Bill,

That's the same story I've heard as well. Pictures don't do them justice. Mine came with a wooden base. Did yours?

Attachment 432018

Yes it did....This usually sits on one of our shelves in the living room, which is currently occupied by Christmas decorations lol

Frederick Keys (1989-2020)
 

MLB decided to reduce the number of minor league teams from around 160 to 120. As a result several leagues with long ties to the Orioles were eliminated or restructured (Appalachian League and NY-Penn League).

The Frederick Keys served as the Orioles High Class A affiliate in the Carolina League from 1989-2020. Actually 2019, since everything was shut down this past summer.

The Orioles had a tough decision and in the end the short season Aberdeen Ironbirds (NY-Penn League) were promoted to full season status and the Frederick Keys lost their affiliation with the Orioles.

This was a bit disappointing to me as I have some good friends at the Keys. Over the years, Dave Ziedelis (Keys GM) and his staff have done a great job of bringing a high quality product to the fans in the Frederick area. The Keys are always near the top of league attendance and have nice promotions throughout the season. In their last season, the Keys hosted the Carolina League All-Star game. Everything about the event was first class.

During the 31 season, the Keys printed 214 different programs. I have 209, missing a few from 2002-2003.

Here are a few items from the Keys first season in 1989

Program and Media Guide

Attachment 432022 Attachment 432029

Other publications


Attachment 432023 Attachment 432024


Team Photo including Anthony Telford, David Segui, Jack Voigt and Luis Mercedes

Attachment 432025


Finally a few items from the last season

2019 All-Star game program and ticket


Attachment 432027 Attachment 432028


Last program from 2019

Attachment 432026


There will still be baseball in Frederick for years to come, as the Keys will now be part of a 68 game development league for college players. However, I can't help but think the Keys and their fans deserve a better fate. Thank you Keys for some great memories.

Day 356 (December 21, 2020 – 356)

This is my last piece of artwork that I have in my Brooks collection (what does that make; two ha!). This art was done by artist Chris Susi and is around 18”x24” in size. I LOVE what Chris did with this portrait shot of Brooks. This piece was done in mid-2013 and I couldn’t have been happier with the outcome.

Below is the photo by Don Wingfield of Brooks that was used for the artwork.

Attachment 432233

Chris’ progression on artwork:

Attachment 432234
Attachment 432235
Attachment 432236

Chris Susi artwork

Attachment 432237

Thank you for a nice look back at the Keys. Growing up in Frederick, it was great when the Keys came to town as it really gave the city a boost. The name Keys is in reference to Francis Scott Key, who is buried in the cemetery next to the ballpark (see attached pic of his memorial). I haven't lived in Frederick for 25 years, but still get back occasionally to visit family, and have taken my kids to some Keys games where they had a great time as the players were great about giving autographs.

Day 357 (December 22, 2020 – 357)

Early 5”x7” color picture of Brooks just outside the dugout (Kodacolor Enlargement). It’s personalized to a girl named Betty which states, “To a real sweet girl. Best of luck in the coming years. I know you will get the best. Keep Smiling Love, Brooks”. Love the old school look of the picture plus the nice early pen signature.

Kodacolor 5”x7” picture – to Betty

Attachment 432293

Nice artwork & photos Mark!

I know I had posted this team photo from the 1960 Fox Cities club previously that was managed by Earl Weaver and had notable players such as Cal Ripken Sr., Pat Gillick, Bob Saverine, Boog, Dean Chance & Pete Ward but thought I'd also share a team signed baseball I had in my collection as well:

https://i.imgur.com/DdcA8dy.jpg



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

Bill,

I love the team photo and ball. Here's a few more items from the 1960 Foxes. I've got a pin somewhere, but can't find the picture.

1960 Fox Cities Foxes schedules

Attachment 432306 Attachment 432307


and of course

1960 Foxes Program

Attachment 432304

Day 358 (December 23, 2020 – 358)

The early Brooks Robinson pins are very difficult to locate. I only know of two different varieties of these pins, but there may possibly be more. There’s one pin I’ve only viewed in a picture and only seen available for sale a couple times since I’ve been collecting. So, I know I don’t have the PM10 pin that uses the same image from his Topps rookie card, but in the original B&W. I thought I went high on my bid the last time the pin became available, but came up short. I’m unsure of the dates of these pins, but the one today I believe is from 1959 and is a PM10 stadium pin. The pin is relatively small around 1.75 inches in diameter. I think the other early PM10 pin has Brooks’ middle name spelled incorrectly as, “Colbert”. I have a picture of it “somewhere”, but can’t locate prior to this post.

