Mike:

It wasn't given out at Memorial Stadium so it must have been something that one got at the OPI that day.

I've never seen it before, it's pretty cool...

As an aside, the Orioles lost 12-0 that day (game #1 of what would be 21) and when I got home that night my wife asked me if I saw anything postive from the Orioles in the loss.

I remember replying sarcastically "Well they did block both both extra points." lol

Aberdeen Ironbirds Media Guides
 

While advances in technology have greatly helped me find items for my collection that I probably never would have found, it is eliminating some items that I truly love to collect. One of those are media guides.

The future of collecting media guides printed by teams is looking bleak. Each year more teams are converting to electronic media guides instead of printed copies. The Orioles stopped printing media guides after the 2018 issue.

While popular with fans, media guides are also a great source of information on a team's history.

The Aberdeen Ironbirds stopped printing media guides after 2014. I'm missing the 2002 and 2003 issues (will find them someday), but here are the Ironbirds media guides from 2004 - 2014.

Aberdeen Ironbirds Media Guides

Attachment 416604
Attachment 416605
Attachment 416606
Attachment 416607
Attachment 416608
Attachment 416609
Attachment 416610
Attachment 416611
Attachment 416612
Attachment 416613
Attachment 416615

Day 247 (September 3, 2020 – 247)

I’m not positively sure if I haven’t posted this publication yet since I know we’ve discussed Chuck Thompson several times over the course of this year. This is from an annual banquet put on by The Advertising Club of Baltimore and which was held on February 4, 1967. The Advertising Club of Baltimore was an organization established to promote truth in advertising and expanded to promote Baltimore’s businesses and cultural qualities. The cover features Chuck Thompson, but also has a few popular Baltimore sports figures as well.

1967 The Advertising Club of Baltimore 59th Annual Banquet

Attachment 416721

As you can see there’s a few “Baltimore” Colts players who are pictured and attended the annual banquet. I used to have quite a few Colts items, but probably only have a handful of collectibles left. This is one that I kept; a pennant from when I was young.

Attachment 416722

Outside Pitch Programs
 

In post #1122, I discussed GameDay and Outside Pitch programs, including some cards issued in conjunction with the programs. Here's a quote from that post -

"In 1992, an alternate to the programs sold at Camden Yards emerged. The programs were sold outside the stadium and eventually through a yearly magazine subscription. I started collecting them one issue too late and have all the programs printed, except issue #1. I have never seen it, but haven't given up hope of finding one. They lasted from 1992 until their last program in the beginning of 2010. The number of issues each year varied, but there are 192 different. The program was initially called GameDay, but in 1994 was renamed Outside Pitch. The publication's quality improved over the years."


Obviously throughout the years, Cal Ripken Jr was a popular cover subject. Cal appeared on around 30 different covers.

Cal's first two covers in 1992 and last cover in 2007

Attachment 416758 Attachment 416750

Attachment 416748

However, Brooks Robinson did appear on one of the magazine covers. As discussion of the demolition of Memorial Stadium were ongoing, the December 2000 issue reflected on the history of the stadium. The stadium would be torn down in February 2002.

Outside Pitch program from Dec 2000

Attachment 416745

Day 248 (September 4, 2020 – 248)

The Orioles swept the A’s in three games in the 1971 American League Championship Series. In the 1972 Topps set, card #222, Brooks is shown being greeted and congratulated by Mark Belanger.

1972 Topps 1971 A.L. Playoffs Orioles Champs #222

Attachment 416903
Attachment 416904

1972 O-PEE-CHEE 1971 A.L. Playoffs Orioles Champs #222

Attachment 416905
Attachment 416906

1972 Topps #222 blank back

Attachment 416907

1972 Topps #222 progressive proof

Attachment 416908

1970 Carl Aldana Orioles
 

I apologize if these have been posted before, but a search of the thread didn't yield any results.

Shortly after the 1970 World Series, artist Carl Aldana produced a small set of cards of the Orioles. The cards are listed as 1970, but with the inclusion of two cards showing Brooks Robinson's famous catch from the World Series, the earliest printing would be late 1970. Aldana was from the west coast and produced several sets, including cards of PCL players. I'm not sure why he selected to print a set featuring the Orioles.

