Alan,

Very NICE! Of course I like the Brooksie example the best...

We have “another” celebrity in our mix (the other is Alan of course).

Very cool letter from Brooks about York, PA (close to where I live and grew-up). I was just at the Queensgate shopping center today for lunch!

Day 198 (July 16, 2020 – 198)

This is a program for The 10th Annual Maryland Shrine of Immortals Night on July 16, 1969. The cover features Brooks along with Gordon “Babe” Phelps. On this night Phelps became the 19th member of the Maryland Shrine of Immortals. Phelps was a native of Maryland and The Maryland Shrine of Immortals was created to recognize men with Maryland backgrounds who have distinguished themselves in professional baseball.

The 10th Annual Shrine of Immortals Night July 16, 1969

Attachment 409497

The image used on the above program may be from the same photo shoot or at least the photographer had the same idea for the shot; either way I like the look. This photograph is from 1968 of Brooks at the plate in an away game.

Attachment 409498

Thanks!

Maybe you can help in the research of the Queensgate disc that Alan (BaltOrioles) posted on Post #210. Really would like to find out what that disc is. I believe it's associated with the opening of the store in the Queensgate shopping center, but unsure what is was used for.

Hi Mike:

How ironic that a month or so ago I was going through some tabloid newspaper size pieces in my collection and I ran across that very paper!..Hard to believe that it came out over a quarter-century ago & most of the items on that list are still very desirable to this day (I've still only seen one yellow Thom Mc An disc).

Anyways, regarding the Stroh's Photo Ball, over the years I've come to the realization that it most likely was a stadium giveaway item in Rochester the day that the Orioles came to play an exhibition game (which used to be an annual thing)..The only reason I say that is that both balls I have came from Rochester area collections and both have autographs on them...One I have is signed by all three in sharpie and this one just by Altobelli:

https://i.imgur.com/T0HKUIx.jpg

These baseballs are very similar to ones produced as "Major League Picture Baseballs" from 1983 which were sold in hobby stores/card shows & picture Eddie, CRJ, Bumbry & Singleton:

https://i.imgur.com/wDWIuiT.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/IobPmTz.jpg

Queensgate Lid (Update)
 

With all the discussion lately about the Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods store and the Queensgate shopping center, it seems like a good time to update everyone on my research. The letter Mark posted was great. It means that if the disc is related to a store in the Queensgate shopping center, the time frame would be 1974-1977. Can anyone verify that a store actually opened at the mall? I contacted Bruce Genther, who was the art director for the store for many years. He mentioned the store closed in 1977. Unfortunately, he doesn't remember producing or helping produce anything like the disc. However, the design on the front of the shirt, Mark posted on 7/12, looks very much like the disc design. Bruce did say that Brooks did many appearances in York, so it's possible the disc is not related to the store, but another promotion. I've also reached out to a lady that does a blog on York County history to get her input, but no response yet.

I wish I had more info to share, but really appreciate Mark's letter.

Someday, I would love to have Brooks take a look at it to see if he remembers what it was used for. Anyone with Brooks connections, send him a note. :D

Here's a picture of the disc again. It's hard plastic and about the size of a KFC chicken bucket lid.


Attachment 409503

Bill,

Nice story.

Just curious if your top ten list has changed since the article was printed. I'm excited that I have 5 items off the list.

Ajax Dog Food
 

For anyone interested, here's the ugly Ajax Dog Food card of Cal Ripken Jr, mentioned in Bill's article. Depending on who you talk to, it's either worthless or highly sought after. :confused:

1983 Ajax Dog Food

Attachment 409504

Queensgate
 

Hi Guys,

I was born in York County, PA in 1968. My parents shopped at Queensgate Shopping Center all my life. I continue to do business there. I have been an Orioles fan all my life. I went to my first Orioles game at Memorial Stadium in 1975. To my knowledge, the Brooks Robinson Store never opened a store in Queensgate shopping center. If they did, it would have had to have been before my memories start - as Brooks was my favorite player from the start and I would certainly have taken notice if he opened a store in a Shopping plaza my family frequented regularly. So if it ever did open I would say it had to have happened before 1974, probably in the 1960s or very early 1970s and be closed by 1974-75. I started playing little league baseball in 1975, and I know there was no Brooks Sporing Goods Store in Queensgate when I got equipment for that year - or we would have went there to buy our stuff.

