Day 159 (June 7, 2020 – 159)

Hopefully Alan (BaltOrioles) won’t correct me on the year of these things. I believe these to be 1960 Jay Publishing photos.

1960 Jay Publishing photo

Attachment 403628

1960 Jay Publishing photo – signed

Attachment 403629

Mark,

I think you are correct. Both the 1959 and 1960 Jay photos of Brooks look similar to me. Feel free to use post #1149 for reference.

1963 Orioles Team Issued Postcards
 

Back to my roots today. Here are the Orioles team issued postcards from 1963. The postcards are B&W and 3 1/4" x 5 1/2". I have 36 of the known 37 postcards, missing only Luis Aparicio. A couple of players have multiple cropping differences, Steve Barber and Bob Johnson. The set is highlighted by Brooks Robinson and Robin Roberts, along with the first postcard of Dave McNally. For some reason, the set also included phenom Steve Dalkowski. Dalkowski is on a lot of collector's want lists.

Attachment 403633
Attachment 403634
Attachment 403635
Attachment 403636
Attachment 403637
Attachment 403638
Attachment 403639
Attachment 403640
Attachment 403641
Attachment 403642

Alan,

Very nice! Most of those postcards I haven't seen before. I've seen the Brooks, but it's still on my want list. I just don't see those coming up for sale.

Day 160 (June 8, 2020 – 160)

Just last month I posted an Orioles vs. Phillies exhibition game broadside. Here’s my only other item related to these exhibition games between the two teams. This game was played on Monday, June 8, 1970. The exhibition game venue was at Connie Mack Stadium and as you can see it was the 22nd Annual Junior Baseball Federation Game. Would love a listing of all the games played in the past up to this point and the games after this event. Are there any avid Philly memorabilia collectors on here and/or do you know any?!? Please someone do the research that have far better than my subpar skills.
Small 1970 broadside, around 14”x22”, for the exhibition game between the

Orioles and Phillies.

Attachment 403793

I've noticed that too. You don't see them come up very often. I guess if you didn't get an Orioles yearbook or go to any games you might not have even been aware of them. Players used them for autograph requests, but I'm not sure how many of those the non-star players got.

Still you would think there were a fair amount around. Funny thing most of what I see are in decent shape. I don't think kids played with them too much.

On October 4th 1991, the Baltimore Sun in conjunction with The Orioles Advocates held a luncheon honoring the Sun's "All Time Greatest Orioles Lineup."

Here is the program all attendees received that afternoon:


https://i.imgur.com/AZww37S.jpg

1964 Orioles Team Issued Postcards
 

Trust me, even for those of us actively collecting the Orioles team issues, the B&W postcards from 1954-1969 aren't that plentiful. That's why probably 75% of the 145 postcards I still need are from those years. You are correct that the stars like Brooks Robinson tend to be much easier to find that the fringe players. The Orioles have always printed the postcards on an as needed basis. In addition to autograph requests, the postcards used to be available for sale through the Public Relations Dept. I've never known the Orioles to sell them through their team stores. The biggest issue I run into condition wise are postmarks stamped on the front of postcards. I don't mind postcards with addresses and postmarks on the back, but really hate the fronts stamped.

Here are the 1964 team issued postcards. They are 3 1/4" x 5 1/2" and blank backed. I have 45 of the 50 known postcards. New variations sometimes surface, even after all these years. I'm missing Joe Gaines, Lou Jackson, Mike McCormick and second poses of Willie Kirkland and bob Saverine. I'm sure the Orioles did at least two printings during the season, as several players have cropping differences or new poses altogether.

1964 Orioles team issued postcards

Attachment 403797
Attachment 403798
Attachment 403799
Attachment 403800
Attachment 403801
Attachment 403802
Attachment 403803
Attachment 403804
Attachment 403805
Attachment 403806
Attachment 403807
Attachment 403808
Attachment 403809

Was saddened to learn this evening of the passing former Orioles pitcher John Miller, who pitched for the Orioles from 1962-67 and then had a long career as a Baltimore County firefighter:

https://i.imgur.com/LSbw4aM.jpg

Bill,

Sad news indeed. Thanks for making me aware of this loss.