1959 PM10 Brooks Robinson pin

Attachment 432419

I continue to fail to post this pennant so might as well add it in today with the Brooksie pin. This is a 1954 Baltimore Orioles scroll pennant in black. They had the same pennant in orange as well, but I don’t have this particular example.

Attachment 432420

Alan...Back in Post #2475 you asked if I could post the baseballs that were painted by the same artist that painted my Ripken bat.

It appears as if I had traded the Murray away, but here is the Brooks & Cal Jr.:

https://i.imgur.com/6cBwld1.jpg

Bill,

Those painted baseballs are awesome.

Mark,

The Brooks Robinson PM10 pins are extremely tough to find and costly when they show up. Even the "common" PM10 pins of the Orioles are hard to find.

I have the Jim Gentile and Gus Trianson pins. I believe there are a few other PM10 Orioles out there. Jerry Walker comes to mind. Anyone know of others for sure?


Attachment 432430

Day 359 (December 24, 2020 – 359)

A couple of photos of Connie Robinson featured with Brooks included in a couple.

Attachment 432571
Attachment 432572
Attachment 432573
Attachment 432574

I gotta ask, why is Andy Etchebarren catching lefty??? Huh??

When the Orioles would have their Players vs. Wives games all the guys would play with their opposite hand.

About 10 years ago I won this from one of the Topps Vault auctions and it's a document that Topps had a very young Cal Jr. sign three times for when they used his autograph on cards (the very first one being the '82 Topps Traded):

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

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

Bob Bonner
 

I remember Bob Bonner with the Orioles in the early 1980's. I remember him leaving baseball to pursue his ministry activities (I AM Ministries International)

Some of you may have already seen this article posted on another thread, but I thought I would share. Very interesting story at the end of the article that I had never heard before.

https://internationalafricanmissions.org/about.html


Here's a few Bob Bonner items.


1982 Topps Bob Bonner Rookie Card

Attachment 432602


1982 Orioles Mort Tadder 8x10 photo

Attachment 432604


Orioles team issued & Mel Bailey postcards

Attachment 432603 Attachment 432605

I've had the pleasure of meeting Bobby on a couple occasions and he couldn't have been a nicer guy. He did write an autobiography a few years ago and I'd recommended it to anyone (Oriole fan or not).

Earlier in the year I did post an Orioles game used jersey of his but here is a perfect opportunity to post one from Rochester:

https://i.imgur.com/5QnzJND.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/HlG2rzg.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/hC4dxhJ.jpg

Very COOL!

Merry Christmas
 

Day 360 (December 25, 2020 – 360)

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

I’ve had the opportunity, on several occasions, to visit Baltimore’s Tadder Associates, Inc. The company did Commercial Photography, but in my case Tadder Associates meant more than commercial photos. Morton (Mort) Tadder, along with his company, did a lot of the photography for the Baltimore Orioles back in the day (around 44 years’ worth). Growing up most of the team photos, programs, player portraits, yearbooks, etc. had the name TADDER on the bottom. As a kid, growing up in the Baltimore area Tadder, to me, was like one of my favorite Oriole team members.

Morton, at first, really didn’t want to sell me, just an individual and not a company, any photographs, but his assistant Lillian Crowley allowed me the opportunity to purchase a limited few. I was very happy to have a few cool Oriole pictures he had taken. Over the years both Morton and Lillian sent me some pictures for my collection until Morton retired a number of years ago. By the way Lillian and her husband own Lombard Hardware and Tool Rental in Baltimore; go see them and purchase something (they are great people!).
Why a post about Tadder Associates on Christmas? When Morton retired he gave me a gift; he sent me a Brooks Robinson picture that he had taken during a ’70 World Series game at Riverfront Stadium. The picture hung in his office, which is about 15”x40” and now resides in my house in a prominent place. So sad to hear the news this year about Mort; he'll be missed.

Attachment 432707

This picture of Brooks leaping was featured on the cover of the 1971 Sports Quarterly Baseball magazine.

Attachment 432708

Quote: “I loved acknowledging the subtle arrogance of Hall of Famer Rod Carew’s drag bunt. The sleight-of-hand of Brooks Robinson magically reducing a double into 5-3 putouts. The towering arc of a Ted Williams a monster shot deposited in the bleachers high. The classic confrontation of the best hitter against the best pitcher, and the immaculately executed bullet of a double play.” – Sportscaster Dick Enberg

End the day with a picture of my daughter from a couple years ago sporting a new white panel Orioles hat. She’s wearing her Christmas CFA (Central Florida Athletics) Panthers cheer shirt to celebrate Christmas, or in her team’s words “Clawsmas”.