Queensgate, however, did bring in Orioles players to sign autographs in the mid-1970s. First ever major league autos I ever got were of Mark Belanger and Bobby Grich at Queensgate. That year was either 1975 or 1976. I still have that faded ball in my collection.

I do not know what the disk came from - but possibly one of these signings at Queensgate?

I would love to hear from anyone who can add anything to these memories.

Rich

Day 199 (July 17, 2020 – 199)

The All-Star cards have made an absence for five long years and are re-introduced in the 1968 Topps set. Brooks and Frank were the Orioles in the ’68 AS set; the Brooks card as follows:

1968 Topps All-Star #365

Attachment 409620

The backs of the All-Star cards formed two player photos: Orlando Cepeda on the National League cards and Carl Yastrzemski on the American League.

Attachment 409621

There were also the All-Star cards included for the Venezuela issue in 1968.

1968 Venezuelan All-Star #365

Attachment 409622
Attachment 409623

I only have one progressive proof for the 1968 Topps AS #365 pictured below.

Attachment 409624

AND here’s the 1968 transparency used for the photo on the Topps All Star card.

Attachment 409625

Mark...cool transparency & progressive proof!

Here are the two versions of the Ripken Thom McAn discs I mentioned in that 1993 article. The blue disc I obtained early on and for awhile thought that was the only version.

Interesting story was at some point I was introduced to a collector who informed me about the Ripken yellow version and was trying to obtain the entire set himself (with all color variations) who traveled often on business. What he did was simply buy one pair of Thom McAn shoes and in his travels and he would exchange that pair of shoes at one of their stores (wherever his travels took him) for another and get two new discs.

He promised me that if he ever gave up trying to complete the set that he'd sell the yellow Cal Jr. to me. Fortunately (for me anyways), he gave up on trying to complete it:

https://i.imgur.com/qWt1nR8.jpg

As I mentioned in the article as well these discs can be differentiated from the Subway discs in that these have the Thom McAn/Jox logo on the back.

Rich,

Thanks so much for your post. I think it adds a few pieces to the puzzle. From Mark's letter (Post #1901), it's obvious that during 1974, plans were being developed to open a store in the Queensgate Shopping Center. Rich seems to confirm that the store never materialized, which is why I haven't been able to find any information about it. I can only assume that financial and/or other delays contributed to the store never opening. Bruce Genther, who worked the store, confirmed that Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods closed in 1977. Perhaps, the disc was going to be used as part of a store opening promotion, that never happened.

It doesn't answer all my questions concerning the disc, but gives me hope that the mystery will be solved someday. :)

1976 Charlotte Orioles
 

Yesterday, I noticed a 1976 Charlotte Orioles program listed on eBay. It reminded me that I haven't posted much minor league stuff lately.

1976 was an interesting year for Charlotte programs. They printed three different covers, but also included the opponents name on the front. It was very unusual, at that time, for a team to get that detailed with it's programs.

I have five different covers and still need the Montgomery and Columbus versions.

FYI, Eddie Murray played for Charlotte that year.

1976 Charlotte Orioles Programs

Attachment 409640

Attachment 409641

Attachment 409642

Attachment 409643

Attachment 409644


Bonus:

Program from an exhibition game played in Charlotte that year - Atlanta Braves vs the Southern League All-Stars

Attachment 409645

Day 200 (July 18, 2020 – 200)

The Carolina’s Greatest Sportscard Show was held for three days in Charlotte, NC: July 19th, 20th and the 21st. A print ad was produced for the 1996 show which had a reunion of some of the 1966 Orioles Champion team which are pictured within the ad.

Attachment 409781

A picture of two of the show’s guests; the 1966 photo below was taken by Jay Spencer.

Attachment 409782

Here is a ticket from the first home game in the history of the Charlotte O's...
Interestingly the ballpark hadn't been renamed Crockett Park yet.

Alan, could you please check one of those programs to see if they opened the season on the home or the road that year..