The set contains 12 cards and includes two of Brooks Robinson. The cards are slightly smaller than regular Topps cards, more the size of 1951/52 Bowman cards.

1970 Carl Aldana Orioles set

Attachment 416926 Attachment 416928

Aldana
 

I love the Aldana set, especially the 2 Brooks cards!

Like everyone else, I was saddened to hear that Tom Seaver passed away the other day.

Back in July of '85 I took in a Saturday afternoon White Sox/Orioles game at Memorial Stadium with Seaver pitching for the Sox.

I took some pre-game photos of him warming up in the Bullpen and then one of him pitching to Cal Ripken Jr. Looking at that picture now, I can see that it now has four Hall of Famers in it...

RIP Tom

https://i.imgur.com/d0E1zpN.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/NETo49Q.jpg

Here's a Brooks Robinson postcard from an Ebay listing, 1958.[/ATTACH]416984[/ATTACH]

I really like this set as well.

Yes; this was very sad news...

Day 249 (September 5, 2020 – 249)

There’s an area that’s lacking in my Orioles collection and that is pennants (and now I guess minor league Oriole affiliates). I have just a few, but to be honest most of them are not in nice shape since a lot of the Orioles pennants when I was growing up were white and the color just doesn’t hold up well over time; at least mine didn’t. Most of the pennants that I still have been in my possession since I was young. I was big into pennants as a kid; I loved putting them in circles on my walls and ceiling. I gave many of them away along with way, but still have a few remaining even though I’d really need to upgrade most if not all of them. Currently I don’t have ANY on my wall (what a shame).

1969 AL Champions pennant

Attachment 417025

1969 World Series picture pennant

Attachment 417026

Always like this one since it reminded me of Brooks.

Attachment 417027

Mark...Cool pennants!

Here is a Dennis Martinez autographed cool weather Orioles jacket:

https://i.imgur.com/q0QKBhQ.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/CYltJt8.jpg

Pennants
 

Mark,

I'm kind of in the same boat as you regarding pennants. I was more into them as a kid and haven't really picked any up in 20 years. I find them hard to store and display. I have seen some articles about cleaning pennants, but never tried it myself.

My man cave doesn't have a lot of wall space that I wanted to use for pennants. About 20 years ago, our family hosted a foreign exchange student from Chile for almost a year (actually we had 5 students over a period of 8 years). She suggested I put the pennants on the ceiling. Here's what it looks like....

Attachment 417029


A few pennants from my childhood

Attachment 417030

Attachment 417031

Attachment 417032

Love that jacket Bill!

Day 250 (September 6, 2020 – 250)

Every time I look at this photo it makes me chuckle. Brooks has his normal grin while getting an award at, I assume, a “Moose Lodge” with a mounted moose in the background (it’s not an Elk is it? No offence if it’s an “Elk Lodge” rather than a moose). The young fellow with his broken (or likely sprained) arm in a sling with a letterman jacket draped around his shoulders and neck looking up at Brooks like he’s come down from a higher league. What type of sport could this kid have lettered in?!? Then there’s the other fellows, one who may possibly be Colonel Sanders (Lt. Smith) along with the great Earl Campbell (What! Not the football Earl Campbell; oh well...). The photo was taken by Chester A. Jackson.

Attachment 417156

Cal Ripken (2131 Remembered)
 

Cal Ripken Jr broke Lou Gehrig's consecutive games record 25 years old today. I'm sure Bill can share some unbelievable items from that historic feat. Here are a few items from my collection that celebrate the event, including a ticket from the game. I wasn't there, but my son got me a ticket for a Christmas gift. It's one of those records that will probably never be broken again.

Attachment 417162

Attachment 417163

Attachment 417165

Attachment 417166 Attachment 417167

Several old license plates I had on my vehicles

Attachment 417164

Alan....Fantastic 2131 related items (I think if you'll peek inside that Sports Illustrated, you'll see an article about my collection!)...Certainly was a night I'll never forget & I was on interviewed on the field very early the next morning with Jon Miller on the CBS Morning Program...