Attachment 432709

I've seen a couple of these over the years, but yours is perfect in my eyes.

Love the photo Mark and I hope you, your family and the rest of the Orioles fans here ave a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Mark:

Great oversized photo and back story! Ironically after seeing more of the Tadder photos you posted the other day (with the printed credits) I was going to ask you where you got those, but now I know!

Probably the only thing I have displayed in a size similar to your Tadder photo is a retail store Oakley promotional poster that came out in '96:

https://i.imgur.com/qoRqG8n.jpg

Happy Holidays!

Bill

Posted for KSfarmboy

While not the greatest photo Clint picked up this GU Brooks cap from the 1969 season. He acquired it from a former player Daryl Spencer.

Attachment 432766

That is just an awesome shot of Cal. I wish they had the photo capabilities back in the day that they do now to capture these amazing images of players.

Day 361 (December 26, 2020 – 361)

I’ve had this piece as long as I can remember and can’t seem to recall where I picked it up. It’s a small poster ad, around 11”x14”, which was posted in the Social Security Administration building in New Brunswick, NJ. It states, “Brooks Robinson has a social security card. Do you?”

1973 Brooks Robinson U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare/Social Security Administration poster.

Attachment 432795

That social security poster is awesome ! Love it !

Really dig that social security poster. Mark, Bill and Alan you have some great stuff. From a guy in Kansas that got Orioles scraps as a kid it’s nice to see what I was missing out on.

Day 362 (December 27, 2020 – 362)

This is about as close as I will come to a Brooks Robinson playing career game used jersey. Possibly used as a coach’s jersey after Brooks retired from the game; I love the orange Orioles jerseys.

1978 Orioles Jersey

Attachment 432878
Attachment 432879

Sweet jersey Mark! Really like the Oranges too!

Day 363 (December 28, 2020 – 363)

Brooks throughout his career has sponsored, been a spokesperson for, and an employee of Crown Petroleum. Crown was instrumental in getting the first bronze statue of Brooks Robinson in Baltimore which is located right outside of Camden Yards. Check it out if you haven’t already.

The relatively large banner I have listed below is from late 60’s early ‘70’s and has a well-known (at least for O’s fans) headshot of Brooks with the statement, “I Choose Crown Gold for Action!” I’ve had this canvas banner for probably 20+ years. The banner was likely displayed outside the Crown gas station for all to see and over the years it had become rather dingy. I sent it out to Tom (The Art of Restoration) and had the banner cleaned. He did a great job and it looks much, much better than it did prior to sending; so glad I had this accomplished.

Attachment 433016

2020 Year in Review
 

Mark,

You saved some really nice items for the end of the year. The Mort Tadder photos, Brooksie orange uniform and Crown Petroleum banner are all very cool.

I've seen so many new Brooks Robinson and Orioles items posted this year. I can't thank you guys enough for making 2020 a little more bearable.

I've had a pretty good year collecting wise and even added a few items with the help of Net54 members.

Each year, I have some general goals for my collection, as well as some specific goals. I don't know if anyone else does this, but I thought I would take a moment to look at how I did this year.

General goals that carry over each year......

Orioles Team Issued Postcards

Started the year with 2712/2862 known postcards. The Orioles didn't produce many new postcards this year, but I did come across a couple new variations. Ending the year with 2735/2876 for a net gain of 9 postcards, including 2 glossies from 1954-56. Based upon what I still need - Great year

Orioles Team Issued Head Shot Photos

I was able to pick up photos of the new players to make their O's debut in 2020, but still no luck finding any photo of John Buzhardt from 1967. Thanks to Bill, I did add autographs to a few of my older photos.

Orioles Minor League Affiliate Programs

Mostly struck out here too. No programs added from teams I still need, but did add cover variations from a couple teams. Probably impossible to complete this one, but I keep trying.


I set specific card goals to try and complete some Orioles team sets each year. Here's how I fared this year.

Baseball Cards

1954 Dixie Lids (Clint Courtney) - added three new backs, including one large size lid

1963 Jello - added 1 card, still need Russ Snyder

1970-71 Dayton Daily News cards - didn't add any to my 1970 set, but did pick up the 1971 Frank Robinson. Still need four from 1970 and the 1971 Boog Powell

1971 Kelloggs - completed the master set with all back variations

1971 Milk Duds - completed the master set of unopened boxes

1972 Milton Bradley Game - completed


O-Pee-Chee sets

1965 - only 1 left (AL Batting Leaders card #1)
1967 - 2 left (Bob Johnson #38 and John Miller #141)
1968 - 1 left (AL Batting Leaders #2)
1974 - Completed
1976 - Completed
1981 - Completed master set of white backs and tougher gray backs

Topps Venezuelan sets

1964 - Completed
1967 - only 1 card left (Dave McNally #248)

Got closer on a couple other Venezuelan sets. Hoping to finish 1962 or 1966 set this year.