Day 161 (June 9, 2020 – 161)

In 1971 Continental Recordings, Inc. released a record entitled, BROOKS ROBINSON. Notice that it’s not just an interview by Chris Schenkel, but an “exciting” interview. Brooks recounts the 1970 World Series between the Orioles and the Reds on this vinyl.

1971 Vinyl Gatefold LP – BROOKS ROBINSON

Attachment 403983

Open the album and you have the following:

Attachment 403984

Included with the album was a glossy picture of the cover.

Attachment 403985

I was unaware that the album came with the glossy picture. That has to be a hard item to find. I collect a few vintage rock albums and The Rolling Stones first album cam with a small poster/photo. It’s almost impossible to find especially without tape or thumb tack holes .

Mark:

Thanks for showing the interior of the Brooks album....My copy still has the factory shrink wrap and I've never opened it!

Classic 1969 cover from The Sporting News signed by Brooks, Frank & Boog:

https://i.imgur.com/b1KuGPk.jpg

Alan,

If you ever run into anymore of the ‘64 Brooks postcards (or any early year postcard) please let me know. Would love to add them...

Day 162 (June 10, 2020 – 162)

How about a couple modern cards today? While I don’t really seek these out if I find them attractive AND affordable, I’ll pick ‘em up.

2007 Upper Deck Premier Remnants 4 PR4-RN

Attachment 404134

2008 Upper Deck Premier PR4-BR

Attachment 404135

Pretty nice-looking cards in my view.

1992 Orioles Crown Stand Ups
 

In the early 90's, Crown Central Petroleum sponsored a few sets of Orioles cards. Crown had long been associated with the Orioles and Brooks Robinson. Several items have been posted previously, including a few cards from the 1991 Crown set that had 501 cards. I remember being excited about the 1991 set because it was advertised as having cards of every player to appear for the Orioles. I was greatly disappointed when I found out that a lot of players in the set weren't pictured in their Orioles uniform. Crown should have given me a call and I could have helped them out. :D

I don't remember the 1992 Crown set being posted yet. The set is similar to the Johnny Pro stand ups from 1973 and were designed to punched out, attached to the base and stood up. They were issued in three sets of four cards and are still fairly easy to find today.


Attachment 404151

The set consisted of 12 players - Paul Blair, Terry Crowley, Rick Dempsey, Bobby Grich, Tippy Martinez, Jim Palmer, Boog Powell, Cal Ripken Jr, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Ken Singleton and Earl Weaver


Brooks Robinson and Cal Ripken Jr Stand Ups

Attachment 404150 Attachment 404149

Today the Orioles have the 2nd pick in the MLB Draft, however I thought I'd share an original copy of their Press Release from the 1978 Draft, introducing their selections...

The Orioles chose third baseman Bob Boyce with their first pick (#22 overall), who unfortunately never made it out of Class A ball (Alan do you have any photos of him?), but notables in this draft for them included Larry Sheets, Cal Ripken Jr. (2nd round; note scouted as both a Pitcher/SS), Bob Bonner, Mike Boddicker & Don Whelchel:

https://i.imgur.com/Gr6lHQs.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/MFb1Gy7.jpg

Best I can do is a 1982 Miami Marlins card.

Bob Boyce

Attachment 404165

FWIW, I bought Set #3 to get the Paul Blair. I was cleaning up my home office this weekend and found the envelope with the other three (Crowley, Powell, Singleton.) I don't need or want them, but cannot bring myself to throw them out. If anyone wants them, PM me. I'll send them to you completely free, just so they go to someone who wants them.

EDIT:I'll also throw in a 1970 DC DMV Play it Safe set (minus the Blair, of course)

Day 163 (June 11, 2020 – 163)

The 1970 Kellogg’s Cereal 3-D cards are just plain COOL! The set featured 75 cards of the best players in baseball at the time. The cards were produced by the Xograph Company in Irving, TX. The Brooks Robinson card, of course, is my favorite card in the set. While the ’70 Brooks has been shown before both separate and in the rare six card, two iron-on transfer pack I’ll post it once again.