Anyways, here is my most special piece of memorabilia that evening:

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

Hi Bill,

Those line-up cards are amazing.

That guy next to the vacuum cleaner is clearly Michael Douglas :D ...

Attachment 417237Attachment 417238

Cool photo Mark. That’s an elk and if you blow up the plaque you can make out BPOE. There’s some more but I can’t make it out. Benevolent Protective Order of Elk.

Bill,

Amazing!

Clint,

Thanks for the ELK identification. NOW let me know what this kid lettered in? Looks like he has a couple of patches on the letterman jacket.

Lettered in baseball, football and basketball. Must have been quite the athlete.

Can you see it? Maybe it was someone else's jacket...

Day 251 (September 7, 2020 – 251)

Hope everyone has a great Labor Day!

I hope that most of you are off work today and if retired just enjoying the day. Today is a favorite card of mine Brooks’ 1975 Topps #50. I know some don’t like the setup on the 1975 Topps (something is wrong with you…), but I think it’s AWESOME! All these different colors on one card, game action shot, the AL ALL STAR in a star, eye black, short brim helmet, nice facsimile signature; this card is COOL. I think Brooks was the only major league player that wore the short brim helmet. Brooks basically took a hacksaw and cut 1 ½ off of the brim of the helmet and a ½ inch off of the ear flap.

1975 Topps Match Print photo

Attachment 417366

1975 Topps #50

Attachment 417367
Attachment 417368

A Topps Baseball Collecting three ring binder with a 1975 Topps Brooks pictured.

Attachment 417369

I have always liked the cartoons drawn on the back of the 75s . Set is a real challenge to find centered and without print dots and fish eyes. I am with Mark, I like the 75 set and Brooks looks great!

Orioles/Phillies Reunion Picnic
 

Found this looking through some stuff and wondering if anyone attended? Bill?? It looks like a nice group of attendees from the 1983 World Series team.

It's a program from the 1983 World Series Reunion Picnic on June 28, 2003. Well, not really much of a program since there's only a front and back. Eddie Murray was scheduled to be there. Sometimes I wish I lived closer to Baltimore.

Attachment 417391 Attachment 417392

Alan:

Yes, I took my youngest son down for the weekend...Saturday afternoon was the outdoor luncheon and listened to a lot of players give short talks, which was then followed by an autograph session for both teams (as per the program).

On Saturday night, they held a Home Run hitting contest (which was won by Rick Dempsey I believe) and on Sunday, they actually had an Old Timers Game (which you never see anymore)...

The Orioles later in the season auctioned off the uniforms & helmets used in that Old Timers game and I was fortunate to get the Eddie batting helmet (fortunately Eddie was there however Cal Jr. was not):

https://i.imgur.com/56ruF5x.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/1FIy49S.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/fBwqYoC.jpg

Day 252 (September 8, 2020 – 252)

In 1969 Topps did something a little different; they put stamps in their own 5 cent packs. Inside the packs you would get gum, a sheet of 12 stamps and one team album. There was a total of 240 stamps in the 1969 set.

1969 Stamp sheet

Attachment 417517

1969 Stamp sheet proof

Attachment 417518

1969 Stamp Album

Attachment 417519
Attachment 417520

1972 Gillette All-Star 8x10
 

Good morning,

Mark, I really like the 12-stamp proof sheet.

Below are photos from a 1972 Gillette All-Star 8x10 sheet that includes the starting line-ups of both the AL and NL All-Star Team. Brooks is included as the AL starting third baseman.

Earl was the manager and Jim Palmer was the starting pitcher. Dave McNally took the loss that game.

Both the AL and NL were loaded with HOFers (and I think next year Dick Allen will join them as well). This would also be Roberto Clemente's last All-Star game.

Sorry about the glare, I didn't want to remove the 8x10 from it's holder, as it's on thin paper stock.

Attachment 417522

Attachment 417523

Pressbox is a free Baltimore area sports tabloid size newspaper that comes out monthly..In the past I usually pick my copy up outside Rick Dempsey's restaurant after Oriole/Ravens games, unfortunately COVID has unfortunately stopped my travels down there.

