looks nice.

Love the photo and the autographs!!

Posted for Scott (quitcrab)

Item related to the 1983 World Series. The piece is around 11x14 and on thick board.

Attachment 390480
Attachment 390481

I was going to post the 1983 HOF bat close to the induction, but here's a quick picture of the bat.

Attachment 390489

1983 HOF Induction
 

Mark,

Ha Ha... Probably not. I'm sure my wife won't mind giving up her seat for a friend. I'll see what I can do when I get home. :D

While we're on the topic of HOF bats, here is mine from 2007 signed by both inductees, Cal Jr. & the late Tony Gwynn


https://i.imgur.com/JrSPiCv.jpg

Day 84 (March 24, 2020 – 084)

This is a glass dish from The Sun which shows an image of the newspaper from September 23, 1966 when the Orioles won the AL pennant. It states, “BIRDS WIN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE PENNANT” and pictures Frank, Brooks and Palmer.

Attachment 390597

Tried to find something that included Frank, Brooks and Palmer in the same item, and this is all I could locate that included the three Oriole greats. Some of these player portraits were used by a newspaper article on October 16, 1969 and I’m unsure if you can see, but the Frank and Brooks portrait are cut out. It’s possible they used these two pictures in separate areas and just taped them back on the photo, who knows (let’s ask Alan (BaltOrioles) the resident expert).

Alan,

Were either the Brooks or Frank on this Orioles sheet originally or were they cut from another sheet and just taped back on this sheet to be used at a later time? Also, do you know what year this sheet is from?

Attachment 390598

I always thought this Miller Lite placque was cool (maybe it's because I like their beer). They were available via a mail in offer only and therefore you really don't see them all that often:

https://i.imgur.com/4jWzrXp.jpg

Brooks Robinson
 

Mark,

Without seeing the actual photo, my guess is you are correct and have a combination sheet. I believe the sheet is from 1969 and the newspaper taped the Brooks & Frank Robinsons photos back on after use.. These were designed to be working file photos and it was common to cut up the sheets to use individual photos as needed. Here is the 1969 sheet I have. Everyone matches up except the two Robinsons. The Brooks Robinson photo was from an another photo. I would bet if you pulled off the two Robinsons, you might find Frank under Brooks and Mike Cuellar under the Frank Robinson. Just my two cents.

Attachment 390613


Here's the 1969 sheet I have with Brooks Robinson pictured.


Attachment 390616

1997 Rochester Red Wings
 

Steve,

I don't know how long you've lived in Rochester, but the Orioles had a long standing relationship with the Red Wings, from 1961-2002. I'm sure you're interested in older Rochester items (patience ;) ), but maybe you've seen these locally in Rochester.

In 1997, the Red Wings gave out photos that were sponsored by Frontier. The photos are 6x6 and quite nice. I have 6 different, but not sure if the set is complete. Anyone with others, please let me know.

Attachment 390617

Attachment 390618

Attachment 390619

Attachment 390620

Attachment 390621

Attachment 390622

The brown bats look great and this is no exception. The autographs are nicely done as well.

I have one of those, but it isn’t in that great of shape. I won a lot in some auction (can’t recall which) and that came along with it. Yours looks nice; mine looks not so nice.

Yes; looks like the same sheet just the Frank was put to the other side when taped back to the picture. They are definitely cut out and they’re not taped on top of another photo. Its likely the Brooks was taken from that ‘69 sheet, but I guess it’s possible it was took from another year with the same pic.

Day 85 (March 25, 2020 – 085)

I really like these types of publications which picture quite a few stars from the day. Inside they’re pictured by team and at least in the Orioles case have photos that were of the uncommon variety. This shows Brooks on the back cover and states, “Brooks Robinson 2 Grand Slams 2 Consecutive Games May 6 vs. LA May 9 vs. RS”.