As an aside, Jimmie Schaffer was the manager of that club that season (who lives near me) and I saw him at the local diner last week having breakfast:

https://i.imgur.com/DJBslm9.jpg

Bill,

Charlotte did indeed open the season at home against the Chattanooga Lookouts. It's interesting to note that 19 yr old Eddie Murray is listed as 1B-3B in the program. Was he supposed to be the heir to Brooks at 3B ??

A couple of Jimmie Schaffer postcards, managing the Lodi Orioles and at Orioles spring training

Attachment 409810

1974-75 Bluefield Orioles
 

Low level minor league teams often work with very limited budgets. Bluefield, the Orioles representative in the short season Appalachian League for over 50 years, was no exception.

If a minor league team has several different program covers each year, I try to collect each front cover.

In 1974, the Bluefield Orioles finished with a record of 37-32. The team didn't produce any future O's. Here's their 1974 program.

Attachment 409811

The 1975 Bluefield team finished much worse at 26-43, but did produce three players that played in Baltimore. Sammy Stewart, Dave Ford and Jeff Rineer (if for only 1 game in 1979)

Here's the regular program from 1975.

Attachment 409812

As I mentioned, limited budgets. I thought this was another cover variation, but when I received it, I realized the Orioles had just reused old 1974 programs with a 1975 sticker over the year. I have since seen multiple other years where Bluefield did the same thing. In 1959, they just took a marker and changed the 8 into a 9.

If you were at a trivia contest and someone asked you to name the Opening Day third baseman for the Orioles in 1978, most people would answer Doug DeCinces.

Surprisingly, Eddie Murray started the first three games for the Orioles at 3B that year, while DeCinces played second base.

It was deemed a failed experiment as the Brewers swept the Orioles & fortunately Eddie headed back to 1B.

Day 201 (July 19, 2020 – 201)

July 19th, 1982 in Washington, D.C., within RFK Memorial Stadium, held the 1st Annual Cracker Jack Old Timers Game. One of the most memorable things that occurred this day was that Luke Appling, former Chicago White Sox, homered off of the great Warren Spahn – at the age of 75.

Below is an advertising poster for the 1982 Cracker Jack game.

Attachment 410030

1982 Cracker Jack Old Timers Game program

Attachment 410031

1982 Cracker Jack set
 

Mark,

I really like the poster and program. Cracker Jack also produced a 16 card set of All-Time Greats that included Brooks Robinson.

Attachment 410041

Uncut sheets of the complete 1982 Cracker Jack set

Attachment 410042 Attachment 410044

James Elder postcard of Luke Appling

Attachment 410043

Associated Press wirephoto from 09/30/76 showing Brooks pre-game in the locker room noting that it might be his last game as an Oriole...We all know that he did come back in 1977 as a player-coach:

https://i.imgur.com/Tz18Bck.jpg

While Alan did a great job last week compiling all of the Orioles No-Hitters, here are press photos from three of them:

https://i.imgur.com/nyGW81o.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/jTyuf19.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/pXp7J78.jpg

While recently sorting through some pieces in my collection I ran across this signed gov't postcard that I acquired in a trade many years ago.

From what I've now learned from this thread is that it was most likely signed at an Orioles "Shrine of Immortals Night" from 1966 (has Foxx & Carey).

My question for you guys is:

-does anyone have a program from that game?
-anyone idea on who the autograph might be between Watt & Lau?
-the only name that confuses me is Rettenmund who debuted in '68 (though he may have been up in Baltimore for a reason...I'm thinking of writing him for his recollection):

https://i.imgur.com/JEB5omy.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/BQ3pfoT.jpg

Misc Monday
 

Day 202 (July 20, 2020 – 202)

Thought it would be fun to have a “Miscellaneous Monday”. Just a random couple Brooks and/or Oriole items for this day.

Brooks Robinson Superball

Attachment 410210

Orioles World Series win sticker

Attachment 410211

1970 Orioles ruler

Attachment 410212

2010 MD-7 Pin

Attachment 410213

Orioles light switch cover

Attachment 410214

1974-75 Charles Linnett Drawings
 

Around 1974-1975, artist Charles Linnett produced some really drawings of baseball players and other sports stars. While I wish the drawings included hats, I still like the quality of his art. Several players were done after they left the Orioles, but without caps I still include them in my collection.

