I knew you’d have them with all the correct years! Look forward to the team issues tomorrow.

"Mr. Impossible"
 

Day 99 (April 8, 2020 – 099)

I went modern today with a couple of 2014 Panini National Treasures cards numbered to /99. I like the early shot of Brooks Panini used and the white setup of the cards look good to me. The one card has one of the several nicknames for Brooks, Mr. “Impossible”.

2014 Panini National Treasures

Attachment 393165

Mike Flanagan
 

Posted for Clint (ksfarmboy)

I think the orange Oriole jerseys look cool. Now when the O's went with the orange jerseys AND pants that was a bit much. Clint has for us today a 1978 Orioles AL Cy Young winner Mike Flanagan game used jersey.

Attachment 393166
Attachment 393167

I'm happy that you caught it.....I even picked up a few things watching it that I had forgotten (after all it was nearly 25 years ago lol).

Couple items from that night..One is a press credential that hung around the neck of a NY Daily News Sportswriter (you could see people wearing these on TV). The other was that ABC's 'Nightline' covered the event (who didn't?) & their crew wore these unique passes...Fortunately one of the Orioles PR staffers got a hold of one & saved it for me:

https://i.imgur.com/CqO9Coi.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/V1DNqf2.jpg

Brooks Robinson Team Issued Photo Packs
 

As promised, today I will go through the Brooks Robinson photos issued in the photo packs sold at the stadium. They are very similar to the Jay Photos, except that the team name is Orioles, instead of Baltimore Orioles, on the front.

Photo Packs were issued from 1961-1969. The variety of photos used of Brooks throughout the years is fairly small. I'm listing them all to help identify years, as they all have slight cropping differences or placement of the name.

1961

Attachment 393170

1962

Attachment 393172

1963

Attachment 393173

1964

Attachment 393175

1965

Attachment 393177

1966

Attachment 393178

1967

Attachment 393180

1968

Attachment 393181

1969

Attachment 393183

1971 F.R. Woods All-Stars Photo Pack

Attachment 393185

My research shows that from around 1971-1975, the Orioles PR dept sent out photos to fans writing the team. These photos weren't sold as packs, but are similar to the others. There are different several styles. I have Mark Belanger, Paul Blair, Bobby Grich and Dave McNally in the first style, missing Don Baylor and Brooks. I have Paul Blair, Jim Palmer and Brooks in a second style and Brooks in a third style. Also, team photos from 1973 & 1974. There could be others out there.

1971-1975 (2nd and 3rd Styles)

Attachment 393186 Attachment 393187

1971-1975 (Examples of 1st Style)

Attachment 393204

Very unique items; love ‘em!!

Thanks Alan! I’ll just keep referring back to the thread if I have any questions on the different years. Thanks so much for sharing.

Real nice I’d Bill. Alan thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Thanks Clint...

I'm really enjoying your great jerseys!

Bill

Appreciate it Bill, I’ve got a few more left.

Clint

Day 100 (April 9, 2020 – 100)

In 1983, the year of Brooks Robinson’s induction to the Hall of Fame, ASA put out a set of 12 baseball cards called The Brooks Robinson Story. There were two different variations to the set; one set had the green borders and one set had red borders. Below are two unopened examples of the green boarder set.

1983 ASA The Brooks Robinson Story – Original Packaging – Green

Attachment 393326

1983 ASA Cello

Attachment 393327

Here’s how the cards look when they are set free…

Attachment 393328

Gary Roenicke
 

Posted for Clint (ksfarmboy)

Exactly how many game used items does Clint have...we may never know.

Today we have a 1985 Gary Roenicke game used home jersey. The thing that comes to mind for me is Roenicke wearing the helmet with the football style guard after he was beaned.

Attachment 393329
Attachment 393330

All Star Major League Stationary
 

Good morning,

Below are photos from a stationary set featuring 16 All Stars. I'm assuming it was issued in 1963 or right after the 1962 All Star Games, since Bill Moran is included and '62 was his only year as an All Star.

It features Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron but I needed it because Jim Gentile was included as well.

Does anyone know if something similar was issued in any other year(s)?

Hey Mike

I've never seen that stationary before; so very cool!

Here are a couple Gentile items from my collection. During one visit to Cooperstown years ago, I picked up this B&W postcard of Gentile & Gus Triandos at one of the shops and they were both kind enough to sign it through the mail for me shortly thereafter.