1963 Baseball Photo and Autograph Album

Attachment 390707
Attachment 390708

unique "Athletic Journal" publication with Brooks on the cover from January 1972...BTW this is available if anyone is interested (DM me).

https://i.imgur.com/hMc770Y.jpg

Orioles Spirit of '66
 

A side note: There is a great documentary put up on YouTube recently called Orioles Spirit of '66. It was produced after they clinched the pennant but before the Series. Then a section on the Series was spliced in later. It's mostly season highlights of TV footage from 1966 featuring each Oriole. In pretty good quality. Most of the footage I had never seen. Very cool.
In the World series section there is a still photo of Frank Robinson taking BP and standing at the batting cage in street clothes watching are Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax.
Also when they clinch the pennant and the series the person first in the clubhouse and greeting all the players as they come in is Brooks Robinson. Speaking of - in 1966 Brooks was still using a full brim batting helmet. In the 1969 Series he is using the shaved helmet. Anyone know when exactly the change was made?

1958 Vancouver Mounties / Louisville Colonels
 

In 1958, the Orioles had two teams playing at the AAA level. The Vancouver Mounties played in the Pacific Coast League, while the Louisville Colonels played in the American Association.

The Vancouver Mounties finished 79-73. A bunch of players from that team spent time with the Orioles. They included Ray Barker, Charlie Beamon, Jim Brideweser, Art Ceccarelli, Joe Durham, Jim Dyck, Joe Frazier, Mel Held, Ron moeller, Erv Palica, Tom Patten, Buddy Peterson, Barry Shetrone, Gordon Sundin and Pete Ward. Future Orioles coach, George Bamberger, also pitched for the Mounties.

The Mounties had several program variations and also hosted the All-Star game.

Attachment 390723 Attachment 390724
Attachment 390726 Attachment 390728

One Mountie that didn't end up in Baltimore was former Major League catcher, Charlie White. Charlie played for the Milwaukee Braves in 1954-1955.

Attachment 390729


The Louisville Colonels finished a dismal 56-95. Players making an appearance for the Orioles, either before or after 1958, included Fred Besana, Wayne Causey, Chuck Locke, Chuck Oertel, Bob Hale, Bob Harrison, Jim Pyburn, Willie Tasby, and Frank Zupo. Earl Weaver appeared in 4 games and went 4-13. Another O's connection, Ross Grimsley Sr., also played that year. Ross is the father of Ross Grimsley Jr, who pitched for the Orioles from 1974-77 and 1982.

Attachment 390722

Nice ashtray. They made 2-3 of the Pirates in 1960, but they don’t picture Clemente, so I’ve never talked myself into picking one up.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the only All Star Game held at Memorial Stadium, Bulls Eye Cachets produced commemorative postmarked cachets in 1998.

I had two cachets signed by the only two Orioles who had made the A.L. All Star squad that season, catcher Gus Triandos & pitcher Billy O'Dell who retired all of the nine batters he faced (which included five future Hall of Famers), to help preserve a 4-3 A.L. victory.

https://i.imgur.com/fuocSSw.jpg

Steve,

I did enjoy the watching the Spirit of '66. The technology has changed so much since then regarding the quality of footage that's for sure.

That's a good question on the batting helmet. I guess I should know when Brooks made the change to the batting helmet, but I'm not positive. I'm sure some of these sleuths here probably know or could find out. I'll wager a guess though; I know I have a couple of photos of Brooks batting in 1968 with the regular helmet with no ear flap, but may have experimented and/or changed toward the end of the year with the ear flap and shorter brim. I seem to recall photos from late season '68 with the flap and short brim.

Day 86 (March 26, 2020 – 086)

How bout a nice original Brooksie dugout photo for Day 86.

1960’s Brooks Robinson photo

Attachment 390829

I’ll sneak in a Rawlings Advisory photo (since it’s a dugout photo as well) that has been posted already, but I like these advisory photos.

Attachment 390830

Another unique trade publication by the name of "National Press Photographer" from January 1967 with the iconic cover photo of Brooks, McNally & Etchebarren after winning the World Series the previous Fall:

https://i.imgur.com/mSD1j9J.jpg

1967 Martin Family Night
 

Ok. I'll follow Bill's lead.