I would love to hear how others did.....

Picked up two tough Orioles items. 1969 Topps four in one Dillman and Johnson card.
Scott

I did try to save a few good items for the last of the year to end on a good note.

I’m very thankful that this thread was far better then expected... Thanks everyone for all your input.

Scott,

Very nice. That's a set I've never started. They are tough. Congrats.

Mark I love that crown piece and still kick myself for not getting the half poster that was on eBay.

My Orioles collecting goals for the year usually consists of adding 3-4 game used items for my 70, 79 and 83 teams. Unfortunately this year was more about saving money for other projects. I did add an 80’s warm up jersey from Bill and made a trade for a great 69-74 batting helmet.

My favorite Robinson
 

58 Topps signed.

The Crown banner that was cut was at one of the National events in Baltimore. Even though it was cut it still was large and looked pretty good. Unsure why someone would do this unless the bottom portion was tore up which is possible since they were likely displayed outside.

Ethan,

That Brooks signature looks to be a pretty early auto.

Agreed.

1990 MLB Tour of Japan Dream Game program
 

Good evening,

Mark, I really like the Crown Gas Brooks poster and the Millers Falls Power Tools postcard. I want to thank you again for helping me acquire the 1969 Topps Deckle Edge Brooks proof card this year.

Below is a 1990 MLB Tour of Japan Dream Game program. Although no Orioles went on that tour, there is a list of previous MLB/Japan games, including a photo of the 1971 Orioles tour. I believe that is Pat Dobson.

Attachment 433079

Attachment 433080

Mike,

Appreciate it on the Crown piece and the Millers Falls postcard. I really regret not going higher on the other MF postcard; I really didn’t know at the time how rare it would be to find one. I haven’t seen another example since.

No problem on the Deckle proof. I’m happy I was able to add to your great collection.

Definitely Dobson...

Orioles Helmet
 

Posted for ksfarmboy

Clint has some great GU items; here's two helmets today. The one on the left is a late 60's example that carried over into the 70's. The one on the right is is a 69-71 model.

Attachment 433129

Day 364 (December 29, 2020 – 364)

A small photo, around 5x7, of Brooks in spring training showing Brooks wearing an early Orioles jersey.

Attachment 433130

This is one of my favorite and earliest pieces in my Brooksie collection. Thanks to my friend Scott Roemer (quitcrab) who helped me pick this item up since I saw it last minute and didn’t have an account with the auction house (Thanks Scott…love this item). This is a baseball statistic sheet that was put out by William J. Weiss who was a statistician for the Pacific Coast League. The form was mailed to the player, completed, and sent back. Brooks completed the questionnaire and it was sent back with most of the information requested. There are quite a few things that are particularly neat about this item that’s filled out in Brooks’ 18 year old hand:

1. Lists his home address in Little Rock

2, Position - 2nd base

3. Signed his complete name “Brooks Calbert Robinson Jr.”

4. Stamped Jun 20, 1955

1955 Baseball Questionnaire:

Attachment 433131


Quote: "He didn't look fast, in fact he was kinda slow, but he was always there. On double plays when he had to come a long way, he had this way of just rolling across the bag and flipping the ball under his arm. He was the best second baseman (Cuban Winter League) I have ever seen." - Orlando Pena

Wow Mark that’s an amazing photo. My new favorite photo of Brooks!

Day 365 (December 30, 2020 – 365)

This has to be a fairly early booklet that was given to new ballplayers coming on with the Baltimore Orioles concerning basically how to conduct yourself as a professional ballplayer. It has one of my favorite B&W shots of Brooks on the cover; love the old school bird on the sleeve.

Booklet “To Tomorrow’s Oriole” by Brooks Robinson

Attachment 433224
Attachment 433225


Quote: “He was generous and humble, and as great as he was at his position, he always understood his role as a baseball player, give the team, the fans everything you have, and then when it’s over give them more.” – Journalist Roy Firestone

Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles
 

Day 366 (December 31, 2020 – 366)


Well, it is “time” for my last post of the year in the Baltimore Orioles and Brooks Robinson thread…


Attachment 433328


Of course, I had to choose a leap year for the Brooks Robinson and Baltimore Orioles thread and so I’ll need to post for one more day this year; Day 366.

