Those two bicentennial bats are awesome!

Welcome and great Robinson discs!

Charlie,

Those are two great Topps test issues. The 1967 disc is missing at least a couple colors, but I think on the 1968 all the colors are there. It doesn't really matter too much since they are all proofs anyway.

1976 Hostess Orioles cards
 

I really enjoy the Hostess cards from 1975-1979.

Orioles team sets are not that hard to complete, whether you collect the individual cards or prefer the 3 card panels. However, if you enjoy variations and a bit of a challenge, the 1976 Hostess set is for you.

Most of the Orioles in the 1976 set can be found with cropping differences and/or different color backs.

Here are examples of Jim Palmer (3 buttons or 2 buttons showing on his uniform) and Mike Torrez (common black printing on back and tougher brown back)

Attachment 411889 Attachment 411890 Attachment 411891

Brooks Robinson was one of the panels that was supposedly printed with only the black back. However, I found a Brooks Robinson with a brown back. I think it might be a proof. Notice the print markings between the cards.

Attachment 411892 Attachment 411893

Some of the cropping differences are fairly easy to spot on the Orioles, while others are very slight, but easier to see when panels are compared.

Don Baylor cropping difference in lower right

Attachment 411894

Gene Tenace and Bobby Murcer, compared to Mike Cuellar (creases in uniform compared to printed name)

Attachment 411895

If that's not enough, Hostess also printed some of the cards on their individual Twinkie packages. These usually have product stains and are thicker than the box cards. The Orioles included Bobby Grich, Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson

Attachment 411896 Attachment 411897

OTD in 1994 Cal Ripken Jr. became only the 2nd player in MLB history to play in 2,000 consecutive games.

A few days before the game I wrote a letter to the Twins official scorer (Tom Mee) and asked if he could please send me a copy the official press notes for the game. Not only did he send them to me, but he ALSO sent me the original scored pages from his personal score book.

My buddy worked at a radio station in MD and he saved for me the Associated Press teletype announcing the feat & I then purchased from the Minneapolis Star Tribune a copy of the photo of Cal which appeared on the front page of their paper the next day.

Finally took a signed ticket from the game and had them all professionally matted and framed as a group:

https://i.imgur.com/boe8S3m.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/4nw7BRp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YXFE4dw.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/5e0Qc27.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/gqG9ZIz.jpg

Interestingly, the Twins starting pitcher that evening was Pat Mahomes, father to star QB Patrick.

Those are some very nice items and the framed display make it look very professional.

Day 215 (August 2, 2020 – 215)

A photo from the 1983 Hall of Fame the year Brooks was inducted into Cooperstown. Sorry about the photo I couldn’t fit the whole picture in my scanner. The back has the listing of the players within the photograph.

1983 HOF photo

Attachment 412050
Attachment 412051

1983 Oriole Advocates photo

Attachment 412052

Wire photo of Brooks and Juan Marichal; two of the Hall of Fame inductees

Attachment 412053

couple of signed cachets related to the '83 HOF Induction:

https://i.imgur.com/f7zdaTk.jpg

Since Alston did not attend the ceremony and passed away about a year later, you don't see many items signed by all four.

1969 Brooks Robinson Transogram
 

Thought to show the 1969 Transogram featuring variations of Brooks Robinson to include the figurine. These were released in 1969 with 60 player boxes and figurines. There are many HOF's to include Brooks, Kaline, Aaron, Mays, Mantle and Clemente (others, too). This Box and cards are part of the Brooks PSA Master Set. The Master Set requires the Box, which is depicted (the box does not display nicely as the Bazookas do); the side panel (the smaller headshot), which is depicted; and the larger card on the back, which is shown. I am only aware of one box being graded, which is this one and the larger card with the yellow shown here is one of two graded at PSA 8 (none higher). The smaller card or side panel is hard to grade above a 5. Finding a nice box featuring Brooks is pretty hard but they appear on Ebay routinely. I hated to cut a box up but admittedly I did to get the side panel. The box was damaged so my sin should be forgivable. You can see my Brooks PSA Master on PSA. Search for Brooksie Master. Lots of items to see (over 262 items in the Master and growing). My set is ranked #2 but I actually have a higher percentage of items on hand (my quality is not as nice as the #1 set). I am constantly upgrading cards, photos, boxes, etc. so if you have anything extra, let me know. I am happy to help you as I have many extra items, if interested. Enjoy!

Charlie,

You have some awesome items in the Brooks Master Registry; think you should be #1.