Here's a flyer advertising the Martin Marietta Family Night at Memorial Stadium, featuring Brooks Robinson. I believe this was the last Martin Family Night. I have programs from 1963-1967, but have never seen anything before or after.

Attachment 390834

The program from that night.

Attachment 390833

Programs from 1963-1966. You can reference post #770 for more info on these nights, including a card set issued in 1964.

Attachment 390835

Attachment 390836

Attachment 390837

Attachment 390838

I like this one because of the old-style Baltimore cap:

Attachment 390917

I haven’t seen this publication before and it’s such a classic shot; thanks so much for sharing.

Love the programs! I like the look of ALL of them.

Can you give some detail on the first item you pictured?

Great looking card! I’m probably in the minority, but I love the look of the block letter Orioles jersey as well as the “B” cap. In fact I’m wearing the “B” hat right now...:D

Mark,

I believe it is a flyer that was probably used within Martin Marietta to promote the game to employees. It lists areas within the company employees can buy tickets and discusses a contest employees can enter.

Attachment 390939

Day 87 (March 27, 2020 – 087)

Brooks Robinson foreign magazines are few and far between. I’m sure there are more than I know about, but I also know there can’t be many. This is a weekly Venezuelan magazine called Sports Grafico and features Brooks on the front cover in his Baltimore away jersey. The title of the article is, “Mr. Robinson El Mejor Guante” or probably something like “Mr. Robinson the Best Glove”. The magazine is oversized and is about the size of an old school Boys Life.

1973 Sports Grafico

Attachment 390947

Thought I’d ad this magazine in today since its just been discussed about Brooks’ short brim helmet and it’s prevalent in this magazine cover shot (even though it’s not the greatest photograph of Brooks).

1961-1964 Orioles Team Issued Thin Postcards
 

It been awhile since I highlighted one of my first loves, O's team issued postcards. Today I'm going to talk about the O's thin postcards. In the late 50's and early 60's the Orioles printed a few postcards on thinner paper than postcard stock. These definitely show up less often than their thicker counterparts. There are 15 known postcards from 1958-60 and 7 known from 1961-64.

I'm going to wait on the earlier issues and just show the ones printed between 1961-64. These were printed on a glossy paper and look much different than the earlier thins (facsimile autograph added). Brooks Robinson is part the group. An interesting inclusion to the group is Billy Hunter, who was a coach and not a player at the time.

I have heard several theories on why they were printed, but the two most probable are -

1. Inserted with season ticket renewals and mailings
2. Passed out in various areas as part of ticket drives, including businesses, to promote ticket sales.

If anyone knows more, I would love to be better educated.

Attachment 390948 Attachment 390949

Brooks Robinson
 

Mark,

Great looking magazine. I've seen a few more with other Orioles featured, including Frank Robinson and Luis Aparicio. While, I've been tempted, I've never picked any up.

On a side note, it's been speculated that the 1967 Venezuelan cards were actually printed by Sports Grafico and not Topps.

Attachment 390952

Late in the '99 season the Orioles gave away a commemorative sheet (sponsored by Coca-Cola) with career milestones reached that season....Over the course of a few years, I was able to have it signed entirely by the six players featured:

https://i.imgur.com/ijlz8NJ.jpg

Whether the 1967 Venz were produced by Topps or by Sports Grafico it’s my favorite example.

Very nice rare team issue postcards today!

I like the design of the commemorative sheet and to have it ALL signed makes it even nicer.

Brooks Robinson
 

I am fairly new to this site, but I just wanted to join in and say how much I have enjoyed seeing the items from your collections. I especially appreciate the complimentary attitude that is shared among collectors here. Alan Strout is a friend of mine and referred me to this site. You will not find a finer person than Alan, I am thankful to call him my friend. He loves to talk about the Orioles, Postcards, Tadder Photos, Minor League Programs, etc.. But, he doesn't talk much about himself, which brings me to my first post.Attachment 391028

Alan won a contest through Topps. The contest was Be A Pro For A Day, so after he won, he spent a day as an Aberdeen Ironbird. Part of the prize package was to be included in the 2014 Topps Heritage set. It's a short print, you can find them on eBay. People send him fan mail asking for his autograph. I love it, he says he never has to buy a Sharpie. No Orioles collection is complete without an Alan Strout card.