Brooks was very productive with the bat (and the field as usual) in 1964. This is a photo of Brooks coming home in a game against the White Sox on June 11, 1964 where he hit an 8th inning home run. The Orioles win the game 3-1.


Attachment 433329


So, for the last day of the year below is the 1964 Sid Mercer Memorial Award plaque presented to Brooks Robinson by the New York Chapter Baseball Writers Association of America for being the player of the year.


Photo of Brooks receiving the 1964 Sid Mercer Memorial Award


Attachment 433330


1964 Sid Mercer Memorial Award


Attachment 433331


There’s a quote that I really like to end the year that John Steadman, of The News American, said about Brooks, “There’s not a man who knows him who wouldn’t swear for his integrity and honesty and give testimony to his consideration for others. He’s an extraordinary human being, which is important, and the world’s greatest third baseman of all time, which is incidental.”


I hope you have a Happy New Year and I also hope you have enjoyed the ride…

Good stuff Mark. I have to get myself an Oriole alarm clock! The year was so much more enjoyable and bearable with this thread to look forward to everyday. Great job Mark and all the others who contributed on a regular basis.
Scott

Thanks Scott. I appreciate the kind words. Glad we could post items from the hobby we enjoy for all to see.

Hope you have a GREAT New Year!

I echo Scott's words. 2020 has been a tough year for many people on many different levels. A big thank you to Mark for taking the leap of faith that there were others that would be willing to share their collections and love of Brooks Robinson and the Orioles.

As 2020 closes, a final tribute to those in the Orioles family we lost this past year. I hope I didn't leave anyone out.

Foster Castleman and Gil Coan

Attachment 433353 Attachment 433354

Steve Dalkowski and Ed Farmer

Attachment 433355 Attachment 433361

Chico Fernandez and Dick Hyde

Attachment 433356 Attachment 433358

Don Larsen and Mike McCormick

Attachment 433359 Attachment 433360

John Miller and Bob Oliver

Attachment 433362 Attachment 433363

Hal Smith and Jim Frey

Attachment 433364 Attachment 433357

Bob Brown (long time PR Director)

Attachment 433352

Morton Tadder (Orioles Team Photographer) and Mo Gaba (Orioles HOFer and Super Fan)


Lets hope for a better 2021. Stay safe. I hope we will continue to post new items as we add to our collections. Here's an open invitation .. When Orioles spring training gets back to some sort of normal, please stop by section 106 at Ed Smith Stadium and say hi. I'd love to talk O's with you.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this thread all year. It’s provided a great opportunity to escape from all that’s been going on this year. Thank you to all that have participated and a big shout out to Mark for alerting us in to his Brooks collection! Happy New Year to all and keep posting new pick ups.

Thanks, Mark. Awesome posts from an awesome guy. Now that you’ve posted your last post, you should have a fire sale! Happy New Year!

Alan,

One of the concerns was that no one would post or comment when I started the thread. I made a commitment to do it so I would have went ahead either way, but it sure was a nice surprise that so many posted and a few (like yourself) really showcased their awesome collections. Thanks so much for doing so and just keep it going. I’d love to view more great items!

Clint,

You’re welcome. Keep up with that GU collection of yours. Also, now I’ll have a bit of spare time to get you that card I owe you...

Happy New Year!

Charlie,

Now it’s the New Year and you “need” to delve in wholeheartedly to acquiring some displayable O’s items for that cool looking room. Possibly even add some proof stuff this year.

Fire sale = get your checkbook out and let me know what you want! Do you know I don’t think I’ve sold anything from my collection. Gave several items away and may have traded a couple times, but that’s about it. I’m definitely no salesman.

I’m rooting for you to be # 1 in 2021; make it happen...