I also picked up this child's 1960's souvenir batting helmet off eBay years ago and for whatever reason when I think of that style batting helmet, I've always thought of Gentile (I think it had something to do with the Orioles 1962 Yearbook cover):

Anyways back in 2009, the Babe Ruth/Sports Legends Museum had a thing with both Gentile & Boog Powell appearing to talk and I decided to have just Jim sign the bill of it:


https://i.imgur.com/GgO2Gua.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/Bxahwjw.jpg

People may or may not know that is was the Colts equipment manager who hooked him up with that facemask (it was Lerrin LaGrow who beaned him).

I spoke to Gary a couple years ago and he told me that he still owns the helmet:

https://i.imgur.com/DVY0UZZ.jpg

1967 Ashland Oil Contest
 

Ashland Oil ran a contest at their gas stations in 1967 called Grand Slam Baseball. You received a game piece when you visited the station and prizes included cash, World Series tickets and a bicycle for kids.

There were 12 different players in the set and the only Oriole was Frank Robinson. There aren't a ton of big names in the set, but it did include Al Kaline, Harmon Killebrew and Joe Torre. Jim Maloney is the toughest, since he was short printed. Others included in the set were Jim Bunning, Elston Howard, Ed Kranepool, Bill Mazeroski, Ron Santo, Leon Wagner and Pete Ward.


Attachment 393344


Attachment 393345

[QUOTE=BaltOrioles;1969235]Ashland Oil ran a contest at their gas stations in 1967 called Grand Slam Baseball. You received a game piece when you visited the station and prizes included cash, World Series tickets and a bicycle for kids.

There were 12 different players in the set and the only Oriole was Frank Robinson. There aren't a ton of big names in the set, but it did include Al Kaline, Harmon Killebrew and Joe Torre. Jim Maloney is the toughest, since he was short printed. Others included in the set were Jim Bunning, Elston Howard, Ed Kranepool, Bill Mazeroski, Ron Santo, Leon Wagner and Pete Ward.

Love that Alan...

Was curious if Ashland was a national or regional gas station at the time?

Bill,

I believe Ashland was a more regional gas station in the central US, like Kentucky and Ohio, but not really sure. I don't ever remember them being in Maine while I was growing up.

I don't see Boston or any west coast teams represented in the set either, which would make sense if Ashland was regional instead of national.

Mike,

Very nice piece. I haven’t seen this stationary set before nor one from other years. Nice to have one Oriole in there surrounded by the other stars of the day.

I’m a fan of the Frank Ashland piece!

I thought it was from the Colts, but wasn’t positive. Your picture just reinforces the image I have in my mind of him wearing the helmet. Really enjoyed watching the O’s during that era. Such a great group of characters.

Day 101 (April 10, 2020 – 101)

The newspaper, The News American, had an insert in their paper called Maryland Living. This insert example is from April 10, 1966. On the cover we have Curt Blefary, Boog Powell, Brooks Robinson and Frank Robinson OR Murderers’ Row. The article is, “Murderers Row Oriole Style…Big Bats on 33rd Street”. Man, I’d like to have a picture of the cover shot; very nice looking picture taken by Richard Tomlinson.

The News American Maryland Living April 10, 1966.

Attachment 393532

Ken Singleton
 

Posted for Clint (ksfarmboy)

In late 1974 Ken Singleton was traded from the Expos to the Orioles. Along with Singleton the O's received Mike Torrez, but in return the O's sent Dave McNally and Rich Coggins to the Expos. Clint has for us today a first year Orioles game used home jersey of Ken Singleton.

1975 Orioles Ken Singleton

Attachment 393533
Attachment 393534

I like the Murderers Row pic...At what point did the Orioles start wearing the cartoon bird logo?

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

1966 Regular season

Yes, I know it was 1966 but Frank is shown in the old bird hat in that 1966 photo...so am I to assume they used the old logo in spring training and started the season with the cartoon bird or was there a switch in mid season?

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

The first Topps card I can remember with the cartoon bird logo is the 1966 high number #533 Jerry Adair

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

started Opening Day 1966; any photos you see of Frank wearing that old logo style was from Spring Training

1954-55 Redman Tobacco
 

I apologize if these cards have already been posted, but in my opinion some of the most beautiful sets produced are the Redman Tobacco cards from 1952-1955. I love the style and bright colors that were used. Unfortunately, there were only a couple of Orioles and they aren't my favorite cards from those sets.. One card each in 1954 and 1955.