I'm fortunate to have a relationship with the publisher/founder and he was kind enough to send me up their last two issues featuring both Brooks & Cal Jr. as cover subjects celebrating milestone anniversaries:

https://i.imgur.com/6GF9Fnb.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/zXlbAjB.jpg

Alan,

I've never seen this item before; very nice!

Those are both nice; love the cover shots. i'll have to find a Brooksie one...

Day 253 (September 9, 2020 – 253)

1965 The Sporting News Official Baseball Guide with Ken Boyer, Dean Chance and Brooks on the cover.

Attachment 417617

A full page in the August 14, 1965 issue of The Sporting News advertising a free Baseball Guide with a 26-week subscription to TSN.

Attachment 417618

Difficult week in the baseball world with the passing of two Hall of Famers (Seaver & Brock) and just yeterday I learned that former A.L. President Gene Budig had passed away as well.

A few years back at the Baseball HOF Gift Shop I picked up this book that Budig wrote, which featured Cal Ripken Jr. on the cover. I then sent it to Mr. Budig who graciously signed and returned it:

https://i.imgur.com/oqOFNw2.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/AYUCoJd.jpg

Minor Matters Magazine
 

Bill's post on Press Box newspapers reminded me of a publication I hadn't looked at in a long time.

Has anyone heard of Minor Matters? I would assume not many, since my one year 12 issue subscription turned into 8 issues quickly.

In April 1995, Minor Matters published out of Stow, Ohio debuted. It was supposed to be published twice a month from April-August and monthly in September - November. It covered all of the activity within the Orioles farm system, with stats, schedules and stories about O's prospects. I found it interesting and helpful while following the affiliates, but I must have been in the minority. By the 5th issue, they changed from twice a month format to monthly and by the 8th issue in November 1995, they were done. I believe Minor Matters also did several other teams including the Indians, Reds and others. I'm not sure if those fared any better.


Premiere Issue of Minor Matters in April 1995 featuring Armando Benitez

Attachment 417634 Attachment 417636


Last Issue

Attachment 417635

Alan...

I have to admit that I haven't heard of that Minor League publication...

Seeing Calvin Maduro's name as a top prospect reminded me that the Orioles permitted him to attend our Golf Tournament last July (even though it was the middle of the season). He was an International Scout for them and we ate lunch afterwards & he was very high on the prospects the Orioles got from Boston in the Cashner deal...Unfortunately he was let go in the post season scouting purge and last I heard he was working for the Twins in a similar capacity.

I had a 2001 game used jersey of his that he was happy to sign/inscribe:

https://i.imgur.com/HRFFh0p.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/jaVAUtT.jpg

Day 254 (September 10, 2020 – 254)

Letter sent from Brooks talking about a photograph taken of him during Game 3 of the 1970 World Series telling how he’d like to share it with his fans. Also shares that he would enjoy personally autographing the photo.

Attachment 417773

The 1982 uncropped photo by Tadder used for the Brooks letter showing more of his awards wall in his home.

Attachment 417774

Finally, we have the 16 x 20 photograph that’s talked about in the letter. Just a great shot of Brooks hitting in Memorial Stadium with Bench catching.

Attachment 417775

2003 Ottawa Lynx
 

In 2003, the Orioles moved their AAA affiliate from Rochester, NY across the border to Ottawa, Canada. The Ottawa Lynx would would be affiliated with the Orioles from 2003-2006. As I mentioned in post #2110, Ottawa was one of the tougher franchises to deal with through the mail. I never did get to a game there.

The 2003 Lynx had a pretty good season finishing 79-65, losing to Pawtucket in the playoffs. Being a AAA team, plenty of players bounced back and forth to the Orioles. I counted over 20 players that played for the Orioles at some point. The biggest names on the roster were Brian Roberts and Larry Bigbie.

The Lynx issued four programs that year, but I only have two of them

Attachment 417782

Attachment 417789


Here's a few Lynx you probably forgot were Orioles....

Izzy Molina

Attachment 417790


Hector Carrasco

Attachment 417791


Napoleon Calzado

Attachment 417792


Carlos Mendez

Attachment 417793

Mark that 1975 photo is awesome. Love your proof stuff.

