1976 Hostess Panel Brooks Robinson
 

Day 6 – 6 January 2024
Hostess included Brooks Robinson on the 1976 Hostess box. This box included a Suzy Q. This set included 150 different players. It makes a wonderful display and is my favorite Hostess card. Also included today is the 3 player panel and the single card.

Charlie,

I loved collecting the Hostess cards. I'm sure the grocery store didn't appreciate me going through all the boxes, looking for the cards I needed. I ate a lot of Hostess product in high school. My mom would freeze all the extras for the winter.

I didn't realize at the time that there are cropping variations depending on the product. I also wasn't smart enough to keep the boxes or keep track of which cards came on which products. I do remember I hated the boxes that had the L shaped panels.

It looks like you have both of the Brooks Robinson variations (amount of pants showing at the bottom). I also have the cards that came on the individual Twinkies packages, but they all have the normal product stains.

I also have a 1976 proof panel of Brooks with the brown printing on back (see post #2003).

1976 Twinkies Orioles

Attachment 604295

1962 Post Cereal Robinson
 

I think Charlie either showed or talked about the panels that Brooks Robinson appeared on in the 1962 post baseball promotion. He was on four different cereal panels. Alphabets 8 ounce. Crispy critters 8 ounce. Post Toasties 12 ounce regular box. Post Toasties spout box. Charlie showed pictures of the two different Post Toasties boxes. And if you’re a master set Collector of the 1962 Post Cereal, you’re looking for over 500 cards, four of which are different Brooks Robinsons. Each of the different Brooks Robinson cards has distinguishable differences from the other three cards that are tied to which cereal box it came from.

Post Cereal during production, used the same panel for the alphabets and the crispy critter boxes. Similarly, they used the same panel on both variations of the different post toasties boxes. There are no cropping differences in the picture between the alphabets/Crispy critter Cards. Similarly there are no differences the two different Post Toasties box cards. There are cropping differences between the two sets of cards. The CC/AB have more of the batting hand, and more of the patch, showing at the bottom of the cards, than the PT cards. There are other differences also. While, it’s not the best way to differentiate variations, sometimes you have to use color. Probably the easiest way to tell an AB card from a CC card is looking at the yellow statistical area background. CC Cards have that color as goldish. For AB Cards that color more light yellow. In Robinson‘s case the brim of his hat is orange on the CC cards and red on the AB cards. There are other differences also.

For PT Cards it’s much more simple. Turning the card over the regular box is brown colored cardboard, and the spout box is white colored cardboard.

A master set is a pretty big challenge and not a lot of people probably care about this. But there are a handful of collectors that pursue this. And in every case they have the four Brooks Robinson‘s variations. The collectors that I know who have these master sets include Dave Worley, Dan Mabey, Gevelt Meyer, Kelvin Soldat, Tim Wheatley, Fred McKie, and Bob Marquette.

I’ll try to post a picture but I don’t keep pictures on my computer so it is something that’s very challenging for me.

1962 Brooks Robinson Post Cereal (correction)
 

Day 3 January 2024 (correction):

The 1962 post on Brooks Post Cereal had some errors on my comments about Panels. I also received a question about variations. Here is some additional information to clarify things with pictures. The 1962 Post Cereal set includes 200 different players. Brooks appeared on Canadian Panel, which I have never seen, but aways looking! Not sure one exists. I do have the highest graded Canadian hand cut card. Brooks appeard on four (4) different boxes in 1962. Below you will see the two different versions of the Post Toasties Corn Flakes panel with and without the Spout. The two Post Toasties boxes differ with the black box section (one includes the word “all” and the other does not). The boxes are different on the back, too (one is dark and the other lighter). Also, I have a complete unassembled Post Toasties Box with spout. I am tempted to assemble it; it would make an excellent display. Brooks also appears on an Alphabet Box and a Crispy Critters box. The Alphabets box has the word “all” and the Crispy Critters box does not have the word “all.” For some reason, PSA believes Brooks appears on a 3 panel cereal box, but he does not (as far as I know). Someone convinced PSA otherwise so I was able to find a damaged panel and had the 3 panel version graded. The single hand cut graded card is also displayed. The four different hand cut cards are provided and marked below them.i believe Ken Marks will discuss some of this and provide more detail on the “variations.”

