Yes mine is on a thinner card stock then the regular issue.

Maine-ahs
 

I grew up in Maine and have been an Orioles fan since 1964. Major League players from the state of Maine aren't that plentiful. Cold weather and even snow in the spring make it difficult for most youth to compete with the players from the south. Maine has produced a few players over the years, most notable are Billy Swift, Danny Coombs, John Cumberland, Bob Stanley, Carlton Willey, Bert Roberge, Pete Ladd and Matt Kinney. If most of these names are unfamiliar to you, they are well known by baseball fans in Maine. All of these guys are pitchers. It's very tough for a position player to develop enough to reach the majors.

In recent years, the Orioles have had a good Maine connection in their organization. Surprisingly, all position players.

Mike Bordick was the first Oriole from Maine when he joined the O's, as Cal Ripken Jr transitioned to 3B. Mike grew up a short distance from me. I coached high school baseball for many years and Mike's dad would umpire many of our games. Mike is a great guy. He stills works the Orioles as a spring training coach and broadcaster.

Ryan Flaherty was an Orioles Rule 5 pick from the Cubs. Buck Showalter loved Ryan's versatility and he was the O's super utility during Buck's tenure. In 2004, Ryan's American legion team from Portland, ME won the national championship. Unheard of for a team from Maine.

Ryan McKenna is a current Orioles prospect that is moving quickly through the O's system and could make his Orioles debut soon.

Gary Thorne is the Orioles broadcaster. Gary was a lawyer by trade, but made a name for himself doing University of Maine hockey broadcasts. That led to doing NHL games and finally MLB games.

Mike Bordick and Ryan Flaherty

Attachment 430239 Attachment 430241


Ryan McKenna and Gary Thorne

Attachment 430240 Attachment 430238


Footnote: Two other players from Maine include Louis Sockalexis and Clyde Sukeforth. Anyone know their significance to baseball history??

Scott,

Is yours a blank back or regular back?

Blank back

Rule 5 Orioles
 

In recent years, the Orioles have been very active in the annual MLB rule 5 draft and and are expected to pick at least one player again today.

Held each December, the Rule 5 Draft allows clubs without a full 40-man roster to select certain non-40-man roster players from other clubs. ... Players signed at age 18 or younger need to be added to their club's 40-Man roster within five seasons or they become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft.

Last year the Orioles selected Michael Rucker and Brandon Bailey, but sent both back to their original clubs during spring training. I wonder if the Orioles had known the season would have been shortened, with expanded rosters, if they would have tried to keep one or both. I thought both pitchers looked good in spring training.

Brandon Bailey (2019) and Michael Rucker (2019)

Attachment 430405 Attachment 430406


Here are the most recent Orioles Rule 5 picks that stuck with the Orioles.
Some longer than others......

Richie Martin (2018) and Drew Jackson (2018)

Attachment 430412 Attachment 430411


Pedro Araujo (2017) and Nestor Cortes Jr (2017)

Attachment 430407 Attachment 430408


Anthony Santander (2016) and Joey Rickard (2015)

Attachment 430415 Attachment 430414


Jason Garcia (2014) and Logan Verritt (2014)

Attachment 430410 Attachment 430416


T.J. McFarland (2012) and Ryan Flaherty (2011)

Attachment 430413 Attachment 430409

Day 345 (December 10, 2020 – 345)

I believe this National Beer advertising piece is from 1967 following the sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1966 World Series. A similar sign was posted earlier in the thread (#377) which is from the 1960’s with the same saying, “A team a man can call his own!”. These signs have plastic fronts, which are prone to cracking, with an easel back for display purposes.

1967 National Beer Advertising Sign

Attachment 430506

I really like this photo of Brooks on the steps in the dugout from May 16, 1967 taken by a Boston Globe photographer Danny Goshtigian.

Attachment 430507

Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays
 

The Orioles used to send me a Christmas card each year as a spring training season ticket holder. I haven't received one for a while, but here are a few from years past.

Happy Holidays to you and your families..

Attachment 430545

Attachment 430546

Attachment 430544

This is the second day in a row that Net54 was down when trying to post in the morning. Let's see if they can make a turkey (bowling reference if you're unaware).

Day 346 (December 11, 2020 – 346)

1963 Baltimore Orioles The Savings Bank of Baltimore with facsimile autographs. The plastic ball is on the base very tight (or possibly secured) and I don’t want to crack the plastic because it is somewhat delicate, so it’s pictured the bank the way I purchased it.

Attachment 430632

Late 60’s early 70’s ceramic baseball cap (ball head) bank. I think this Orioles baseball cap bank is from 1969 but could be off on the date. This example, as you can see, has “Baltimore Orioles” on the base while others advertised local companies.