That is such a great photo that Topps used it (or at least a very similar shot) on the 1976 box (although they reversed the image)

Believe it's the same shot, but has all the air brushing of the uni and helmet. Since Brooks does most things left handed you have to wonder why he didn't bat left handed...

Day 255 (September 11, 2020 – 255)

In 1969, Game 1 of the World Series, Don Buford homers off Tom Seaver in his first ever WS at bat. Buford is greeted by Jay Mazzone, the Orioles bat boy, along with the rest of the Orioles dugout including Brooks with open arms ready to offer his congratulations. Mike Cuellar went the distance in a 4-1 victory over the Mets.

1969 Topps Buford Belts Leadoff Homer! #305

Attachment 417859
Attachment 417860

1969 O-PEE-CHEE Buford Belts Leadoff Homer #305

Attachment 417861
Attachment 417862

1970 O-Pee-Chee Orioles set
 

Mark,

I love when you post the O-Pee-Chee cards. Those of us that love to collect the O-Pee-Chee cards, we know how challenging it can be to find them. Centering has always been an issue with the OPC cards, making it even harder to assemble a nice set.

Before 1970, the number of cards needed to complete an Orioles team set was less than 20 cards, usually 15-18. OPC expanded the size of their set to 528 cards in 1970, making the Orioles team set one of the largest ever. With regular player cards, leader cards and post season cards is 38 cards. Unforunately, OPC didn't include the higher numbers, meaning no Frank Robinson, although he did appear in the All-Star group.

One of the more difficult cards to find any decent border around the whole card is #455, the Brooks Robinson All-Star card.

1970 O-Pee-Chee Orioles set

Attachment 417870 Attachment 417871 Attachment 417872 Attachment 417873 Attachment 417874

Posted for ksfarmboy

The 1970 Orioles finished first in the American League East with a record of 108 wins and 54 losses, 15 games ahead of the runner-up New York Yankees. The Orioles swept the Minnesota Twins for the second straight year in the American League Championship Series. They then went on to win their second World Series title over the National League champion Cincinnati Reds in five games.

Clint picked up a very nice Danbury Mint 1970 Baltimore Orioles team figurine. This piece measures around 28" Long x 7" tall.

Attachment 417963

Day 256 (September 12, 2020 – 256)

It wasn’t long into collecting Brooks that I saw a picture, in an auction I believe, of a series of marbles put out by Creative Creation. I was able to pick up the Brooks marble early on from one of the ads in SCD.

1968 Creative Creation marble

Attachment 417967

Well this year, thanks to Howard (hcv123), I was finally able to pick up an unopened package of the Creative Creation Series 3 marbles with Brooks included. There’s quite a bit of stars in this series and include the Orioles Boog Powell and Frank Robinson.

1968 Creative Creation Series 3 marbles

Attachment 417968

Now that’s a cool piece ! Don’t see that often!
Scott

Morton Tadder Team Sheets
 

Mark,

That unopened package is great. I know there are at least a couple others Orioles in that set (Paul Blair and Dave McNally).


I've posted Morton Tadder team issued B&W 8x10 photos in some earlier posts. In addition to the individual 8x10 photos, the Orioles also produced 8x10 team sheets. There were usually 4-5 per year. I haven't seen any after 1997 and by 1999, you could no longer stop by the Orioles offices and purchase individual player photos directly from the team. The team sheets were usually distributed to newspapers, magazines, etc to use if they needed a photo for their publications. I assume the digital photo era made them obsolete. Sometimes you find them cut up into individual photos, but they weren't printed as such. The team sheets also help me to identify the year of the individual player photos, since the individual 8x10 player photos usually paralleled the team sheets.

Here are the last sheets from the 1997 wire-to-wire Eastern Division champs.