Brooks Robinson PSA Master Registry Set - 1957
 

Greetings. Mark and Scott have inspired me to share some of my Brooks Robinson "card" collection on this forum. I have decided to add something each week from Brooks' playing days that is part of the PSA Brooks Robinson Master Registry Set. Some of you do not like PSA / grading in general, which I get. I like the Set Registry process as it feeds my quest to find quality cards and compare where my collection is with others...a bit childish perhaps, but it keeps me busy. I also like "raw" cards. I have all the Topps Sets from 1951 - 2021 and Bowman 1948 - 1955 "raw." I enjoy looking, touching and upgrading those cards like many of you. Back to Brooks and the Registry. If you are not familiar, most players have a set on the PSA Registry. Brooks has a Basic Set, which includes his playing days from 1957 - 1977 that is mostly the regular Topps cards. Mixed in there is the 1960 Leaf and 1963 Fleer. (24 cards total...I am #3 on that list and is it competitive). The Master Registry includes 274 "items" including cards, pictures, hand cut items, test issues, panels, stamps, boxes, coins, coke caps, and stickers. Not everything is gradable. The item must have the player's picture and be about him. Each item must be graded by PSA and receives a "weighted score" between 1 - 10...10 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. Some items only grade "authentic" which is a 1 so the highest possible score on the Brooks Master Registry is 9.638. Logically, the more rare items would receive the highest weight but that is not always the case. The current leader has a quality score of 7.80 while mine (#2 on the Registry) is 6.89. If you go to the PSA web site, click on set registry and search for Brooks Master you can find my set with pictures. My quest is not necessarily to be number one but to find all of the items at the highest grade in my price range. I am missing 1 item (1975 Japan Nagashima Card with Brooks in his uniform)...I have two items at PSA for grading, which will be added soon. This will be educational for some of you while others may be annoyed or turned off. So...what I will do each week is share a year of items in the Registry expanding the knowledge of some on here, while boring others. Before I started the Registry, I had no idea Brooks had so many items from his playing days. Last week, I had a Brooks collector tell me he had all of Brooks' cards...I showed him about 10 cards he never heard of...I think I turned him off...he never responded.

This week we will start with 1957. Two items are in the Registry for Brooks for 1957, which most of you have seen...his Rookie and the Orioles Team Card, both from Topps. His rookie card is plentiful but at the PSA 8 level, they are out there but pretty pricy. This card is by far my favorite but surprisingly, not the most expensive. What a beautiful card. Later, in the 60s, one year may have 10-15 items so the weekly posts should be fun. This forum has taught me a lot so thought to share what little I have in my collection to pay it forward. I love talking about Brooks and the Registry so drop me a line if interested. I have developed a network of folks if you are missing an item and perhaps you can help me upgrade or find something new. Enjoy!

Thanks Charlie for posting ! That Rookie card is super nice. Looking forward to seeing all the oddball pieces in the registry!
Scott

Great idea Charlie! I learned quite a bit from your registry set earlier this year, and the multi-item Orioles trade we made. Looking forward to see nice images of all your cool registry items.

Thanks,
Rich

Charlie,

LOVE the idea! I think it will be great to see your Brooks Robinson Registry items on this thread and of course you can include other Orioles items from your collection as well. I’m sure we’ll “all” enjoy your amazing collection.

Charlie,

Took a look through your registry.

You have some very nice Brooks Robinson cards/items and I wish you success in completing the master registry. I have to admit that I'm one of those guys that doesn't completely embrace the whole PSA registry thing. I've always been happy with raw cards with good eye appeal and have broken out more Orioles cards than I can name.

Perhaps, it's my lack of knowledge on the whole PSA process. Maybe you can answer some questions to help educate me and others.

Who determines what items are part of the master PSA registry? I notice that a 1971 team issued postcard is part of the set, but none of the other team issues. I would think that some of the early B&W postcards would be included. I also see that the registry recognizes some variations, but ignores others. Both 1963 Topps Peel-Offs are included, but the 1962 Post Cereal, 1967 Topps 7th Series checklists, 1976 Hostess, and 1977-79 Sportscasters cards variations (to name a few) aren't included.

I also don't understand why items that are part of panels (Bazooka, etc) include both the individual cut cards and panels. I would hope someone wouldn't take uncut panels and cut them up to get a high grade individual cards.

Anyway, this isn't to a post to complain about graded cards. I'm just trying to understand the whole master registry process.

Reply to Alan
 

Hi, Alan. You have a lot in your post but I will try. Any member of the registry can request an item be added. PSA takes your request and makes a decision. There are clear rules on what is eligible. 8 months ago I had a bunch of WS Topps Cards with Brooks on them (1967 and 1971 Topps and O Pee Chee) but because they were not specifically about him they denied the request. I argued that his face was on the card but lost. Adding items can be very random. You can’t take 5 of the 12 player 69 Topps Stamp Panel with Brooks and send 5 in with Brooks with 6, 5,4, 3 and 2 player version stamps and expect to add each. You can only add the 12 and single. I tried to add the Clemente and Brooks 71 Dell dual stamp and was denied. They allow the single Brooks and 12 player panel. A lot of the team issued cards / photos are included but not all. I tried to add a few that were randomly denied. They are very random on test issues. Same with proofs.. I have a 10 player 61 Perforated Post sheet I would like to add but too big. I plan just submitted the 62 post cereal full panel for grading and once back, I will try to add. I am in search of the 61 post cereal full panel. The post cereal card variation is that the gray and white back? In terms of variations, that is a good question. For player masters, it is tough to do add variations that are not distinct as the peel offs. The Sportscaster with Italy variation I considered but have not followed through. I have a complete 1948 Leaf graded set on the registry and they do not permit many of the color variations out there except for the one hat color variation. Can’t explain it. Yes people do cut up Bazooka Boxes to add. Same with the Transogram boxes, action cartridge and milk duds. I cut up a damaged action cartridge but really struggled with it. The box was crappy on the back (really bad).. I have several Transogram and Bazooka boxes I would like to grade as boxes but like them raw for display. I hope this helps.