Really like the transogram card cutout and the box w/the figurine included. I really don’t understand within the registry to grade this box itself and the side picture panel. I get it on the Bazooka’s (sometimes), but not the transogram. Of course I don’t understand other stuff like photos either. As long you’re having fun go for it.

Mark, when I started with the registry I was confused, too. So many different things To chase. Recently they added Coke Caps and Matchbooks. It can be crazy and exhausting. I have learned a lot of “useless” stuff along the way. Thanks for commenting.

I have an extra Brooks plastic transogram figure looking for a home (empty box). Charlie I love the transogram s and glad to see you posting some of your great Brooks collection.
Thanks Scott

Day 216 (August 3, 2020 – 216)

1983 Brooks Robinson Hall of Fame mug

Attachment 412281
Attachment 412282

Lee’s Sports HOF ‘83 Brooks Robinson mini bat

Attachment 412283
Attachment 412284

Hall of Fame yellow plaque signed postcard

Attachment 412285

1996 Big League Chew cards
 

All the posts about the 1983 HOF inductions, that included Juan Marichal, reminded me of a small set of cards from 1996 that included Brooks Robinson, Billy Williams and Juan Marichal. Big League Chew bubble gum has been around for about 40 years and in 1996, Brooks appeared on the front of their packages, as part of an autographed card promotion.

Here's an interesting clip from their website about the history of Big League Chew.

https://www.bigleaguechew.com/about

There were three different flavors, original, strawberry and grape. I believe Brooks Robinson was only on the original. An offer on the back allowed you to order one autographed card of the player of your choice. Here's the packaging.

Attachment 412296 Attachment 412297

1996 Big League Chew card

Attachment 412298

Mark,

Very cool mug. I've never seen it before. I was at the 1983 HOF Induction weekend, but don't remember seeing any mugs. Was it available then or produced later?

1991 Toronto Sun Cal Ripken
 

Alan, my father didn't allow chewing gum in the house when I was growing up but made a one-time exception when Big League Chew came out with the Brooks pack so that I could get a package and a card.

Cal was the MVP of the AL in 1991 and was also the MVP of that year's All-Star Game, held in Toronto. Below is a full Toronto Sun paper from the day after the ASG.

Attachment 412312

Here is the retail point of sale ad piece from the Big League Chew promotion:

https://i.imgur.com/dlIzVA0.jpg

Alan,

I believe it was produced after the fact and don't think it was available at the time of induction (at least that I know of).

Day 217 (August 4, 2020 – 217)

HOF Coin

Attachment 412399
Attachment 412400

HOF Pin

Attachment 412401

HOF plate

Attachment 412402

Cal Bar Display
 

Good morning,

Bill, I love that Big League Chew display. I'll have to look for that one.

Here is the point of purchase Cal Bar display:

Attachment 412406

Cal Ripken Candy Bars
 

Mike,

Seems like the perfect time to post some Cal Bars...

Attachment 412407


Having your own candy bar was the rage for awhile. Not Orioles, but here are a few more candy bars of Wade Boggs, Ken Griffey Jr and Reggie Jackson.

Attachment 412408

A couple of variations to the quote, but here you go...

"Brooks (Robinson) never asked anyone to name a candy bar after him. In Baltimore, people named their children after him." - Gordon Beard

Alan...You're right...In the early 90's it seemed like a lot of guys had candy bars named after them.

During the heyday of the Cal Candy Bar, I took a trip to the Morley Candy Co.'s Millersville (MD) retail location to see if I could find anything unique....

This plastic sign was displayed in their storefront window and the manager told me that they'd save it for me once the promotion was over (and he kept that promise):

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

Day 218 (August 5, 2020 – 218)

On Friday night August 5, 1983 a large crowd arrives at Memorial Stadium for the “Brooks Robinson Hall of Fame Celebration Night” where the first place Orioles were taking on the AL West leading White Sox. The Orioles with 14 hits, all singles, come out on top with a 5-4 victory over the Sox. A commemorative print was produced and this one is signed by the newly inducted HOF third baseman.

1983 Brooks Robinson Hall of Fame Celebration Night foldout

Attachment 412538
Attachment 412539
Attachment 412540

B&W photo of the interior of the foldout by Baltimore’s own Morton Tadder

Attachment 412541

1959 Miami Marlins
 

1959 marked the return of the Orioles from Arizona to Florida for spring training. For the next 30 years, the Orioles would conduct spring training in Miami. It also began a long relationship with Miami as an Orioles minor league affiliate.