1997 Orioles Team Sheets

Attachment 417974 Attachment 417975 Attachment 417976 Attachment 417977 Attachment 417978

Clint,

That is a very nice piece. I picked mine up around the time they came out and I'm sure you will agree that a picture doesn't do it justice. Does anyone know the production run? Mine is in my display case and if there's number on the bottom, I'm too lazy to try and take it out. Thanks

Thanks Alan and yes pictures don’t do it justice. If your a vintage O’s fan I highly recommend getting one. I have the certificate that came with it but I’m not home at the moment. I’ll check when I get back in town Sunday to see if there’s a number on it. Not sure how in the world I missed these little treasures when they came out. Wouldn’t mind getting all the teams but definitely don’t have the room. Wish I could add Cuellar, Rettenmund, and McNally to it.

Day 257 (September 13, 2020 – 257)

In 1974 Topps came out with a test issue in the New England area. The super-sized baseball photos with ‘deckle’ or scalloped edges became known with collectors as the 1974 Deckle Edge set. The cards were large and measured 2 7/8” by 5”. The backs of the cards showed something that hadn’t been done before; dated photos. The back read the date of the photo, but also the location where the photo was taken; unique.

1974 Topps Deckle Edge #25 – Grey back

Attachment 418129
Attachment 418130

I did finally pick up a 1974 Deckle Edge with the white back but don't have it scanned; I do have a proof scanned though.

1974 Topps Deckle Edge #25 – white back square cut proof

Attachment 418131
Attachment 418132

1974 Deckle Edge Orioles
 

A big thank you to Mark for hooking me up with my 1974 Deckle Brooks Robinson a couple years ago. I've always liked the look of the cards, but surprisingly if they were a New England test issue, I don't ever remember seeing any in Maine.

The other two Orioles in the set are Jim Palmer and a relatively young, at the time, Bobby Grich.

Attachment 418134

Mark & Alan...Those '74 Deckle Edges are really neat (especially the proofs)

WAMD is a radio station in Aberdeen (MD), which most people probably know is the hometown of the Ripken Family.

Back in the day, they would always have an off season banquet with the Ripken Family as guests.

Their 1987 banquet postcard:

https://i.imgur.com/oOLdamK.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/bP5fxzJ.jpg

And 1990 (this one was signed that evening):

https://i.imgur.com/b5XERdq.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/m5Xze8n.jpg

I love the 1974 Deckle Edge Orioles. Are the white back still considered the rarer of the two between white and gray backs? At the time I picked my copies of all 3 Orioles in the set up, about 10 years ago, their was a premium on the white backs. Does anyone know if this is still the case?

Rich,

I know in my case the white back was a much tougher find. I’ve been collecting for a while now and just added the white back this year. I do have to say I have bid on one in the past, but came out way short. So, I have at least seen a white back available for sale.

I’ll let others chime in on their experience.

Just saw this 1961 Brooksie card on ebay at a nice price, so I didn't hesitate to quickly jump on it...

Attachment 418202

Talk about barely off-centered. This could be the poster child for it. Love it!!

Looks like a great looking Brooksie card to me. Don’t think it deserves the OC at all.

Orioles Pocket Schedules
 

Not sure if anyone has posted a Orioles Pocket Schedule collection. If so, apologies. I have collected these for a few years. I would like another version of the 1954, but here is my collection. I have many variations on the newer years. Some of these are pretty expensive and hard to find. I remember as a kid in the 1970s taking a handful of these from my uncles bar and taking them to school and selling for $0.10 and buying a pack of Topps cards on the way home from school. I am sure one of you are an expert on these, so please educate us! Enjoy.

P.S. I have a few extra if anyone is interested.

Charlie,

That's quite a collection of pocket schedules; thanks for sharing. I don't actively collect them, but I do like them for sure.

Day 258 (September 14, 2020 – 258)

Ok, I may be the only one to collect publications that really don’t, in the scheme of things, relate to Brooks, but have his picture, drawing, sometimes even his name “somewhere” on the cover (or sometime back cover; I know I have problems). Let’s look at two examples of those today.
Here’s a 1972 Boston Red Sox program with a couple of images of Brooks from the 1970 World Series on the cover. It’s possible the Red Sox needed help getting people to purchase their programs so they to added Brooks to get a few more sold.

1972 Boston Red Sox Official Program and Scorecard

Attachment 418263

This is a Huggins and Scott Auctions catalog from June 17, 2004. At least this auction catalog has Brooks’ picture on the front AND back. I really would like to find the photo of the four Gold Glove winners (Brooks, Belanger, Johnson and Blair); such a cool shot.