Attachment 430633

Sweet Orioles head bank! Looks in great condition.

Day 347 (December 12, 2020 – 347)

Ok; here’s a 1965 Brooks Robinson premium photo likely advertising something. Hopefully you guys can help me find out what that something is. Is it the sneakers Brooks is wearing? I’m sure you wouldn’t wear sneakers taking grounders at spring training. That First Federal sign is predominant; maybe advertising the bank? It’s possibly something else entirely, but I don’t know what it is; is it even advertising?

I personally would rather have this photo unsigned, but this is the way it was purchased.

Attachment 430740

1964 Topps Venezuelan Set
 

We have discussed and shown some Venezuelan cards in previous posts, but mail day brought me the final piece to my 1964 Venezuelan set (Norm Siebern).

I'm close to completing several other Orioles Venezuelan team sets, but 1964 is the first one I've completed. The cards aren't mint, but still fairly nice for Venezuelan cards. The Brooks Robinson is one of the nicer cards, while the Robin Roberts should be upgraded someday.

1964 Topps Venezuelan Orioles team set

Attachment 430914 Attachment 430915

Attachment 430916 Attachment 430917

Alan,

That's quite an accomplishment. The Venz cards are in extremely nice shape for what they are. Man, that Brooks looks like one of the best one's I've seen and FAR better than my example. Congrats on the completion of the '64 examples.

Day 348 (December 13, 2020 – 348)

Cardboard Orioles directional sign for the 1966 World Series. This signed was displayed AFTER the Orioles won the Series and has the “World Champs” added to the sign. I’ve seen this same addition to the 1970 and the 1983 cardboard directional signs as well, but don’t have either example.

1966 Orioles World Series cardboard directional sign – World Champs

Attachment 430921

I think the 1966 Topps Brooks Robinson #390 looks nice. Below is a blank backed example of the 1966 Brooks card.

Attachment 430922
Attachment 430923

A common 1966 pennant from the 1966 World Series.


Attachment 430924


Quote: "He was the best defensive player at any position. I used to stand in the outfield like a fan and watch him make play after play. I used to think WOW, I can't believe this." - Frank Robinson

It's been reported that former Oriole Chico Fernandez who was struck by a car outside his grandson's home on Thanksgiving, unfortunately succumbed to his injuries last week.

While Fernandez played in 24 games with the Orioles in 1968 he is probably best known for surviving a near fatal beaning he took to the head while playing for Cal Ripken Sr. and the Rochester Red Wings:

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

Bill,

Thanks for the update. Sad to see another Oriole from my childhood is gone. Nice looking autograph. That can't be an easy one to get.

Crown used many of Mort Tadder's photos in their set. Unfortunately, the team issued 8x10 photo and postcard used the same pose.

Chico Fernandez Team Issued 8x10 Photo & Postcard

Attachment 430961 Attachment 430962

Rawlings Photos
 

Hi, everyone. I have posted the Rawlings Photos in the past but recently added the 1965 Rawlings MVP Premiums Brooks Robinson to my Brooks Robinson PSA Master Set. I do not know a lot about this one but it is a nice addition.

Enjoy the photos.

Charlie,

ALL look GREAT! They will make a nice display as well as a nice addition to the Brooks registry.

Day 349 (December 14, 2020 – 349)

I think it’s time for the last snapshot photos of the year. Again, I mentioned it before, but LOVE snapshots (and a lot of other Orioles items…).

Here’s an early B&W snapshot that’s in a small frame. I can’t take it out due to part of it being stuck on the glass. Didn’t want to try to remove and damage the picture even though it’s not in the greatest shape anyway. Think this is just a great casual photo of Brooks. Notice the lady in the background with the cigarette checking them out.

Attachment 431063

Next up is a color snapshot of Brooks from June of 1967 on picture day.

Attachment 431064

Finally, a signed B&W snapshot taken in Memorial Stadium on October 13, 1970.

Attachment 431065
Attachment 431066

Sad to hear. I was 12 years old and at the game when Chico got beaned. I can still remember the silence in the stands as he lay on the ground.

Day 350 (December 15, 2020 – 350)

Today pictured is a 1962 Baltimore Orioles Black Face Nodder made in Japan. These Nodders (Bobbleheads) make for a very nice display pieces.

Attachment 431226

The 1962 Post Cereal Canadian set contained 200 cards. The player information printed is in both English and French. Of course, the Canadian version is harder to come by due to the distribution in the Great White North.