1959 Orioles Spring Training Program and Marlins Roster

Attachment 412548 Attachment 412546


In 1959 and 1960, the Miami Marlins were a AAA affiliate of the Orioles. After a short break, Miami would return as an Orioles A affiliate from 1966-1981. Miami also served as a co-op team in 1982 and 1987.

The Marlins finished 71-83 in 1959 and a quick look through the roster shows about 15 players that appeared for the Orioles and one point or another. the most recognizable players included Jack Fisher, Wes Stock, Fred Valentine and George Zuverink.

1959 Miami Marlins program

Attachment 412547

Attachment 412555 Attachment 412553 Attachment 412554 Attachment 412551

Here is an OMLB signed by Curt Blefary and every other Oriole Rookie of the Year (with inscription)..Obviously the key is Blefary who unfortunately passed away in 2001:



https://i.imgur.com/cCd77xV.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/69irg6a.jpg

Robinson oddballs
 

Attached are Robinson items looking for a new home. Prefer to trade for other Orioles items I do not have.

1973 Topps Comics Brooks
 

One of my favorite Brooks rarities in my PC. (I just noticed I screwed up the scan on this one somehow - sorry)

Rich, that 73 Comics is a hard one to find. It looks perfect. Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

1973 Comics
 

I believe that this one was never issued with gum. There is no evidence of any adhesive on it and no fold marks. Sorry the scan does not do it justice.

Rich

Love the Brooks Night foldout! I was there that night with my dad, as a 9 year old fan.

Day 219 (August 6, 2020 – 219)

In 1979 the Orioles found themselves in a rematch of the 1971 World Series with the Pittsburg Pirates. You must give it to Willie Stargell and his “Family” for, once again in a seven-game series, coming out on top in 1979.

Below is an Orioles 1979 bright orange cardboard directional sign that was posted on the route to Memorial Stadium for the Series.

1979 Orioles cardboard sign

Attachment 412697

Common 1979 Coral Lee postcard #13 of Brooks wearing the orange Orioles jersey with the white panel front O’s cap. Brooks is looking happy in this picture; I like it.

Attachment 412698
Attachment 412699

Good looking Brooks Comic!

Bill,

Very nice looking ROY ball. Especially like the Blefary on the SS which makes it even better IMV.

Upper Deck Limited Edition Sheets
 

I came across these again over the weekend and forgot how many of these Upper Deck sheets featured Brooks Robinson.

For a few years, Upper Deck printed Limited Edition sheets (although most of them aren't very limited) for various events. Many of the sheets are very colorful and well done. Most of them are individually numbered.

The first sheet that I'm aware of was printed in 1989 for the National Candy Wholesalers Assn convention to promote their new cards. It featured Cal Ripken.

Attachment 412701

Over the next couple of years, Brooks Robinson appeared on a bunch of different sheets.

Sheets from 1991

Attachment 412702 Attachment 412703


Sheets from 1992

Attachment 412704 Attachment 412705
Attachment 412706


Sheet from 1993

Attachment 412707

Here is another one of those Upper Deck sheets which featured Brooks from 1994, signed by all the players:

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

Bill,

Nice. I have a few other sheets that feature Orioles, just not Brooks, but I've never noticed that one before. It looks real good with all the old-timers autographs (that you can read). Today's players scribbles would ruin it in my opinion.

Wow; thanks for the reminder. Forgot about those. I’m sure I have them tucked away somewhere. I don’t think any of mine are signed.

Day 220 (August 7, 2020 – 220)

An Oriole Scorecard and Review from 1963. This particular game was played on August 7, 1963 between the Orioles and the Cleveland Indians. Brooks is pictured in B&W batting in a home game on the right side of the scorecard.

Attachment 412826

In the same year, but this game was played on April 8 is a UPI photo of Jim Gentile, Luis Aparicio and Brooks prior to the game.

Attachment 412827

1963 Programs
 

Mark,

Just in case you were interested, the 1963 program comes with three different cover variations. Brooks pictured in gray, orange and darker orange. I don't believe any variation is harder than the another.

Attachment 412840 Attachment 412841

Attachment 412842

Ha! Of course I'm interested. I didn't realize there were different versions; thanks for the heads up.

Day 221 (August 8, 2020 – 221)

Back in April I mentioned The Orioles Advocates and one of the organizations they formed was the Junior Orioles. The name was changed along the line and currently it is called the O’s Dugout Club. This is a membership card for the Orioles1968 season.