2004 Huggins and Scott auction catalogue

Attachment 418264
Attachment 418265

1974 Topps Test Puzzles
 

Topps produced a test set of puzzles in 1974. There are 12 different puzzles and they are about 5x7. The only Oriole in the set is Jim Palmer and Topps used the same photo for the puzzle that they used for the 1974 Deckle Edge set. The set contains plenty of HOFers, including Aaron, Bench, R.Jackson, Ryan, Seaver and Yaz. I have a wrapper somewhere that pictures Tom Seaver on the front.

1974 Topps Test Puzzle

Attachment 418280

Hi Alan,

I've always liked those test puzzles. Below is an uncut version of the Jim Palmer puzzle.

Attachment 418282

1972 Esso Latin Coins Mike Cuellar
 

Good morning,

In 1972 Esso issued a 13-coin set of Latin American players, with Roberto Clemente being the most desirable of the coins. Mike Cuellar was the only Oriole player issued.

Attachment 418283

Attachment 418284

Day 259 (September 15, 2020 – 259)

I’m not sure about this photo; maybe some of you can help. The photo is around 8x10 and pictures Brooks and Jim Armstrong from Flemington, NJ. The photo is from March of 1961 and is taken in St. Petersburg, FL at Al Lang Field. Was this some type of photo op with Brooks, or something Jim had taken, took home and had developed and ultimately have Brooks sign?

Attachment 418372

1992 MVP Collectibles cards
 

I picked these cards up at a show a number of years ago, but don't know much about their manufacturer, distribution, etc. Maybe some of you know more about them.

The set is called Great American Pastime and were printed by MVP Collectibles in 1992. The cards are a slightly smaller than regular cards, about 2 x 3 1/2. I have two Orioles, Brooks Robinson and Hoyt Wilhelm. Since Wilhelm is #48, there must be at least 48 cards in the set. The quality is pretty good and no logos are airbrushed, so was this set licensed?? I've seen a few others listed on eBay and they are were HOFers.

1992 Great American Pastime cards

Attachment 418383

Attachment 418384

Attachment 418385

I have a couple other cards from 1992, that reference MVP, but not sure if they are related to the same company or not

Attachment 418386 Attachment 418387

Alan,

I don't think I've seen these before; very nice. From the scan it looks like they are well done.

Day 260 (September 16, 2020 – 260)

Let’s do a couple of modern cards. I mentioned that I really don’t collect much on the modern side, but if something comes up where I like the look I’ll purchase if the price is reasonable (cheap…).

2019 Topps Heritage Box Topper #12

Attachment 418479
Attachment 418480

2019 Allen and Ginter 5x7 #75

Attachment 418481

I can’t help myself when Topps uses a cool Brooksie pose…

1962 Topps Stamps Proof
 

Good morning,

Previously, Mark posted an impressive 1969 Topps Stamps 12-card proof sheet with Brooks. Below are two 1962 Topps Stamps proofs including Chuck Estrada of the Orioles.

Attachment 418482

Attachment 418483

Orioles Pins
 

I dabble in pins, but don't consider them must have items. If I come across older pins I like and they are priced reasonably, I'll add them to my collection.

Here's a group of pins that don't have any identifying marks, but I like the simple design. I assume they would have been sold at the ballpark around 1983-84. They are about 3" and the white and green pins seem to be a little scarcer. I have seven different pins and have seen a green Cal Ripken Jr pin, but no other color variations. Don't know if there are other Orioles, but any info is appreciated.

1980's Unknown Pins

Attachment 418490

Attachment 418491

Alan:

You're correct that the pins you showed were indeed sold At Memorial Stadium....

I don't know of color variations of the other players but I do know that Cal Jr. could be found with both blue & green backgrounds (green certainly being the tougher one).

https://i.imgur.com/1Kr7XjM.jpg

Mike,

LOVE the proof stuff... Very nice especially with an Oriole included.

Bill was gracious enough to send me his HOF pass with a couple of Brooksie cards pictured as well as an Orioles helmet, uniform and WS program.