Brooks Robinson 1970 and 1975 Kellogg’s
 

Day 7 – 7 January 2024
Kellogg’s published multiple sets in the 1970s but Brooks only appeared on the 1970 and 1975 sets. The 1970 set included 48 players. The 1975 set included 57 players. Brooks collectors will be happy to know he appeared on the actual 1970 Cereal Box. The cards (ungraded) are sensitive given their age and materials used. The two individual cards and cereal box are provided in this post.

While I already owned a ball signed by the 1960 Fox Cities team (82-56 record), I couldn't resist picking up a 2nd one on eBay because of the low price....

Notables include Earl Weaver (mgr,), Cal Ripken Sr. (the year Cal Jr. was born), Boog Powell (2nd season in pro ball), Pat Gillick (HOF) & Dean Chance...

The team picture I've owned for awhile & may have posted in previously:

https://i.imgur.com/3iMNifo.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/sWXoxrr.jpg

1975 Hostess
 

I loved Twinkies (still "like" them). I used to have a ton of the boxes when I was young, but they are long gone.

This proof is slightly different; where's "The Big Bopper"?!?

Two
 

TWO; send me one (gratis...:D). I'll be nice and let you choose which one.

Charlie,

Love your collection. You have to have the greatest Brooks Robinson collection in the world... Thanks for sharing it with mere mortals :cool:

1970 - sealed single

1975 - proof

Bill,

The signed ball looks great. Of course I LOVE the team photo ad; just awesome!

Kellogg’s comments
 

Mark, nice proof. I have not seen that or the graded one. I do have one in the sealed pack as you shared. Should have included. Thanks for the feedback.

Scott has a ‘70 in the original plastic pack; would love to have an example to display. Hopefully he’ll post when he has a chance.

learned earlier today that 1957 "Most Valuable Oriole" Billy Gardner passed away last week at the age of 96. He spent four years with the team appearing in 589 games (mostly as a 2nd Baseman); additionally was among the last surviving New York Giants.

RIP Billy

Brooks Robinson 1971 Baltimore Sun and Boston Globe
 

Day 8 – 8 January 2024

Switching up this week. In 1971 Brooks Robinson appeared in two Newspaper Posters. One from Baltimore and the other from Boston. A select number of Orioles appeared in the Baltimore Sun weekly. This group included Brooks. A total of 14 Orioles headshots. Brooks was first in the weekly publication. I imagine his poster is the hardest to find and the most expensive. The set is not easy to find but they are out there and affordable. A couple years ago I learned that Brooks appeared on a similar poster but in Boston on a national list of sports stars including Mays and Clemente. On August 8, 1971 (interesting…this is my father’s birthday). Brooks was on a very colorful Boston Globe poster in the field. This one I found 5 minutes after walking into the Philly Card Show recently. Having never seen one, I gave it a double take and bought it immediately. The two posters appear below. I like both but the Boston Globe copy is probably my favorite. Share more details if you have any other details. Anyone else have the Globe version?

Boston
 

I do have the Boston example and like you I prefer this example, but really like them both. Thought the artist could have put a little more detail on the action shots of Brooks at the bottom of the piece; looks generic even though they do look like Brooks poses.