Alan, you've been holding out on us!!! Bill, thanks for sharing this fantastic story on Alan & please post as often as you can!

Bill

Alan Strout
 

I have the not as popular non-signed version of the short print card :D.

2014 Topps Heritage - Alan Strout

Attachment 391038

Day 88 (March 28, 2020 – 088)

I was going to post these in two separate days, but they are so similar I may as well consolidate into one day…

When the Orioles won the American League Championship a plastic serving tray was produced by the Orioles sponsor, National Beer. The tray a 1966 Orioles team photo and states American League Champions 1966. The serving tray measures around 9”x14”.

1966 National Beer American League Champions serving tray

Attachment 391039

Shortly after the Baltimore Orioles won the 1966 World Series a plastic serving tray was produced. The tray was issued by one of their sponsors National Beer. The serving tray has a color team picture and states World Champions 1966; the hard-plastic tray measures about 9”x14”.
1966 National Beer World Champions Serving Tray

Attachment 391040

I misplaced my WS plastic tray, so I had to grab a screen shot; I’m sorry I know…

Mark,

This reminds me of a funny story I heard years ago. Do you know what the rarest Bob Feller item is? It's something he hasn't autographed. You have the rare unsigned card. If you ever want to reduce it's value, I'll autograph it for you sometime. :D

Aberdeen Ironbirds
 

Bill,

Welcome and I know you will enjoy sharing your love of the O's with us.

Nice job on your first post, but I question the subject matter. Not what I was planning to share today. Anyway, the experience was the thrill of a lifetime. As a kid, I dreamed of being a pro player like most kids. When I saw that the Ironbirds were the sponsoring team that year, I submitted an entry. Never excepted to win.

The winning essay....

Attachment 391056

I did everything the players did that day, from workouts, batting practice, pre game meal and sitting in the dugout. I have the lineup card from the game at home and will post it when I get back. Two of my teammates included Dylan Bundy and current Orioles player, Stevie Wilkerson. I wore #58, my choice (5 for Brooks, 8 for Cal and I was born in 1958).

A few photos from the day

Press conference with me signing my contract and manager Matt Merullo welcoming me to the team.

Attachment 391050

I hadn't picked up a bat in awhile, but did get a few out of the infield

Attachment 391051

Signing for fans before the game

Attachment 391058

Delivering the line ups

Attachment 391057

My inspiration

Attachment 391049

Alan....

What a memorable day that anyone here would have loved to have done! Congratulations on winning the contest!!

I thought it was funny seeing you talk about how your wife had to drive around in a Ripken themed license plate....My wife could relate as she had this on her car(s) for 15 years (before it was retired in 2000):

https://i.imgur.com/a6MFej6.jpg

Also, I loved when Matt Merullo was the Ironbirds manager (hell of a nice guy)...Did you know his grandfather played for the Cubs in the 1940's (and played in the 1945 WS)?

Anyways, here is a neat press photo of Matt meeting Cal Ripken Jr.:

https://i.imgur.com/cypmvtv.jpg

Again congratulations......

I was hoping your experience would come up sooner or later this year! It's about time it did...

Sports Illustrated
 

Day 89 (March 29, 2020 – 089)

I think Brooks was only pictured on the cover of four Sports Illustrated magazines over the years starting with an August 31, 1964 cover. The 1964 SI cover pictures Brooks coming home with White Sox catcher Gerry McNertney blocking the plate with Orioles Earl Robinson viewing the play. To me just a great action photograph by Herb Scharfman. The Orioles/White Sox/Yankees were all in a tight pennant race in 1964 and looking back who really cares who came out on top…

Sports Illustrated August 31, 1964

Attachment 391202

The second cover pictures Brooks and Frank published just one day after the Orioles sweep the Dodgers in the 1966 World Series. The great photo was taken by photographer John Zimmerman.