Thanks so much Bill; love it!

Attachment 418537

Day 261 (September 17, 2020 – 261)

Brooks Robinson made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles on September 17, 1955 at Memorial Stadium against the Washington Senators, batting 6th in the lineup. Brooks went 2-for-4 with a game winning RBI in the 8th giving the Orioles a 3-1 victory.

I’m not sure what newspaper this is from since I just took a picture and packed it away. I know it wasn’t a local paper, but got it just the same due to the baseball box score in the paper. The box score is entitled, “Lopat stops Senators As Orioles Win, 3-1”.

September 17, 1955 box score

Attachment 418568

1991 Cracker Jack Orioles
 

Mark,

That box score is very cool. Who hasn't enjoyed a box of Cracker Jack at a game. Sometime between the time I was a kid and today, the toy surprises inside the box went from something really neat to lame stickers.

For a few years in the 90's, mini versions of baseball cards were inserted into boxes. Both Topps and Donruss provided cards, Topps in 1991 and Donruss in 1992.

In 1991, there were two series of 36 cards. Three Orioles were in the set, Cal Ripken Jr in series one and Ben McDonald and Gregg Olson in series two.

1991 Orioles Cracker Jack cards

Attachment 418576

In addition to the individual mini cards, 4 in 1 cards have shown up. Most likely uncut sheets being cut up. The 4-1 cards are the same size as a regular baseball card. I just couldn't help myself and started picking up all the Orioles 4-1 variations. I have 18 of what I believe are 19 different, missing only the (Monitor, Clemens, Ripken, Boggs) card. There are 10 different Ripken variations, 6 different McDonald and 4 Olson. One variation contains both McDonald and Olson. I've seen pics of uncut sheets and the repeating patterns of some cards, make some of the 4-1 combos easier to find than others.

1991 Cracker Jack 4-1 cards

Attachment 418577

Attachment 418578

Attachment 418579

Mark...If you can get up to Cooperstown by 10/02, you can get in for free lol..


Remember when teams played Basketball in the off season (usually versus HS Faculty, etc.)?

Here is an original Baltimore Sun photo from January of 1974 with Brooks and some teammates suited up prior to tip off. Ironically, the Rangers' Jim Spencer was playing with them as well (he lived in Maryland):

https://i.imgur.com/9YJjVCj.jpg

Orioles Winter Basketball games
 

Bill,

Very neat photo. Sometimes there were even programs associated with the games.

Programs from a couple games in 1983 and 1986

Attachment 418590

Attachment 418591

Man, if there's a program for an O's event Alan has a program for it...:D

Day 262 (September 18, 2020 – 262)

September 18, 1977, was “Thanks, Brooks” day in Baltimore. It also happens to be my birthday today (it was also my birthday in ’77 ;) Baltimore fans came out to the ballpark not only to see the Orioles, who were 2 ½ games out of first and were to play the Red Sox who were in third-place with only 13 games remaining in the season, the fans also came that Sunday afternoon to pay proper homage to their hero. The Orioles press guide of ’78 described the day, “In an emotionally charged atmosphere, Brooks Robinson was accorded a sustained, nerve-tingling ovation as he entered the field and rode around the warning track in a 1955 model Cadillac, manufactured the year he made his major league bow in Baltimore.”

September 18, 1977 ticket stubs

Attachment 418637
Attachment 418638

Picture of Brooks on “Thanks Brooks” day in the 1955 Cadillac

Attachment 418639

Small Brooks “Thanks Brooks Day” sign

Attachment 418640

In Brooks Robinson fashion he did not speak long, but thanked his fans by stating, “It’s been a beautiful 23 years. It turned out to be a beautiful day and you’re all beautiful people.” During the ceremony, Doug DeCinces, who replaced Brooks at 3rd, did something simple and spontaneous; he went to third base, lifted the bag from the ground, and presented it to Brooks.

Happy Birthday Mark! Great ticket stubs and I love that promotional sign!

The Orioles showed an aerial view of the Thanks Brooks ceremony on their holiday card in 1977:


https://i.imgur.com/EWN0LBh.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/lpRtE2K.jpg