Brooks Robinson - 1959 and early 1960s Louisville Slugger Posters
 

Day 9 – 9 January 2024
In 1959 and early 1960s Louisville Slugger had the below advertisement commemorating the MLB All Stars. The advertisement celebrates Louisville Slugger's 75th anniversary and features portrait images of former and current stars, including Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, Honus Wagner, Hank Greenberg, and even Joe Jackson (20x14.5" visible dimensions). I believe the other advertisement of similar size is from 1960. This one features Brooks Robinson. The next advertisement commemorates the 1961 All Star Games (two All-Star games were played that year) and features portrait images of thirteen participants, including Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Roberto Clemente, Eddie Mathews, and Brooks Robinson (20.75x15" visible dimensions). The advertisement commemorates the 1962 All Star Games (two All-Star games were played that year) and features portrait images of twelve participants, including Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Roberto Clemente, Orlando Cepeda, and Bill Mazeroski (21x15.25" visible dimensions). If you look closely in the middle, you see a small Brooks Robinson autograph. Not sure how rare these are but find them interesting and full of HoF’ers to include Brooksie.

1975 Hostess Brooks Proof
 

Here is one more example of a 1975 Hostess Brooks proof, this one with just the photo and a white border and a blank back.

Attachment 604717

Attachment 604718

Great examples Charlie, I love collecting those Louisville Slugger posters too.

Baltimore Orioles Good Luck Orange Paper Poster
 

Day 10 – 10 January 2024
I believe this poster is from 1966 wishing the Baltimore Orioles “Good Luck” as they competed in the club’s first World Series. I am not 100% sure it is 1966 but a few guys thought the same. I wish I had more information. It came folded. The creases are visible. It is very bright. It is on regular paper and measures 37.5 inches x 12.5 inches.

Mike,

What type of proof do you think this is?

Looks very nice! Does look early as well. I think ‘66 is a good guess. Would be interesting to try to match the script with something else they used from 1966.

Brooks Robinson Equitable Life Assurance and ACS Poster
 

Day 11 – 11 January 2024
The Brooks Robinson black and white larger poster was printed by Equitable Life Assurance Society of the Unites States, New York, NY. The Poster has Brooks diving showing the ball. This is one of Brooksie’s most iconic photos. It says “Brooks!” and in small print “There’s nobody else exactly like him.” This poster is pretty common. I believe this poster is from 1970. It measures 18 inches x 24 inches. The smaller poster was published in 1971 by the American Cancer Society. This poster measures 12 inches x 9 inches. Brooks worked with the American Cancer Society declaring “I don’t smoke cigarettes.” Brooks appears to be making a routine play!

Even though those two advertising posters are relatively common they’re some of my favorites. Love the look and sayings on these two posters.

Brooks Posters
 

Here's a small ad from the American Cancer Society with the same slogan, "I don't smoke cigarettes", with some other famous athletes. Also, below is the photo used for the small ad poster.

Brooks Robinson - 3D Base is my Hom Poster
 

Day 12 – 12 January 2024
This poster was printed for Brooks book by Jack Tobin published in 1974 “Third Base is My Home” from Word Books. The poster measures 12 inches x 9 inches. The poster refers to Brooks as the modern day greatest third baseman. On the other side of the poster it talks about Brooks and his career. It also has an order form that you would mail to Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods CO in Timonium, MD. Back in 1974, this hard cover book would cost you $5.95. I also provide a picture of my first edition book in its dust cover. I have another one signed.

Hi Mark,

I'm not completely sure; it seems hand-cut to me, so probably off of a larger test sheet of some kind.

Does anyone else have any ideas?

Great book and poster pamphlet! I LOVE the artwork on the cover; great poses of Brooks that were used.

I have the 1975 Bobby Grich. Mine is about 2 1/2" x 3". I'm not sure how that compares to the Brooks Robinson. If mine was cut from a sheet, it was neatlt done.

Attachment 605063

Alan,

What do you think this was used for? Maybe some type of color check. I know Brooks has a clear example and there was one I’ve seen that was a tad blurry or maybe the color was off.

Mark,

I'm not really sure how the printing process works, so your guess is as good as mine. I do have some Scott McGregor proofs from the 1979 set. As you can see, the process involves many color tests. I would love to know more about the process.