Sports Illustrated October 10, 1966

Attachment 391203

Third cover comes during the 1969 World Series with the Mets. Cover shows Brooks at 3rd with Rod Gaspar at bat swinging away and Elrod Hendricks catching. The cover reads, “Oriole Brooks Robinson Challenges the Mets”.

Sports Illustrated October 20, 1969

Attachment 391204

The last cover shows Brooks along with some other Orioles and Reds players during the 1970 World Series. The article inside was entitled, “Flying Start of the Big Bad Birds”. Of course by the time the magazine came out the Orioles had already won the 1970 Series.

I liked Earl’s answer to a question a reporter asked “What’s the difference between your team this year and last?” Earl’s response, “Nothing”.

Sports Illustrated October 19, 1970

Attachment 391205

Hi Mark:

Thanks for sharing all those SI covers...Regarding the 1970 one, I like to tell people that Bernie Carbo still hasn't touched home plate!

Here is an original 08/22/64 press photo that was taken a second or so after the one that was used for the cover (he was safe!):


https://i.imgur.com/BasKz2s.jpg

1960 Stockton Ports
 

As I've mentioned in a previous post, I'm always looking for Stockton Ports programs to fill some large holes in my minor league collection.

I do have a program from the 1960 Stockton Ports. The Ports were the Orioles Class C affiliate in the California League. They finished with a record of 66-74, but were plagued with poor attendance. It was a trend that would continue while they were an Orioles affiliate. The 1960 Ports drew 14,375 fans, for the whole season, an average of 205 per game.

Attachment 391212

Stockton produced a couple future Orioles in Frank Zupo and Herm Starrette. However, the guy to end up having the most success was future Major Leaguer, Chuck Hinton. Hinton had a nice 10 yr career with the Washington Senators and Cleveland Indians.

Attachment 391214 Attachment 391216

A few other Ports included Steve Dalkowski, Jim Liggett and Bob Riedel

Attachment 391218 Attachment 391215

Attachment 391217

Bill,

I love the license plate. Cal signed mine for me. Sounds like our wives would get along fine.

Matt Merullo was great that day. He made me feel a part of everything. After, the game he brought me into his office. We talked a lot of baseball, including his grandfather's career. At the end, he asked if I enjoyed myself. I said it was the thrill of a lifetime. His quote was "Great. I'm afraid we're going to have to let you go". I got a nice laugh out of that.

Attachment 391226

I have a wire photo that has three sequential photos of this play, but I guess I didn't scan it when I was going through my pictures. I did scan one that's at a slightly different angle than the one used on the SI cover.

Attachment 391266
Attachment 391265

The program is very nice and I really like the Oriole Scrapbook newspaper cutouts as well.

Day 90 (March 30, 2020 – 090)

This is a blank back coupon, Take Brooks Robinson Home to the Kids, for an 8x10 color autographed picture of Brooks Robinson with any gas purchase at a Crown Super Station (limit one per purchase). I’m unsure when the offer started, but you can see it ended on September 30, 1972. I’d really like to know what color picture Crown sent back and was it a “real” autograph or a “facsimile” autograph; anyone know?

1972 Take Brooks Robinson Home to the Kids coupon

Attachment 391416

What do you guys think? Could it be possible that Crown sent out this colorized photo pictured below of Brooks with a facsimile autograph?

Attachment 391417

Good morning,

What a great story and card of Alan! I'm definitely going to have to get a signed copy of one to complete my Orioles collection.

Also Mark, I very much like that Crown Gas coupon. I've never seen one before. It's the same photo as the card identified as 1969 Crown Gas, so they must have loved that shot of Brooks.

Here's a May 1965 Baseball Press Box magazine with Mickey Mantle on the cover. Inside, there's a nice article about Brooks winning the 1964 AL MVP. The front page of the article has a nice sequence series of Brooks fielding a ball.

1961 Victoria/Ardmore Rosebuds
 

The Orioles Class AA affiliate in 1961 was the Victoria Rosebuds. They played in the Texas League. On May 27th, the Rosebuds moved from Victoria, Texas to Ardmore, Oklahoma. The Rosebuds were 18-25 during their time in Victoria and 39-58 in Ardmore, for a combined record of 57-83.