The main difference between years, is the addition of a printed name in the lower left corner. There is still a Rich Coggins drawing I would like to pick up, but I think I have the most of the rest of the Orioles.

1974 Charles Linnett Drawings

Attachment 410233 Attachment 410232

Attachment 410230 Attachment 410231


1975 Charles Linnett Drawings

Attachment 410234 Attachment 410235

Attachment 410236 Attachment 410237

Attachment 410238

Day 203 (July 21, 2020 – 203)

I saw this piece when I first started collecting Brooks, but missed out. I failed to get a picture of the item at the time and just had an image in my mind of what the item looked like, but wasn’t positive who was on the cover with Brooks. A few years ago it was posted again, I believe on eBay, with a low BIN and I couldn’t get it fast enough. I’m sure for most people this is not something they may even want in their collection, but I think these type of things are both fun and unique.

TV Week from the newspaper The Sun in Baltimore with a picture of Curt Gowdy interviewing Brooks; the July 21, 1974 edition.

Attachment 410332

A 1974 All Star Game team photo that I’ve had on my wall for quite some time now.

1974 All-Star Game team photo.

Attachment 410333

Pennant from the 1974 All Star Game played at Three Rivers Stadium.

Attachment 410334

Slugger Magazine (Japan) with Cal
 

Good afternoon,

I keep meaning to mention, Bill, I love that Esskay Christmas card. And Mark, that 1970 Orioles ruler is really cool.

I've posted several Japanese magazines featuring Cal Ripken before but I was recently able to acquire another one.

1998 Slugger Magazine with Cal:

Attachment 410392

Always liked the foreign publications. Cool Rip cover...

Mark love the Brooks oldball stuff !

Day 204 (July 22, 2020 – 204)

Since Mike posted a Japanese magazine yesterday I might as well follow up with another example. This foreign magazine was pictured by Howard (hcv123) in an early post (#30) and here’s a copy I picked up after several years of searching. I don’t read Japanese so I’m unsure what the magazine is called, but I believe it’s from 10/28/71 and lists Baltimore Orioles on the cover. There’s Frank, Brooks and Boog on a super cool designed cover.

Attachment 410462

Signed game Used hat of Cal Ripken Jr. from his 1981 season in Rochester:

https://i.imgur.com/NDRhC0Y.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/8dYLpRw.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/wIF7RvJ.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/AD4BNQP.jpg

1983 World Series Baseballs
 

I'm a little slow in responding to Mark's request, but finally got pics of the baseballs. Over the next few days, I'll post pictures of each individual baseball.

Back in Post #118, I shared my collection of baseballs painted by artist Roberta Howard. I had her do the entire 1983 World Series roster. Each player is painted on an official AL baseball. I had her alternate with players in white and orange jerseys. With the cost of all the baseballs and her cost to paint them, I have about $30 in each baseball. A big investment back then, but I very happy with the results.

We will start with the Orioles pitching staff

Jim Palmer, Sammy Stewart, Dennis Martinez, Mike Boddicker, Storm Davis, Tim Stoddard, Tippy Martinez, Scott McGregor and Mike Flanagan

Attachment 410491 Attachment 410494
Attachment 410490 Attachment 410492
Attachment 410496 Attachment 410497
Attachment 410498 Attachment 410495
Attachment 410493

More Ajay Brooks Items
 

Good afternoon,

Previously, Brooks-endorsed lacing needles, flip-up glasses, and a rosin bag have been posted here. Here is another item by Ajay, this time a Brooks Robinson scorebook:

Attachment 410503

Foreign issued magazines seem to be tough to find, that’s a great one Mark!

awesome!!!

I knew you’d have to get back to Maine before you posted the painted baseballs; so thanks for remembering and posting. I can’t remember if you mentioned if you were thinking about getting them signed at the time or not.

Mike,

Thanks for adding a new one to the mix. Most Brooks items I’ve at least seen before, but I haven’t seen this Ajay item before. Thanks for showing it off!