First is an envelope sent in 1968 to Timmy, in Baltimore MD, with his membership packet.

Attachment 412998

Included in the envelope was a May 1968 issue of the Junior Orioles Bird Call.

Attachment 412999

1968 Baltimore Orioles Junior Orioles Membership card – signed and unsigned

Attachment 413000
Attachment 413001

Also, included in the 1968 packet was a charter member of the Babe Ruth Shrine – signed and unsigned.

Attachment 413002
Attachment 413003

Of course, in 1968 kids would have been collecting the 1968 Topps baseball cards, but some would be playing baseball related board games, one of them being a Milton Bradley game called, Win-A-Card that came with 100 cards which were produced by Topps. The Milton Bradley set of cards contained baseball, football, and hot-rod cards. Here’s the Brooks example…

1968 Topps Milton Bradley #20

Attachment 413004
Attachment 413005

Oh, and if you were a baseball card fan in Canada in 1968 you were collecting the O-Pee-Chee cards.

1968 OPC Brooks Robinson #20

Attachment 413006
Attachment 413007

Mark,

Even though I was never a Junior Oriole, I love that type of stuff. Here's a Junior Oriole kit from 1987 as well as a few more Bird Calls from 1966-1969.

Attachment 413009

Attachment 413010 Attachment 413011

Attachment 413012 Attachment 413013



Very nice Milton Bradley card. I've found centering to be an issue with them. Mark Belanger is the other Oriole in the set.

I have a near complete run of OPC team sets from 1965 up, missing a few cards. I think OPC cards are under appreciated.

Futures at Fenway Game
 

11 years ago today, I had the best seats at Fenway Park in Boston, that I have ever had or expect to have. I was sitting right beside the visitors dugout. I don't have much love for the Sox, but this was a good day.

I'm not sure if they still do it, but for a few years the Red Sox hosted Futures games with two of their minor league affiliates playing against another team's affiliates. In 2009, the Bowie BaySox and Norfolk Tides played at Fenway. The tickets were only about $5. No assigned seats. You could sit wherever you wanted and see both games. Concession prices were also reduced.

Program from the game.

Attachment 413014

Game Used First Base from the second game of the Red Sox/Orioles double header on 10/05/01 which was not the only the 2nd to last game in Cal Ripken Jr.'s career but his 3000th career game as well....

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

Brooks Bazooka
 

Good morning. I am sharing my run of Brooks Bazooka Cards, Panels, Stamps, and Complete Boxes. This is the complete list of Bazookas required for the Brooks PSA Master. I believe the Master requires 22 but I have the 68 Tip from Topps in a Panel and single picture version without the panel written details (these two are considered the same). I include all the pictures and then some close ups. Some of these are easier than others. I found the singles were easier to find than the Complete Boxes. The 1966/67 Single Picture of Brooks, 1967 Panel, and 1968 Tips from Topps Single are the highest pop meaning none graded higher. The 1963 is impeccable but missing the flap. On anther box, it too is without tabs but they graded much higher with a caveat (i.e., missing tabs). The 1964 box had the 10 Bazooka Stamps affixed to it and PSA would not grade. I worked on it for a few hours with a blow dryer and my finger nail and the stamps came off with some paper loss but it graded as a two. Both boxes are limited (I think the population is 2 each). I would love to upgrade a lot of these to include the 1967 Complete Box. I have a few extras available for trading. There has to be a 1965 Bazooka Complete Box out there with Brooks but I am not sure one is graded. If anyone has any questions or interested in discussing a trade, please let me know. Enjoy!!!

Charlie- Thise Bazooka look great ! Is that a 71 numbered panel ? That’s a tough piece!
What grade is your 68 box and 68 panel ? Good looking stuff !
Scott

Charlie,

Great Bazooka items! You have some awesome Brooksie stuff.

Those Brookszookas are awesome!

Mark what’s the tell on the 1968 MB’s? Color?

Scott, yes...that is a 1971 Numbered Panel.

The 1968 Bazooka Box Panel Hand Cut is a PSA 8 and I have a PSA 7, too. The Single Card counts as a Panel and that is a PSA 10. The 1968 Complete Box is a PSA 5 and I have a PSA1.

Thanks

MB
 

Clint,

The easiest way is the back of the cards. The regular Topps have a dark yellow or orangish backing. The MB backs are a relatively bright yellow color; definitely a noticeable difference when you have them side by side.