The closest I've come to anything from the Victoria period, is an away program from Amarillo, when they played the Gold Sox. The Rosebuds played in Amarillo from May 27-29, so the insert roster sheet is likely the last time they were identified as Victoria. A couple future Yankkes played that day, Jim Bouton and Joe Pepitone.

Attachment 391459 Attachment 391460

Here's the program from Ardmore. It's not mine, but the owner knows I want it badly. I don't have a very good poker face.

Attachment 391452

Team members to make it to Baltimore included George Staller (Manager), Dave McNally (his pro debut), John Miller, Pete Ward, Mickey McGuire and Jim Fridley

Attachment 391457 Attachment 391454

Attachment 391455 Attachment 391456

Attachment 391461 Attachment 391458

Other future or former Orioles included Charley Beamon, Buster Narum, Bob Nelson, John Papa and Frank Zupo

Attachment 391453

I know I have a wire photo of the sequence in the magazine you pictured; just can't locate it at the moment. I do have a 16 by 20 autographed photo on my wall of the last shot. Love the B&W picture of Brooks in action...

Attachment 391567

That is a very nice program. Hope you can add it to your collection one day. If not, get the owner of the program to join the group and start posting :eek:

Day 91 (March 31, 2020 – 091)

I may have mentioned it before, but love the proof stuff (even better than the final version or finished product). I guess one of the main reasons is I can go onto eBay and locate almost any of the regular issue cards pretty much any day of the week. You can typically find the cards in all types of condition as well. Look for vintage proof items and they’re just not out there; very uncommon to come across anything nowadays. Once in a great while something will surface and we’ll see if I can acquire and if not at least I know it’s out there.

The item I chose today is a 1963 Bazooka Panel proof. The ’63 Bazooka panel pictures Bill White, Ray Herbert and Brooks Robinson (28/29/30). The colors really stand out and I think the SGC slab enhances the look.

Attachment 391688

Hopefully I’ve done alright so far with this Brooks Robinson and Baltimore Orioles thread as we close this quarter end. I know you guys have made the thread very interesting and informative for me. Let’s see how the next quarter goes…

A companion piece to that 1960 Fox Cities Team photo shared in Post #1008 is a team signed baseball (not shown is Dean Chance on the sweet spot)..Ball has Weaver, Powell, Ripken, Ward, Saverine, Lehew, Gillick, etc. :

https://i.imgur.com/HkEAt8K.jpg

1962 Tri City Braves
 

In post #995, I discussed the 1961 Tri City Braves/Atoms. In 1962, the Braves were a Co-Op team and not directly affiliated with the Orioles. A Co-Op team is one that borrows players from several to many different major league franchises. Over the years, the Orioles have been involved with a few co-op teams, mainly during the 1980's.

The Braves finished a respectable 78-62 in the Class B Northwest League. The Orioles would skip a few years and return to the Tri City area in 1965.

While the LA Angels contributed the most players, at least a half dozen other teams were represented. The Orioles lent three players to the Braves. Joe Puleo, Paul Knechtges and Joe Petrikovic. None made it to the Orioles and I might be the only person that even cares. :D

Here's the 1962 program along with a roster sheet that gives you an idea of the teams represented. If you check out the visitors roster, you'll find out that future Atlanta Braves player, Rico Carty started out as a catcher.

Attachment 391727

Attachment 391728

The best part of the program is the photo of the 1961 Tri City team

Attachment 391729

Day 92 (April 1, 2020 – 092)

Even though it's April 1st and it's April Fools Day this is an actual poll I found which made me think about today. When I look at the results I think they're trying to play a joke, but these people are serious. As time goes by history seems to be revised...

Attachment 391817

1957-59 Orioles Team Issued Postcards
 

The Orioles have issued postcards since 1954. The earliest ones were B&W and mostly used for autograph requests through the mail. Often you find them autographed and postmarked through the mail. While postmarks on the back can add to the postcard, I hate when they are stamped on the front photo. They measure 3.25" x 5.5" and the backs are blank.