1954 Sam Mele (Orioles variation). He was also printed as a White Sox

Attachment 393564


1955 Joe Coleman

Attachment 393565

Frank's first team issued postcard from 1966. Billy Short in the new hat.

Attachment 393567

Seeing the Ashland Oil reminds me of another 1968 issue. Atlantic Oil. The Orioles were well represented. Frank and Brooks, Boog and Andy Etchebarren. The Andy card was a $5 instant winner. I've never seen one. The others are fairly easy to find.

1968 Atlantic Oil Orioles
 

Steve,

It's been awhile since I worked on the Atlantic Oil set. I don't ever expect to find the Etchebarren card. I've never seen it either.

While I agree examples of the others are easy to find, if you take into account condition and all the variations, putting together an Orioles set gets a little tougher.

All the cards come with the printed name on front in either black or gray. The backs come with either a Playball picture or contest rules.

This leaves Brooks Robinson and Frank Robinson with 4 different front/back combos.

Attachment 393610 Attachment 393612


The Boog Powell has two different croppings of the photo on front. I haven't confirmed that Boog comes in all the variations, but potentially could have eight different front/back combos. Condition is always an issue. As you can see for those of us that like variations, the challenge is still there.

Attachment 393611

Day 102 (April 11, 2020 – 102)

We’re going to go back to back with newspaper inserts; this time from The Sun. The Sun newspaper in Baltimore MD put out a Sunday Magazine insert within their papers. This example is from April 11, 1965 and pictures a close up of Brooks on the cover of the newspaper type magazine. The article in the magazine is entitled, “Brooks Robinson at Home: The Oriole Star is ‘A Pretty Good Joe’”.

The Sun April 11, 1965 Sunday Magazine

Attachment 393719

Sammy Stewart
 

Posted for Clint (ksfarmboy)

Man, Clint has some nice jerseys. Will they ever run out...

Pictured today is a 1979 Sammy Stewart game used jersey.

Attachment 393720
Attachment 393721

Florida Winter Instructional League
 

For years it has been customary for players to look for ways to improve their skills during the off-season. Many MLB players have played winter ball in places like Venezuela and the Carribean.

Today, top prospects are invited to participate in the Arizona Fall League.
From the late 1950's through the late 70's, several MLB teams fielded teams in the Florida Winter Instructional League. The league was designed to give young prospects chances to receive additional instruction under the watchful eye of each team. I can find references to the Orioles fielding teams in 1959, 1962-1968, 1970-1973 and 1976-1977. It looks like most of the games were played at Al Lang Field in St.Petersburg.

I have a few programs from 1964, 1967 & 1969


1964 Program with Manager George Bamberger

Players included Jim Palmer, Mark Belanger and Lou Piniella for the O's

Attachment 393744 Attachment 393748



1967 Programs with Manager Vern Hoscheit

Players included Terry Crowley, Al Severinsen, Bill Dillman and Roger Freed

Attachment 393745 Attachment 393750


Attachment 393746 Attachment 393751



1969 Program with Manager Cal Ripken Sr

Players included "Marcus" Wayne Garland, Johnny Oates and Jesse Jefferson

Attachment 393747 Attachment 393752

Also on the 1969 O's team - Ron Shelton - future director of Bull Durham etc.

Alan,

I thought the black was just light on these cards. Is it actually grey?

Mark,

I believe it's considered a variation by most collectors. The color of the name is definitely lighter, whether it's gray or light black. The rest of the black print on the cards is normal, so I don't think they are print defects. Plus, there are plenty of both types. I haven't found either the black or gray tougher than the other.

Attachment 393817

Thanks for the information. I know I only have one of each for Brooks so I'm glad I know there's more items to search. Mine aren't in the greatest shape, but I'm fine with a bit of border issues.

Happy Easter Sunday!

Day 103 (April 12, 2020 – 103)

It’s not a very good scan and I really didn’t want to take it out of the holder (sorry about that), but at least you can somewhat see the Brooksie item. This is a 1965 Bazooka transparency used to make the Brooks Robinson #30 portrait. I don’t have the Bazooka box or the panel (which includes Ron Santo #28, Elston Howard #29 along with Brooks Robinson #30), nor do I even have the individual cutout (I’m a slacker; I know). I’ve seen them available a few times over the years, but just wasn’t on the top of my priority list (or likely didn’t have any money) at the time.

