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

Alan..Great Basketball programs! I've never seen any of those before...

Here is a basketball ticket from Aberdeen HS from January 1983 signed by Cal Jr. on the reverse:

https://i.imgur.com/gEirJxg.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/0OoCQ09.jpg

A couple of cool fan photos from an Orioles basketball game from the mid to late 1980's (Billy, Jim Traber & Cal Jr.):

https://i.imgur.com/LsfmH9m.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/qTk7CeH.jpg

Mark,

Happy Birthday. Very nice items. I do have a lot of programs. I'm guessing over 2000 different, including the minor league affiliate programs. Here's the program from "Thanks Brooks" day.

Attachment 418646

Bill,

Some very neat items. I'm especially a fan of the snapshots for sure...

Day 263 (September 19, 2020 – 263)

The Alzheimer Societies in Ontario have been the province’s leading care and research charities helping with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This is a print from The Third Annual Memory Makers Charity Sports Dinner Alzheimer’s Association from 1991.

Memory Makers Celebrity Sports Banquet – January 19, 1991

Attachment 418717
Attachment 418718

Unsure if this basketball related item has been pictured yet.

Bruce Baumgarten's MLB All-Stars

Attachment 418719

Mark

That's an awesome photo that I've never seen before!

Kind of reminds me of when we had Fergie Jenkins in for our Golf Tournament & someone asked him how he got to play for the Globetrotters in the offseason & he jokingly explained that he played for them because he was a bad used car salesman.

Day 264 (September 20, 2020 – 264)

One of my favorite items is the cartoon artwork for the 1966 Topps Brooks Robinson #390.

Attachment 418816

1966 Topps Brooks Robinson #390 back

Attachment 418817

Mark:

Love the Brooks Topps original artwork! Was it from a Topps Vault auction?

The only Topps artwork I own in my collection are these Cal/Bill pieces from their Big Baseball series...

https://i.imgur.com/BmmXm6K.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/CEb0MV3.jpg

OTD in 1998, approximately 10 minutes before game time, Cal Ripken Jr. entered manager Ray Miller's office to inform him that he would not be playing that evening and thus the game streak that first started over 16 years earlier would come to an end at 2,632.

Here is an original game lineup sheet that was passed out to members of the media in the Press Box earlier in the evening showing Cal Jr. batting 6th and playing third:

https://i.imgur.com/CzHHA5k.jpg

I didn't purchase the artwork from the Topps Vault auction, but that's where it was sold originally. I picket it up at the National in Baltimore.