Here are the postcards issued from 1957-59. Since the style is the same, it's often difficult to identify exact years for players that played multiple years. Postcard collectors identify these by year range.

Here are all the postcards and known variations. I have 66 out of 72. Included are the first postcards of Brooks Robinson. I'm still missing the following - Joe Durham, Bert Hamric, Billy Loes (3rd variation), Al Pilarcik (Name in small print), Arnold Portocarrero (Name in small print), and Bill Wight. A Jack Harshman upgrade would be nice also.

Awesome collection! The Ronnie Hansen is really interesting. Older uniform with newer style cap! Must have been a spring training photo.

About 30 years ago while waiting outside in line on a Friday evening to get in the infamous George Washington Inn for the old Fort Washington show, I met a guy who offered me these Oriole postcards....I bought the lot for what I think was $50 but what attracted me to them (other than the cool factor), was that each player was still alive and I could add their autographs..I believe I also had a Eddie Lopat in the lot who I traded to long time Orioles post card collector Wayne Johnson at some point down the road:

https://i.imgur.com/pRltegp.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/7Y8H5L2.jpg

Bill,

Nice postcards. I know Wayne Johnson very well. He has an impressive Orioles collection, but unfortunately won't be sharing on this site or any other. He doesn't do computers, much like fellow Maine-ah Bob Thing.

Your postcards should be 1956 with numbers stamped on the back. For example Gardner is 023. The Ed Lopat would have been 1954-55. If Brown, Causey or Moore don't have numbers, they too are 1954-55 issues, but they look 1956. The Ray Moore is the toughest of the group, other than Lopat.

Alan,

Those postcards are AWESOME! I especially like the signed Foster Castleman example. Man, you can't get a much better autograph IMO; love it! I personally think the autographs make them even better, but I go back and forth on signed vs. unsigned.

Bill,

LOVE IT! Man, you got a bargain!

[QUOTE=Mark70Z;1966822]Day 92 (April 1, 2020 – 092)

Even though it's April 1st and it's April Fools Day this is an actual poll I found which made me think about today. When I look at the results I think they're trying to play a joke, but these people are serious. As time goes by history seems to be revised...

Day 92 (April 1, 2020 – 092) - CONTINUED

If a ranking of all-time third baseman doesn’t include Brooks either 1 or 2 (#1 all the way in my book) I don’t read any further (kind of makes me mad as well; did these writers developing an article or people doing a poll even watch these guys play, read, study, etc. or do they just care about offense?). How can the greatest defensive “THIRD BASEMAN” not be on top? If you want to look at just hitting, then talk about the greatest hitters of all time… I’m more than fine with Brooks not being the greatest hitter of all time.

Quote: “Brooks Robinson is the greatest defensive third baseman in history, and I would say my numbers are a little better than the other third baseman offensively.” – Mike Schmidt

This is what Brooks feels about the individuals who developed these rankings…

Attachment 391897

I LOVE the newspaper insert type magazines (I’m weird…I know). This is a magazine is from the Pueblo Star-Journal and Sunday Chieftain in Pueblo, Colorado called Family Weekly from August 7, 1966. Love what it says about Brooks on the cover of the newspaper magazine, “Brooks Robinson won’t let anything stand in the way of winning – not even a broken thumb. Says the Baltimore slugger; “It hurts when you don’t hit the ball.”

Attachment 391898

Day 93 (April 2, 2020 – 093)

Personally, I really like the 1962 Topps stamps. They are small measuring around 1 3/8”x 1 7/8” and the set has 201 stamps. They were inserted into packs of 1962 Topps series and either had the red or a yellow background. I really like the picture they chose for Brooks on the stamp and he has the yellow background. Brooks was on a stamp panel with Wally Moon (most common), Jack Baldschun, and Duke Snider.

Brooks and Wally Moon panel

Attachment 391968

Brooks and Jack Baldschun panel

Attachment 391969

Brooks and Duke Snider panel

Attachment 391970

I also have one of Brooks and Wally Moon with a few more stamps included.

Attachment 391971

Those are nice examples of the stamps. The top panel is really nicely centered! Scott

Great start to April to all!!