Day 205 (July 23, 2020 – 205)

The Hostess set was distributed in three card panels on the bottom of their snack cake boxes. Brooks shares the panel with past Reds and then current fellow Oriole Lee May (with an airbrushed cap) and the great Carlton Fisk the then Boston catcher.

Attachment 410604

I’m not sure why there’s a difference, but the Brooks Hostess can be found with a fairly clear picture, which I’ve attached, and one that’s a tad bury with a redness to his face. I’m not sure if it’s something about the print setting or what the deal is with this card; maybe you guys can chime in on the reason for the difference.

Attachment 410605
Attachment 410606

Ok; now I’ve pictured a proof of the 1975 Hostess panel. Notice any difference?

Attachment 410607

Mark,

I'm not a Hostess expert, but do love the cards. I remember a lot of Twinkies and Cupcakes in the house over the summer.

The cards were issued on a variety of different products, including individual cards on single serve products. While the difference between the box cards and individual cards is noticeable (different card stock), the difference in your cards could be the product they were printed on. In 1976, the cards also were printed in black or brown on the back.

The proof with Brooks Robinson is easy to answer. Lee May was originally going to be printed as with Houston Astros, but Hostess changed his card after the trade to the Orioles.

1975 Hostess Proof of Lee May

Attachment 410614

1983 World Series Baseballs
 

Day #2 of the post of my 1983 World Series baseballs will highlight the Orioles outfielders. It's interesting to note how rosters have changed since 1983. The Orioles roster had 9 outfielders and 9 pitchers for the series. Today, teams often carry 12-13 pitchers and place a premium on bench players that can play infield and outfield.

1983 World Series Outfielders

Al Bumbry, Gary Roenicke, Benny Ayala, Dan Ford, Jim Dwyer, John Lowenstein, Ken Singleton, Tito Landrum, John Shelby

Attachment 410615 Attachment 410618

Attachment 410616 Attachment 410617

Attachment 410619 Attachment 410620

Attachment 410622 Attachment 410623

Attachment 410621


Mark,

At one point I was considering getting the baseball autographed. At that time, I had small kids and living in Maine, leaving not much access to get autographs at spring training or regular season games. Once a few players passed away, I decided to have none of them autographed rather than mix and match.

Got my signed cards back today. 9 day turnaround time! Brooks signed a baseball for me as a 12 year old boy in 1984 at an old timers game in Indianapolis right after the Hoosier Dome opened up and before the Colts moved to Indy. I still have the ball on display. One of my favorites of all time for that reason alone!

Besides the hilarity of the photographer's shadow marring everything (shouldn't that be one of the don'ts on the first day of photography class??), I noticed the dot borders aren't uniform at all (on any of the three cards). In the Brooksie on the panel, there's a significant gap in the lower left side, but in the Robinson card appearing alone, the dot border seems to be full on all four sides. Perhaps those differences are unique to whether or not the card is a clear or 'red faced' version?

Alan,

They looks very nice! Think you made the right decision on the autographs. Would be tough to see both the art and auto at the same time anyway.

Kevin,

Very nice autographed cards. Thanks for sharing the TTM success.

Always thought that was funny on the shadows. Basically thought the same thing as you mentioned above. They used the same picture on the 1974 Deckle Edge, but they cropped all that mess out.

Day 206 (July 24, 2020 – 206)

Has there been anyone better in the history that has charged, scooped, and thrown out runners on choppers and/or bunts than Brooks Robinson? Of course, the answer is “NO”. Will there ever be anyone better? “NO; it’s impossible”. A color 8X10 autographed photo of Brooks doing what he does best, charging the ball.

Attachment 410733

The photo was used on the cover of the Spring/1971 issue of Complete Sports. Cover shows some of the stars of other sports of the day to include basketball’s Willis Reed, hockey’s Bobby Orr and football’s Larry Brown.

Attachment 410734

1983 World Series Baseballs
 

Here's the last group of 1983 World Series painted baseballs. The infielders and catchers.

Cal Ripken Jr, Eddie Murray, Rick Dempsey, Joe Nolan, Rich Dauer, Lenn Sakata and Todd Cruz

Attachment 410735 Attachment 410736

Attachment 410740 Attachment 410737

Attachment 410739 Attachment 410738

Attachment 410741

Official 1983 World Series ball and painted logo ball round out the display

Attachment 410742 Attachment 410743

Attachment 410745

Day 207 (July 25, 2020 – 207)

A 1972 Working Press Pass for the Orioles season.