1970 Kellogg’s Cereal 3-D #21

Attachment 404350
Attachment 404351

1970 Kellogg’s Cereal 3-D #21 in original wrapper

Attachment 404352

I love that cover. I have the same one signed and in my upstairs hallway. Get to see it every day. Always makes me smile.

Mark..I've always loved all the 3D cards of Brooks!

With this being High School graduation season (though an unusual one), here is a class photo of the Aberdeen (MD) High School Class of 1978 ("Calvin" is in there somewhere):

https://i.imgur.com/U5yzKXv.jpg

1985 News American Orioles Cutouts
 

For those that don't really care for newspaper cutout cards, I promise I running out of them. For those like me who like them, here's another set that I think is cool.

These were from the Baltimore News American newspaper in 1985 and were called Oriole Profiles. These were caricatures by artist Mike Ricigliano and were in the paper from March 17 - April 8. I believe the set is complete at 20. I'm missing Murray, Ripken and Lynn. The only problem with them is they aren't uniform is size, ranging in size from around 6x6 up to 8x9.

Here's the ad for the set featuring Eddie Murray and the Cal Ripken cutout


Attachment 404370 Attachment 404368


Here's the complete checklist along with dates & approximate sizes

3/17 Eddie Murray 6x9
3/18 Joe Nolan 8x7
3/19 Lenn Sakata 8x6
3/20 Wayne Gross 8x7
3/21 Scott McGregor 8x9
3/22 Cal Ripken Jr 6x6
3/23-3/24 Mike Young 6x9
3/25 Don Aase 6x6
3/26 John Shelby 8x7
3/27 Todd Cruz 8x6
3/28 Jimmy Williams 6x6
3/29 Larry Sheets 6x7
3/30-3/31 Joe Altobelli 8x8
4/1 Fred Lynn ???
4/2 Floyd Rayford 8x7
4/3 Tippy Martinez 8x6
4/4 Dennis Martinez 6x7
4/5 Jim Dwyer 6x6
4/6-4/7 John Lowenstein 8x9
4/8 Mike Boddicker


Attachment 404367

Attachment 404372

Alan:

Do you collect the Wichita Eagle Beacon 'bubblegum-less' cards too?

Cal was on two I believe and here is the one from 1983

https://i.imgur.com/izyo70Y.jpg

Letter from Brooks Robinson
 

I have enjoyed seeing all the items you have shared from your collections and the memories that go along with them. Thank you for posting them, I have spent hours on this post while recovering from a knee injury. I want to share my most sentimental Brooks Robinson item, a hand written note to me. As a high school kid who wanted to be a better baseball player, I wrote Brooks and asked him how to improve speed and quickness. I must have asked where to buy a hat, and invited him to drop by sometime. This is why we love Brooks Robinson.

Bill,

That is such a neat letter. Since we are friends, I think it''s fair to say that your speed and quickness haven't improved. :D

Bill,

I don't have any of the Wichita Eagle cards, but would probably pick them up if I came across any. I'm still trying to get those last few Dayton Daily News cards. FYI, most people are aware of the 1970 Dayton Daily News cards, but some may not know that Frank Robinson and Boog Powell were reissued in 1971 with the same numbers, but updated stats and photo.

I still need the 1971 Boog Powell, but here are the two Frank Robinson cards

1970 and 1971

Attachment 404442 Attachment 404443

Alan, My high school baseball coach says I still hold the record for longest single :)

Alan, my high school coach says I still hold the record for the longest single :)

Bill,

Very cool letter. Thanks for sharing yet again how great of a person Brooks really is.

Day 164 (June 12, 2020 – 164)

When I first saw this pamphlet and read the title, it made me laugh. Whoever thought of the verbiage did a pretty good job in my opinion. The line reads, “16 Gold Gloves…But he’s never faced you.” The 1987 advertising pamphlet put out by Ultimate Sports Fantasies, Inc. for the 2nd Annual Fantasy Baseball Camp. Cover pictures Brooks’ 1962 Topps #45 card.