1965 Bazooka Brooks Robinson #30

Attachment 393858

I pictured in B&W as well to maybe view a tad better.

Attachment 393859

Orioles Photos
 

I have a bunch of promotional photos from various advertisers featuring Orioles players. I shared a few in post #900. I think it was fairly common for players to make a few extra bucks appearing for companies, with many advertisers offering photos as part of the promotion.

Here are a few more of my favorites.

Brooks Robinson (Classic Sports Network)

Attachment 393865

Dave McNally (Easter Seals)

Attachment 393864

Mark Belanger (Rawlings Sporting Goods)

Attachment 393861

Curt Blefary (Waverly Tower Merchants)

Attachment 393862

Doug DeCinces (Sears Roebuck Stores)

Attachment 393863

Frank Zupo with the Rochester Red Wings (Spaulding Sporting Goods)

Attachment 393866

Here are Esskay sponsored photos for both Cal Jr. & Bill

https://i.imgur.com/bmMnb4a.jpg

That's an awesome piece Mark.....You have to love anything from the Topps Vault!

Esskay Orioles Photos
 

Bill,

I love those Esskay photos. I hadn't seen the Ripkens before. How much do you know about them? I've been wondering about putting together a check list for awhile. Any additions to my check list are appreciated. Do you have any dupes you would like to sell?

I have two different sizes of photos 4x5 and 5x7. The Ripkens you have look like they are 5x7. I also have some with the black caps the Orioles started wearing in 1989. On the 4x5 photos, there are small and large Esskay logos.

Here is what I have with sample scans -

4x5 White Caps - Ken Singleton

4x5 Black Caps (1989-1991 ?) - Curt Schilling, Brian Holton, Joe Orsulak, Kevin Hickey (small Esskay logo) and Ben McDonald (large Esskay logo)


Attachment 393927 Attachment 393926




5x7 White Caps (1988 ?) - Al Bumbry, Larry Sheets, Joe Orsulak, Oswald Peraza and Mickey Tettleton

5x7 Black Caps (1989-1991 ?) - Mike Deveraux, Steve Finley, Rene Gonzales and Jay Tibbs


Attachment 393922 Attachment 393925

Day 104 (April 13, 2020 – 104)

Foldout poster from Illustrated Current News from June 8, 1973. Poster showing Brooks with his 13th Gold Glove along with Bill Steed, hypnotizing his frogs, getting them ready for a big jumping contest and Ralph Peterson with his 52 lb. striped bass. Ok; this is the definition of odd-ball item…

Illustrated Current News foldout – June 8, 1973

Attachment 394151

Also pictured today is a 1973 Orioles team picture pennant. None of my pennants are in particularly nice shape, but from quite a distance they look pretty nice.

Attachment 394152

John Flinn
 

Posted for Clint (ksfarmboy)

1979 John Flinn Game Used Jersey - Orange

Attachment 394153
Attachment 394154

1991 Snow Valley Orioles photos
 

To add onto yesterday's post, here are some 1991 photos from Snow Valley and WDCA-TV 20. These photos are 4x6. It's another set I'm looking to develop a complete checklist of, if possible. I'm fairly sure there are others out there. I'm interested in any not shown.

Attachment 394163 Attachment 394164


As an added bonus, a Billy Ripken 5x7 photo sponsored by Herman's World of Sporting Goods

Attachment 394165

Alan:

Yes, those Ripken Esskay photos are 5x7...I believe I have an extra set or two, so I'll let you know.

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:

https://i.imgur.com/uiqURQE.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/CqrDTMx.jpg

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

https://i.imgur.com/wdxtjK3.jpg

Here are a few more publicity photos

Cal Jr./Adidas 1985 (6.5" x 8") & 1986 (6" x 9")

https://i.imgur.com/4hXVRhu.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/OZBXeP0.jpg

Another version of Bill Ripken Hermans World of Sporting Goods (5" x 7")

https://i.imgur.com/Xge7MEj.jpg

One more this morning and I promise to post more down the road....

Bill Ripken Sharp/Luskin's Superstores (8.5 x 11):


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