Attachment 410913

The 1972 MLB All-Star Game was played in Atlanta Stadium on July 25, 1972. The game went into extra innings and was won in the 10th. Joe Morgan singled, scoring Nate Colbert that ended the game. The NL won the AS game 4-3.

1972 Cachet for the 1972 All Star Game.

Attachment 410914

1971 Mattel Instant Replay record player
 

In 1971, I received a Mattel Instant Replay record player for Christmas. I can't be the only person to remember these.

You inserted a plastic record into the player and an announcer replayed a highlight from the player's career. The records included players from different sports, including drag racing. I no longer have the record player, but found this picture online. I think the record players must have come in multiple colors, because I remember mine being blue. You received 4 records in the original box and could purchase additional packs of records.

Attachment 410908

The only Oriole I'm aware of was Frank Robinson. If I remember right, his 500th HR was the highlight. The records came in two variations, a single sided record and a much harder to find double sided version.

1971 Mattel Frank Robinson records

Attachment 410909 Attachment 410910


1971 Mattel Frank Robinson proof

Attachment 410907

1957/58 Orioles Exhibition Programs
 

In the 1950's & 60's, it was fairly common for teams to travel to locations outside the normal radius of their spring training home, especially near the end of spring training. Teams would often recognize and thank their minor league affiliates, by playing an exhibition game there, just before the regular season was set to start. Even today, the Orioles will sometimes travel from Sarasota to Norfolk, to play a game against the Tides, if they are scheduled to open the season at Camden Yards.

Programs from these games are cool for a couple reasons, you can pinpoint the date of the game and quantities of the programs are fairly limited.

Here are a few programs from the 1957 and 1958 seasons.

1957 Benefit game in Los Angeles

Attachment 411000


1957 Spring Training Program in San Antonio, Texas

Attachment 411001


1958 Exhibition game in Las Vegas

Attachment 411002

Those are very cool, but I especially like the Frank Robinson proof. Very unique piece.

Day 208 (July 26, 2020 – 208)

A few Brooks, late in his career, photographs; all on defense at 3rd base.

Attachment 411014
Attachment 411015

My favorite photograph pictured today is a small photo, around 5”x7”, taken by

Jerry Wachter in June of 1976.

Attachment 411016

Day 209 (July 27, 2020 – 209)

Brooks was featured on the cover of several magazines after the 1970 World Series victory and WS MVP Award. Here’s a few from 1971:

Dell Baseball 1971 – with the article “Brooks Robinson Hottest Ever at the Hot Corner”

Attachment 411164

I like the cover photo of Brooks used on this baseball magazine; the cover photo was taken by photographer Malcolm Emmons.

Cord Sportfacts Baseball News 1971

Attachment 411165

Brooks Robinson on the cover along with Phillies star Dick Allen. Very nice setup for the cover in my opinion with the bright yellow backdrop.

1971 Countrywide Sports August Edition

Attachment 411166

This is still going on daily? :eek: I barely have the energy or focus to update once every few weeks anymore.

You guys have some impressive staying power

Picking up where Alan left off the other day, here is an exhibition game program from April 1991 where the Orioles and the Red Sox played a two game series at RFK Stadium in DC prior to the season opener:



https://i.imgur.com/KIqswc5.jpg

Orioles Exhibition Programs
 

Bill,

I love these type of programs. 1991 was actually in the middle of a string of years that the Orioles played exhibition games at RFK Stadium. Here are programs from 1988 - 1993.

1988 Program

Attachment 411176


1989 Programs (2 different cover variations for April 1st & 2nd)

Attachment 411177 Attachment 411178


1992 Program

Attachment 411179


1993 Program

Attachment 411180

Day 210 (July 28, 2020 – 210)

I enjoy looking at the Topps 1977 Orioles Team #546 with the orange jerseys. While a lot of people don’t like the orange jerseys I sure do. I wasn’t as crazy about the orange pants to go along with the jersey, but still liked the look (a little).