Here is what I suppose to be a girl's purse with the Hartzell bird logo on both sides.....

https://i.imgur.com/g8rZkC6.jpg

Orioles & the Junior Baseball Federation
 

The Junior Baseball Federation is an organization in Philadelphia. Here's a quote from their website -

"The JBF was formed in 1948 by Bob Carpenter, owner of the Phillies, and Connie Mack, manager and part-owner of the Philadelphia Athletics, to coordinate and provide funding to the city’s youth baseball programs. The earliest JBF benefit games were exhibition games at Shibe Park between the Philadelphia Phillies and their hometown rivals, the Philadelphia Athletics. The scheduling of these benefit games was later changed to regular-season games and this year, the Phillies have identified five games for which a JBF voucher can be redeemed. "

The Phillies would invite teams to participate in a yearly benefit game. Participating teams would not get paid, but the visiting team's city youth baseball programs would get a portion of the receipts.

I have four programs from the years the Orioles participated, 1964-1966 and 1972. While the covers are similar, they did a nice job with articles relating to the Orioles inside. The 1972 program has an article about the Orioles trip to Japan in 1971. I believe the Orioles also played in the 1968 game, but I don't have that program. If anyone can verify all the years the Orioles played, that would be great.

I've seen programs as late as 1977. I'm not sure when the game was switched from an exhibition to regular season voucher games.

Attachment 391982 Attachment 391983 Attachment 391984 Attachment 391985

Alan,

For whatever reason the Junior Federation Baseball Games have been intriguing. I'd love to have a list of all of the games the Phillies played since inception of the organization in 1948. Of course, like you, I'd especially like to know all of the games where the Orioles were involved. Think it would be easier on the search if the games and dates were known. I thought about subscribing to the newspaper searches so I could search the Philly papers to find out more on these games. Hopefully someone knows more about the Junior Baseball Federation and can help in the research.

Day 94 (April 3, 2020 – 094)

Figure I’ll show a couple of hardback books that have Brooks “somewhere” on the cover.

Diamond Greats by Rich Westcott

Attachment 392120

Memories 1969 – 1994 by Rex Barney

Attachment 392121

TSN The Game for all America by John Thorn

Attachment 392122

Orioles Photos
 

I thought I'd share a couple photos from renowned Baltimore Sun photographer Richard Stacks. The photos are 11x14 and the quality is much better than the scans suggest. They are probably circa 1963 for Roberts and 1964 for Bunker.

Robin Roberts

Attachment 392151

Wally Bunker

Attachment 392152

Day 95 (April 4, 2020 – 095)

While I’m not a big fan of the cachets I do have a few of them. Today I’ll picture a couple of the Grenada examples below.

Grenada Cachets – November 28, 1988

Attachment 392199
Attachment 392200

Below is a small Grenada stamp panel with Brooks included.

Attachment 392201

I don't think I have any photos from Stacks, but would love to acquire some or at least one. He had a way with his photographs that's for sure. The two you posted are especially nice AND of the over-sized variety. The block letter uniforms are very nice looking in my view.

Ken Singleton
 

Posted for Clint (ksfarmboy)

Clint has a nice Ken Singleton Game Used Orioles cap. He didn't specify the year, but I'd say 1976-1977 era (what do you think?). Always wondered why the Bird was tilted so far up on some of these hats, but liked it just the same.

Attachment 392202
Attachment 392203

The hat looks very similar to his 1977 Topps #445

Attachment 392204

I believe the Singleton '76 hat (BTW great hat Clint!) may be the perfect segue to this month's edition of an Orioles BiCentennial bat:


https://i.imgur.com/LuhmTdR.jpg

When the new BB&T Bank ballpark opened in Charlotte in 2014, that April they had a reunion of the old Charlotte O's players from the past.

I was for fortunate to be invited and on the field prior to the game when I saw Mark Corey, John Flinn and the late Sammy Stewart, I saw the perfect opportunity for them to re-create their 1979 Topps Rookie Card:

https://i.imgur.com/Rj4MvEG.jpg