Mark:

We were out of town last week so I didn't get the opportunity to thank you for not only starting this post a year ago but also for sharing your fantastic collection of Brooks Robinson cards/proofs & memorabilia..You absolutely made 2020 a bit more bearable for me...I also enjoyed seeing everyone else's collection and made a few new friends along the way...

Phil Niekro also passed away last week & it reminded me of this HOF laminated credential from 2011....They opened a new exhibit (which is still there today) named "One for the Books" and it is all about record breaking achievements in baseball's history..

I drove up up for the Grand Opening primarily because Cal Jr. was going to speak (along with Joe Morgan & Niekro). I spotted HOF staff members wearing these credentials & of course I wanted one for my collection so I wrote them a letter the following week & they generously sent me one:

https://i.imgur.com/QH7I1Bx.jpg

Again Mark thank you so very much!

Charlie,

Thanks for the attempt to answer my questions. I really appreciate it. I guess random is the best description. I find it hard to understand why PSA includes team cards, with the pic of Brooks so small, yet rejected the World Series cards where he is clearly the main subject.

The past few years, I've tried to complete some "master" Orioles team sets to include known variations. It's been a fun way to continue to enjoy some sets I thought I had long ago completed. I guess my definition of master is a bit different than PSA. :) I can understand the concept that one example of each card should be enough for the PSA registry, with perhaps bonus points given for having the additional variations.

Most if not all the 1962 Post Cereal cards have slight variations. I believe it was based upon which cereal they were on. You can see from my two cards that the Brooks Robinson photo is cropped differently. Those are the type of variations I was referencing.

1962 Post Cereal Brooks Robinson variations

Attachment 434241


I seems to me that if members of the registry are the ones submitting additions, that some of the tougher Brooks Robinson items could easily be omitted.

Here are a couple examples of some very tough Brooks cards/photos

1958 Jays Publishing photo and 1976 English Chicken Lid

Attachment 434242 Attachment 434243


1964 Martin Family Night and 1970 Pictures of Champions cards

Attachment 434244 Attachment 434245


Thanks again. Looking forward to your continued posts.

Bill,

You’re welcome! I was thankful that we were able to share our collections, learn new things (especially me...), and just share our common interests. Really neat to view others collections and the way they display their items.

Was going through some things & found this Rawlings booklet from 1964 showing both Ken Boyer & Brooks...

Anyone interested in this for $20 ppd?

DM me if intereted:

https://i.imgur.com/q64FjJY.jpg

Alan - Feedback on PSA Master
 

Hi, Alan. They are great cards you posted. I appreciate the feedback. The team cards surprised me, too. I bet I have 2 team cards from each year to include the OPC, Vene, And 70s hand cut sheets. I have not seen the Family Night pic. I have the believe I have that post variation. I have upgraded so many post cards...crazy. I am looking for the 61 panel. Love them though. I found the Champion Card Set at a show and about passed out. Love that orange. I found the Chicken Lid about 2 weeks ago and sent to PSA. That lid is amazing. No chicken brooks lids are graded. I thought I had all the Jay Pubs but routinely find another. As I post in future, chime in with items that are variants. Thanks!

1958 Brooks Robinson PSA Master
 

Hi, everyone. As promised, here is the 1958 Brooks Robinson PSA Master discussion for this week.

There are not a lot of items in the master for 1958. Technically, there are only 4 items but I included a 5th as I am working with PSA to resolve. The first three cards are from Topps. You have the alpha and numeric Baltimore Orioles Checklist. Interesting that they had two different ones for 1958. That is a discussion we could have separately. The other card is the Brooks regular Topps issue I love. This photo gets people talking with his "facial expression." I love this set and the Brooks card. It is graded pretty high (PSA 8.5). I would love a PSA 9 but the cost difference is probably $5,000 and I think folks are being speculative (last year a PSA 9 was under $3,000). The three "portraits" are from Jay Publishing dated 1958-1961, Type 1 Photos. The fielding one is in awesome condition while the other two are not where I would like them. They for whatever reason do not grade well. The Portrait with Brooks in the middle without a glove or bat is a separate authorization in the Master while the pose at chest level and the pose with the bat at chest level are considered interchangeable. I do not understand this and asked PSA to clarify or add a new authorization with the bat portrait. If you notice, both the middle Jay Pub and right Jay Pub say Portrait/Chest. I hope to resolve this soon. I will later show some 1962-1965 Jay Pub photos but is anyone aware of any other Jay Pubs between 1958-1962 I am not showing here. Similarly, is anyone tracking a Brooks item you think PSA would grade or not grade that fits nicely in 1958?