1977 Topps #546

Attachment 411312

1977 Topps #546 back

Attachment 411313

A 1976 B&W team photo for the 1977 Topps card. Notice the Jim Palmer cutout is placed in a different location.

Attachment 411315

Mark..I've always wondered where Jim Palmer was when they took that 1976 team photo!

Here is another Spring Training program, this one from 1989 where the Orioles played three exhibition games at the recently completed Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami (future home of the Marlins):

https://i.imgur.com/baK8nxE.jpg

Joe Robbie Spring Training Programs
 

Bill,

You've awoken the sleeping dog. I love Orioles programs, especially unusual ones, and could post them everyday. :D

Here are some other Orioles spring training programs from Joe Robbie Stadium

1988 Program

Attachment 411323


1991 Program

Attachment 411324


1992 Program

Attachment 411325

Day 211 (July 29, 2020 – 211)

A couple of larger, and fairly common, pinbacks from 1966. The first is a GO-GO Baltimore Orioles pinback.

Attachment 411424

Below is the 1966 American League Champions pinback with the Orioles team pictured.

Attachment 411425

I don’t have a great picture of my 1966 Orioles Press Pin, but you get the idea.

Attachment 411426


Man, you guys have some cool looking programs; keep them coming!

Mark...Great Pins!

OTD in 2007, Cal Ripken Jr. was inducted into the HOF...I was fortunate enough to be there and it was one of the most memorable days of my life:

https://i.imgur.com/Uxa5GZW.jpg

Spring Training Programs
 

Mark,

Here you go. Over the years, the Orioles have played a couple games in Louisville, KY at the end of spring training.

1990 Scorecard vs St. Louis Cardinals

Attachment 411434


2002 Scorecard vs Cincinnati Reds

Attachment 411435


Here's one last spring training program that took place in Mark's backyard. In 1975, the Orioles played the Braves in Jacksonville, FL.

1975 Program vs Atlanta Braves

Attachment 411436

Bill,

My wife and I were there that weekend, too. We had to stay in a tent at a camping area near Cooperstown, because all the motels and hotels were full for miles.

The amount of Orioles fans, compared to Padres, that day was unbelievable. I felt a little bad for Tony Gwynn. We were about in the middle of the crowd in front of the stage. I think it was the largest crowd to attend the induction ceremony, at least to that point. People were also watching from a an area overflow across the street.

I didn't get a ball from Cal :confused: , but did pick up some nice items from the weekend. My best pick up was a 2007 HOF brown bat.

Here's a program from the ceremony.

2007 HOF Induction Program

Attachment 411444


The Aberdeen Ironbirds also played that weekend at Doubleday Field. We set beside Joe Mahoney's parents at the game. Joe played a couple games for the Orioles in 2012 and the Marlins in 2013. The Ironbirds were managed by former O's Andy Etchebarren.

2007 Ironbirds program from HOF Weekend

Attachment 411445

Great items Alan.....It certainly was a crazy weekend (wish I would have known you back then!)...

That weekend, I was fortunate to get one of those brown bats signed by both Tony & Cal (was a thank you gift from Ripken Baseball for helping out):

https://i.imgur.com/Rcqxvo5.jpg

Cal HOF Induction
 

Hi Alan and Bill,

I was at Cal's induction too. I was part of a bus trip from Baltimore that stayed at Turning Stone Casino and Resort. I missed the day before the induction when the HOFers present were signing autographs because I went on a hot streak at Caribbean Stud Poker and it paid for my entire weekend.

It's funny, I had the same thought too about Tony Gwynn, I felt sorry that there were so many Orioles fans present.

My only regret that weekend is that it was probably my one chance to meet Willie Mays and I didn't get to. I remember people in my bus group complaining that he was charging $325 for autographs. It was Willie Mays!

Day 212 (July 30, 2020 – 212)

The Daily Star newspaper type insert from Saturday, July 30, 1983. Pictures HOF inductees Juan Marichal, George Kell, Walter Alston as well as Brooks.

Attachment 411603

I know I pictured the 1983 HOF induction brown bat, but here it is again…

Attachment 411604

I have a couple advertising cards picturing Brooks, one mailed and one not mailed, for a baseball card memorabilia show held during the 1983 HOF weekend. I have a small poster ad as well which I’ll post in a few days.