1962 Post Cereal – Canadian

Attachment 431227

Brooks Robinson Bobblehead
 

Mark,

That is a very nice looking bobblehead and an extremely tough one to find. It reminds me that I need to update some information I just picked up on a Brooks Robinson Bobblehead from post #85.


From Post #85

Here is my contribution for today, but I'm afraid I need some help identifying this bobblehead. I picked it up 10-15 years ago, but haven't found anyone that has seen it before. I'm guessing it's from the 90's and it is fairly heavy. Some people I've talked to believe it's a custom, which is quite possible. However, both the Orioles on the shirt and Brooks Robinson on the base are raised up and not just painted on. Cool bobblehead that Brooks autographed before I got it. Anyone with any info is appreciated. Someday, maybe I can ask Brooks himself if he knows anything about it. There is nothing to identify either the manufacturer or a sponsor. Bobblehead collectors HELP!!!

Attachment 431264

There is currently one on eBay and the seller says the bobblehead is from a 2006 Los Angeles Dodgers Fantasy Camp in Vero Beach, FL. Based upon the time frame I picked the bobblehead up, that is feasible. I'm not sure why Brooks would have been at a Dodgers Fantasy Camp. The seller doesn't know how many were produced, but this is the only other one I've seen. I think he had two, but the one on eBay is the last one he has. Interested in what it goes for..

One other thing about the Canadian Post cards is the photos seem sharper and there are slight cropping differences compared to the US cards

1962 Post Cereal Orioles
 

I really like the 1962 Canadian Post Cereal cards too. It is much harder to complete the Canadian Orioles set, compared to the US version. I've been looking for the Canadian #32 Dick Williams and #36 Chuck Estrada cards for years and can't seem to find them.

In addition to the cropping differences between the US and Canadian cards, the US cards have cropping differences of their own. I discussed some of them in post #1807. Since then, I been able to confirm cropping differences in all the 1962 Post Cereal Orioles, except #31 Jackie Brandt. I assume there is probably a Brandt variation also. It looks like the variations are a result from the brand of cereal they were printed on.

Here are a couple more in addition to the ones shown in post #1807.

Dick Williams #32

Attachment 431363

Hoyt Wilhelm #35

Attachment 431364

Day 351 (December 16, 2020 – 351)

The last regular issued Brooks card Topps produced was the 1978 #4 Record Breaker. Below is the Record Breaker card on top of a cello pack.

Attachment 431395

I try to post the unusual or unique items of Brooks and this is a ’78 Record Breaker #4, but this example is blank backed.

Attachment 431396
Attachment 431397

Then there’s a few proofs of the ’78 Topps #4 as well...

Attachment 431398
Attachment 431399
Attachment 431400

Mark...

I know I've said it before but I love the proofs and unopened packs (from 40 plus years ago no less!)...

Over the past year I've posted some neat hand painted locker nameplates that originated from Milwaukee's County Stadium....About 15 years ago or so, I purchased (via auction) a lot of 20 or so of these because a nice portion of that grouping were Oriole players...

Here is a wire photo of the Orioles clinching the A.L. East in 1972 (in Milwaukee) and a couple of these nameplates can be seen in the background:

https://i.imgur.com/K7MANWy.jpg

and here is my favorite nameplate from that lot:

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

Mark those 78’s are awesome! Bill, love the nameplate.

My favorite as well...

Day 352 (December 17, 2020 – 352)

You gotta love early photos and today here’s a couple of 1957 photos of Brooks. The first is a picture of Brooks is from January 9th showing him reading The Sporting News with a picture of George Kell on the wall posted in the background. Pretty cool that Brooks is wearing his high school ring which is predominant in the shot (at least it sticks out to me…).

Attachment 431467

The next up are the same photos only cropped a bit differently, but one in good condition from April 11, 1957 and the other from April 15, 1957 (and other dates) beat up from being used so often. Both pictures have the same caption on the back, but as you can see the later has the attachment covered with use from being used again and again.

Attachment 431468
Attachment 431469

Attachment 431470
Attachment 431471

Day 353 (December 18, 2020 – 353)

A 1965 photo taken at the Rawlings Sporting Goods Fair. Pictures both 1964 MVP winners, Brooks Robinson and Ken Boyer, along with a couple of individuals from the event. The booklet is signed by both Brooks and Boyer.

Attachment 431606
Attachment 431607
Attachment 431608

Hopefully you can see the clip that Ken Boyer is wearing on his sport jacket. Brooks is wearing one as well; you just can’t see the front. It’s a plastic Rawlings clip that’s pictured below which has a rendering of Brooks and Boyer, facsimile signature, and includes the Rawlings slogan, “The Finest in the Field” If you want to see a better example of the clip Mike (ripfan008) has a pristine example in post (#1734)

Attachment 431609

Gee Mark that piece looks familiar!