Hope you enjoyed this update. I will post a 1959 discussion next Sunday.

Charlie,

More nice items. I think I can help a little with the Jay Publishing photos. I've done a lot of research on the Orioles photos and posted the Brooks Robinson photos in post #1149.

You don't actually have the 1958 Brooks Robinson photo. I pictured it a few posts ago. The ones you have pictured from left to right are 1961, 1959-60 (I can't tell the difference between the two years, if there is even a difference) and 1962. You will notice the printed name is different on the 1962. It's the font that determines whether it's type 1 or type 2. Checklists usually lump the sets into 1959-1961 and 1962-1965, but with a little work the years can be broken down. I picked up most of my photos in original envelopes.

Jays Publishing didn't print Baltimore Orioles, only Orioles, on their 1957 and 1958 sets.


Here are a couple more early team issued Brooks items, you might find of interest. They are generally considered 1957-59. The exact year is hard to determine.

1957-59 Team Issued Postcards

Attachment 434843


1957-59 Team Issued B&W 8x10 Photos

Attachment 434844 Attachment 434845

Thank you, Alan. I agree on them not being 1958. PSA grades them as 1958-1961. I figured I would include them with the 1958 but see your point.

Thanks for showing the other ones. I have not had much luck with those but continue to look.

Did you see my email to you? Please respond.

Thanks for the feedback and sharing.

Charlie,

I haven't seen any email yet. alanstrout@aol.com

Larry Doby
 

Of all the Orioles players featured on this thread, I don't think a photo of Larry Doby has been posted yet.

He was briefly in the Orioles organization from Dec. 1957 - Apr. 1958, when he was traded to the Indians at the end of Spring Training. He never played a regular season game for the O's but I still think given his importance as a player, it's worth picturing his time with the organization here.

Attachment 435006

Alan,

Please send the Team Issued 8x10, with the rookie pose, to my attention when you have the chance.

Thanks in advance,

Mark

Learned today that infielder Don Leppert who played for the Orioles in 1955, passed away on January 5th at the age of 90. Shown is a wirephoto that Don signed for me probably 20 years ago or so:

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

Bill,

Thanks for the update. Here are a few more Don Leppert items


Team Issued 8x10 Photos

Attachment 435149 Attachment 435150


Team Issued Postcard

Attachment 435148

Great Thread!
 

Any more rare Sam Bowens cards, photos, or stories?

Sam Bowens Photos
 

Welcome. Here are a few Sam Bowens photos and postcards from his time in the Orioles organization. A few picture Bowens with the Rochester Red Wings.

Attachment 435346 Attachment 435345

Attachment 435347 Attachment 435348

Attachment 435349 Attachment 435350

Attachment 435353 Attachment 435354

Attachment 435352 Attachment 435351

Similar to the Dayton Daily News Bubblegumless cards issue, this Charlotte Observer set was issued in 1982 (one player a week for 16 weeks):

https://i.imgur.com/uavnfMN.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/MqhNQwB.jpg

A collector friend of mine shared these with me

WOW !!! I've never seen those before, but I love them. Thanks for sharing. Anyone have any old 1982 Charlotte Observers they don't want? :D

Well those are VERY COOL. I’ve never seen those before either.

Brooks Robinson PSA Master Set 1959
 

Greetings. Today, I will share the 1959 PSA Master Set items for Brooks. 1959 has three entries. First, you have the 1959 Topps Card. This is tied as the highest graded card with PSA. There are no PSA 10s. Not a terribly expensive card and PSA 9s seem to be available all the time on ebay. The Orioles Team card from Topps is nothing special by way of grade. I am looking for a higher graded card but this one presents well and I love the "orange." The Venezuelan Orioles Team is rare but you can find them out there. Too bad they did not make a 1959 card of Brooks in Venezuela. The Venezuela cards are grade sensitive for many reasons. There are 7 graded higher than this Orioles team card. Anytime I find a nice Vene, I buy it. Things will start picking with many entries as we get into the 1960s. See you next week. Enjoy.