Attachment 404500

The Baseball Hobby News used the 1962 Topps #45 on the cover of their April 1988 publication showing the ’62 Topps baseball card set was up 273.3% in one year (that’s a pretty substantial increase).

1998 Baseball Hobby News – April

Attachment 404501

If Brooks is on the cover, even if it’s just his card, I pretty much collect it…

One if things I've been doing during this Pandemic is sending things to former players to sign.

I've had this old B&W un-dated press photo for years that I sent to Whitey Herzog (with a couple of other things) that he signed/returned in less than two weeks:

https://i.imgur.com/DYRJ9jk.jpg

I thought I'd post a fun item today. For years, I've driven around with Cal Ripken license plates. I actually wanted ORIOLES, but even in Maine they were already taken. When the state of Maine changed plate designs, I replaced my plates with the new style and added this one to my collection. I was able to get Cal to autograph it and gave the other to him as a gift. I don't expect he still has it. :confused:

On more than one occasion, as I've left games, I've witnessed people, not security, taking pictures of my car in the parking lot.

A few years ago, I was headed to a Bowie BaySox game and stopped at a traffic light near the stadium. In my rear view mirror, I noticed a lady on her phone wildly pointing as she talked. I can't be 100% sure, but it looked like she was saying, "I'm right behind Cal Ripken". Sorry to disappoint her, but I don't think Cal drives a Subaru with Maine plates.

Attachment 404521

1965 Rawlings Brooks/Ken Boyer Chip Clip
 

In post 846, Mark showed us the booklet and premium prints Rawlings released when Brooks and Ken Boyer won the 1964 AL and NL MVP Awards, respectively. This was a rather unique item also produced at the time, a potato chip clip:

Attachment 404555

Attachment 404556

I love this story Alan!

Mike,

Very nice! I have this item, but mine is not near as nice of shape as yours. Are you sure it's a potato chip clip?

Day 165 (June 13, 2020 – 165)

While I don’t have the 1972 Topps test issue Candy Lid, I do have a proof. If you’d like to see a better example Mike (ripfan008) posted an awesome 1972 Topps Candy Lid in a PSA 8 (post #90); WOW!

Attachment 404692
Attachment 404693

Minor League All-Star Programs
 

The city of Baltimore and the Orioles have hosted the MLB All-Star Game in 1958 and 1993. Programs from at least 1958 have been posted previously. It's a big deal for a major league city to host, but just a exciting for a minor league franchise to host an All-Star game.

Here are a few All-Star game programs from the Orioles minor league affiliates over the years.

1958 Vancouver Mounties

Attachment 404696


2000 Rochester Red Wings

Attachment 404699


2000 Bowie BaySox signed by honorary manager Earl Weaver

Attachment 404698


1991 Frederick Keys, 2005 Frederick Keys and 2019 Frederick Keys

Attachment 404697

Attachment 404700 Attachment 404704


2011 Delmarva Shorebirds

Attachment 404702


2006 Aberdeen Ironbirds and 2015 Aberdeen Ironbirds

Attachment 404701 Attachment 404703

Good morning Mark,

It sure looks like it could be used for that to me. The spring on this one works perfectly in the back. While researching the item before purchasing it, I came upon a Net54 thread from 2014 where you discuss it being a potato chip clip as well:

https://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=196233

Also, thank you for the kind words about the 1972 Candy Lid Brooks. It's one of my favorites. And also my wife is one of my favorites for letting me spend that money to get a PSA 8.

You can’t trust everything you read 😳

Day 166 (June 14, 2020 – 166)

While probably not that exciting and really not a game used item that was adorned during Brooks’ playing days the following are cleats that he used during old timer games. I know I have a picture of Brooks wearing one of the below pairs, and possibly both, and one came with the full uniform he was wearing for the game including the hat.

Attachment 404818
Attachment 404820

Found one with Brooks wearing the Pony Cleats.

Attachment 404819

1962 Auravision Records
 

In 1962 and 1964, Columbia Records produced sets of Auravision baseball player records .