Yep... some generous person years ago was kind enough to part with a Brooksie item from their extensive Brooks Robinson collection. I “think” they went a slightly different route with the collection and focused on a different avenue of collecting.

I've had this book for years. I believe it's part of a series of baseball books. Written by William Mead. Nice picture of Brooks on the front.

Attachment 431619

Found this picture of some of the other books in the set

Attachment 431620

I came across a Brooks Robinson sighting in the 1965 Maryland Official Highway map. The caption under Brooks' picture mentions his 1964 MVP and talks about the Birds playing at Memorial Stadium. In addition, there is a picture Memorial Stadium's other team - the Colts featuring Johnny Unitas.

Really like the picture that they used of Brooks in the BLOCK letter uniform; I don't think I've ever seen this particular shot before. I can't quite make out the helmet; does he have the BIRD or the "B" on the helmet?

Day 354 (December 19, 2020 – 354)

One of my all-time favorite baseball cards of Brooks is his 1973 Topps #90. Even though it’s a pretty cool shot of Brooks at 3rd one of the reasons I like the card so much is that during his playing days Topps only pictured him fielding on this particular card. I guess you could possibly make a case for a few different cards like the ’71 Greatest Moments #9, or the 1971 Topps #331, but really for me his 1973 card, pictured at the hot corner, just has the aesthetics I like in a baseball card. I think Topps did a very nice job with the general card setup in 1974 and Brooks is pictured how I remember him at third.

Reminds me of a quote by one of the Birds, “Before every pitch for years and years, he was on his toes, ready to move, instantly alert. He always got ready as if he knew the ball was coming to him. Whenever a new guy would join the bullpen, he’d watch Brooks for a game or two and say, ‘Holy cow! He’s as good as they say!’ We’d say, ‘Just watch him. He treats every pitch like there are two outs in the ninth.’ – Dick Hall

1973 Topps #90

Attachment 431854
Attachment 431855

1973 Topps #90 Match Print photo

Attachment 431856

I would agree that the 1973 Brooks card is also one of my top favorites. I still remember the day I first saw it. It was sometime in the late 70's when I was at a friend's house and he was showing me his cards. I had never seen the 1973 card before (I started collecting in 1976), and when I saw that card I was blown away. All I was familiar with were the 1976 card where you can barely even see his eyes because of the shadow from his cap and the 1977 & 1978 cards where he looked much older.

Seeing an action shot of him at 3rd base was amazing! Fortunately my friend had an extra one which he gave me. It wasn't in the greatest shape, but I've still held on to it (even as I've gotten an upgrade for my 1973 set) as I still remember my reaction to seeing this card for the first time.

I'm almost certain the picture on the card was taken on May 28, 1972 against the Indians, along with the large number of other action shots of Orioles in the 1973 set. Here is my look at those cards (along with a few Indians cards) which helped me figure out the date:

https://fleersticker.blogspot.com/20...tographer.html

That was a very cool read!!! The wide variety of action shots really made up for the boringly white appearance of the 1973 cards. I especially like how you pointed out the ill-placed 'NY' on Nettles' jersey. (It's always made me laugh.) The Brohamer, Grich, Belanger and Duffy cards are each very cool on their own, mainly because they aren't traditional shots, and do a fantastic job of really pulling you into the action, as if you had a seat in the bleachers that day. Love it! Good work!

Thanks for the kind words. The 1973 set sometimes gets a bad rap for the unusual action photography, but I actually really like it for the reasons you point out.

Day 355 (December 20, 2020 – 355)

Millers Falls Company was a hand and power tool manufacturer out of Massachusetts. This is a large postcard sent out to dealers who sold their tools. The postcard features the sportscaster Chris Schenkel and pictures football center Mike Pyle of the Chicago Bears and Brooks Robinson. I have seen a large postcard with Brooks featured on the postcard, using the same photo, to advertise their tools, but do not have that example.

Attachment 432013

While the exact details of this piece are sketchy, here is a 12" ceramic Brooks Robinson liquor decanter issued in 1983...I remember this piece as one of the very first pieces of memorabilia I purchased when I moved into my first apartment in early 1984 (remember paying $50 for it)...

The story was that some liquor company was going going to sell these (there was a John Unitas one as well) with some sort of whiskey in them but for whatever reason they were not given permission...

If anyone has more detail, I would love to hear it:

http://i.imgur.com/pHro6Ng.jpg

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