Attachment 411605
Attachment 411606

Mark...That Brooks HOF Induction bat is difficult to find (I believe it was the first year they made them)...

On the subject of Brooks bats, this is my last BiCentennial bat to show (I know Mark shared his back on the 4th of July)....I wish I could have the personalization removed:

https://i.imgur.com/r5SPCFf.jpg

This is one of the most amazing threads I have seen. Totally awesome stuff!!

Orioles Red Cross Bobbleheads
 

I don't know how many of you collect bobbleheads, but according to my wife I have way more than I need, including 3 ft bobbleheads of Brooks Robinson and Cal Ripken Jr.

In 2006, Brooks was part of a Red Cross blood drive promotion that included an appearance by him and a bobblehead giveaway. For bobblehead collectors, it is a highly sought after item. Only about 200 were produced.

Here is a flyer advertising the event and the bobblehead. Ironically, a Cal Ripken Jr bobblehead is pictured on the flyer. :confused:

Attachment 411614 Attachment 411617


In 2007 and 2010, Red Cross bobbleheads of Boog Powell and Matt Wieters were also given out at blood drives. The Powell and Wieters bobbleheads are just as hard to find as the Brooks Robinson. I'm lucky to have picked up all three.

Attachment 411615 Attachment 411618

Still looks good. Can the sharpie be removed w/o affecting the bat?

While I don’t really collect bobbleheads I do have a few. I know the Brooks Red Cross can be costly. Sure looks good though.

Day 213 (July 31, 2020 – 213)

The Forty-Fourth Annual Program for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The cover of the program features the 1982 Induction ceremony at Cooperstown and pictures Travis Jackson, Happy Chandler, Frank Robinson and Hank Aaron. The 1983 inductees to the HOF were Walter Alston, George Kell, Juan Marichal and Brooks Robinson.

1983 Hall of Fame Program

Attachment 411751

To go along with the program is the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Yearbook. The cover features artwork by Dick Perez of the 1983 inductees (Alston, Kell, Marichal, and Brooks).

1983 Hall of Fame Yearbook

Attachment 411752

Below is a Press Pass for CBS News to the HOF Induction Ceremonies on July 31, 1983.

Working Press Pass July 31, 1983

Attachment 411753

Day 213 (July 31, 2020 – 213) cont.

AND...You have to have a shirt to commemorate the day!

Attachment 411754

Mark...Great '83 HOF Induction pieces!

Alan...Congrats on getting all three of those American Red Cross Bobbleheads

I believe the Orioles first bobblehead giveaway was a Cal Ripken Jr. one back in 2000....Here is a postcard they sent promoting the occassion:

https://i.imgur.com/LObBjH5.jpg

Cal Ripken Jews for Jesus pamphlet
 

Maybe Bill has more info on this?? I found it sorting through some stuff. It's a pamphlet with a short quiz about Cal Ripken Jr sponsored by Jews for Jesus in Rockville, MD. I'm guessing after he retired, early to mid 2000's.

It's a much brighter orange than the scans show.

Attachment 411755


Here are the pages unfolded (8 1/2" x 11)

Attachment 411756

Attachment 411757

[QUOTE=BaltOrioles;2004560]Maybe Bill has more info on this?? I found it sorting through some stuff. It's a pamphlet with a short quiz about Cal Ripken Jr sponsored by Jews for Jesus in Rockville, MD. I'm guessing after he retired, early to mid 2000's. QUOTE]

Bill,

That's both COOL and unique...

Brooks Oddball Cards
 

Hi, everyone. New to posting. I thought to show a couple of my favorite oddball Brooks Cards part of the PSA Brooks Master Set. Took me a while to find these two. I am told the 1968 Disc might be missing a color or two. Regardless, they are pretty rare and tough to find.

Mark, thanks for getting me up an running!!!

Two very nice Topps test issues! The 3D card from 68, the 61 Dice Game are by far the toughest to obtain... and those disc are right up there. Scarce !

Great cards! Did you get the '68 from a dealer named Steve? One of my favorite Orioles oddball dealers and he had a '68 Brooks disc for sale earlier this year.