The 6-3/4" x 6-3/4" records are quite baseball card-like in that they feature color photos on front and player bio and stats on back. They were originally issued as mail-in premiums through offers found on Milk Duds candy boxes and Meadow Gold milk cartons, and possibly in other ways. There were eight player records in the 1962 version and 16 in 1964. The 1962 seem to be harder to find according to most sources.

I really wish they had included Brooks Robinson, the the only Oriole is Jim Gentile from the 1962 set. I've never played it, so I don't know what the record says.

1962 Jim Gentile (front & back)

Attachment 404835 Attachment 404836

Day 167 (June 15, 2020- 167)

A couple of signed postcards showing Brooks late in his career with the white panel Orioles hat. I’m not sure who put these out, maybe Rowe, Broder or Bailey (maybe someone from here knows for sure), but I try to find examples of Brooks in different poses that I don’t have in my collection. Most examples I’ve picked are inexpensive and the postcards listed for higher prices are typically still listed.

Attachment 405019
Attachment 405020
Attachment 405021

Not sure how many of you watched ESPN's 30 for 30 last evening "Long Gone Summer" about the McGwire/Sosa HR race in '98, but I enjoyed it.

As you know Sammy played one season with the Orioles in 2005 & here is his game used batting helmet (you may recall late in that season MLB teams applied American Red Cross decals to their helmets as a response to Hurricane Katrina):

https://i.imgur.com/VrSM1UO.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/qsueD1I.jpg

Orioles Postcards
 

Mark,

You know I love Orioles postcards. Postcards other than team issues are a great way to pick up fringe players, that the Orioles didn't print. I'm by no means an expert, but here's some info I've picked up over the years. Based upon the postcard back you posted, I would guess Jeff Morey and here's why.

Postcards from guys like JD McCarthy, Mike Andersen, George Brace, Norm Paulsen and Don Wingfield usually have their names either printed or stamped on the back. James Elder printed a number on his postcards. So identifying those postcards are relatively easy compared to some of the others.

I've organized mine based upon the handwriting on the back. Here are some examples.

Mel Bailey postcards usually have the name and year written in the corner

Attachment 405029


Jim Rowe postcards tend to be lower quality, in my opinion, and names in all caps

Attachment 405030


I have this Jeff Morey stamped postcard and try to match postcards based upon his writing.

Attachment 405031

Here are examples of what I'm talking about. The two postcards on the left are by Mel Bailey. The Dave Criscione on the right in a Jim Rowe issue (notice lower quality photo) and the Terry Crowley I would label as a Jeff Morey issue. It's not a perfect science.

Attachment 405033 Attachment 405032

A few Brooks Robinson postcards

Jim Rowe and two Mel Bailey postcards

Attachment 405027 Attachment 405028

Unknown odd balls

Attachment 405025 Attachment 405026



I would love additions or corrections to my theories

Bill,

Very nice helmet.

Sammy Sosa's team issued postcard and 8x10 photo

Attachment 405035

Attachment 405036

Very nice Alan; I don't believe I have seen either before

Received these very welcomed additions to my collection in the mail today...am hoping to one day complete these sets.

Thanks Alan...really enjoyed talking with you.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...abef7b942c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...8097cbc976.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...577a545857.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...d62714f657.jpg

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Alan,

Thanks for the information and your theories behind the different postcards. I know I have some of the different varieties you mentioned and pictured. I’ll have to get them all together and sort through them and organize based upon the writing on the backs.

Day 168 (June 16, 2020 – 168)

When I first started collecting the only way, I picked up items besides networking, was the Sports Collectors Digest. I’m sure there were other ways to look for items, but at the time I sure didn’t know about it. The magazine provided and avenue for sellers, buyers and traders of sports memorabilia and cards. I met several great people through this weekly publication and a few not so great as well. Once eBay came on the scene, I didn’t really use the magazine much and ultimately dropped the subscription.
I kept the examples of the SCD with Brooks pictured on the cover. Here’s a few of those examples:

SCD September 6, 1991 – signed

Attachment 405145

SCD November 11, 1994

Attachment 405146

SCD October 11, 1996

Attachment 405147