1979 Hostess Scott McGregor proofs

Attachment 605130

I don’t understand the process either. I viewed some of the posts concerning Hostess and they did similar to what Topps was doing with printing color separation proofs on pre-production sheets which these were likely taken from. I believe the photos were from Topps that didn’t make the cut.

It’s funny to me on Brooks’ example it has the photographers shadow, pictured right by a chain link fence and the batting cage on the other side. There wasn’t a better background for the pic…

Day 13 – 13 January 2024
Today’s poster is from the late 1960s. I am assuming it is 1967 or later given the picture and comment about the 1966 All Star Game where Brooks won the MVP. This poster is 22 inches by 28 inches on normal paper. It is a bit worn but I have never seen another one “poster size.” There is a smaller version that appeared in magazines. This poster is advertising the Rawlings XPG 17 edge-u-cated heel, basket-web, double “S” pocket, deep well pocket and hinged pad baseball glove. At the bottom, it mentions the GJ58 glove with many of the same characteristics. There is a reference available I believe that lists the player and the gloves he used by year. I wish I had the list for Brooks. If I find it, I will share.

I’m with you; I have never seen another advertising poster like the one you’ve pictured. Get that on the wall… That’s a very cool photo they used for the ad and like how they used his hand/glove fielding position to picture the glove they are advertising.

Brooks Robinson Sports Illutstrated Poster
 

Day 14 – 14 January 2024
One of my favorite posters of Brooks is the 1968 Sports Illustrated poster. It measures 24 inches X 36 inches. It was published by MLB and licensed by Renselaar Corporation. The order form appears on a poster showing 24 different MLB players. The advertisement poster shows many of the same players and poses that appear on the 1969 Nabisco Team Flakes cereal hand cut cards. Both the poster with the 1969 Nabisco card are below. Additionally, in 1968 a Promotion Card of Brooks and other players on the “poster” was produced. These cards are impossible to find. I am familiar with one of Brooks graded. The card is numbered 1A1 (1968 Sports Illustrated Promo Card Brooks Robinson). I believe one of our followers owns this card (I often inquire with him if he still has it!!!

I've had this signed Brooks Rawlings matted/framed print ad for years hanging in my hobby room (it was a gift)....Any idea the year or what publication it appeared in?

Hi Bill,

I believe that ad is usually listed as a 1963 ad, although, sorry, I'm not sure which publication it is from.

Here's one currently listed on Ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/35464904567...mis&media=COPY

Brooks Robinson 1992 Cracker Jacks Old Timers Game
 

Day 15 – 15 January 2024
My next poster features the First Annual Cracker Jack Old Timers Baseball Game at RFK Memorial Stadium, Washington, D.C. on Monday, July 19, 1982 at 8:00 PM. The poster measures 18 inches X 28 inches. The program is also shown. The poster features Aaron, Brooks and Spahn with a beautiful USA flag and the Capital Building. Both rosters were loaded with HoF players including from the NL team Roberts, Spahn, Wilhelm, Campanella, Banks, McCovey, Reese, Aaron, Brock, Kiner, Mays; from the AL, HoF included Ford, Newhowser, Feller, Hunter, Kaline, Doby and of course, Brooks Robinson. Many of the above players were not yet in the HoF to include Brooksie. This is the game that 75 year old Luke Appling hit a homer off of Warren Spahn (check it out on You Tube). Can’t find the box score to see how Brooksie did that day but I am sure he was great. The small blue pennant is from the game. I believe the card is as well. Pictures of the Poster, Program, Card and Pennant included below.

1982 Old Timers Game - Forgot Brooks Cracker Jacks Card
 

Here is the card for the post above.

Brooks Robinson PM 10 Pin
 

Day 16 – 16 January 2024
Hope you enjoyed the posters. I would now like to show and discuss some of my pins and buttons. My very favorite is the 1959 PM10 of Brooks Calbert Robinson. This pin is very scarce. There is also one with his middle name spelled incorrectly. You rarely see this pin and when you do, be prepared to shell out a few dollars. There are other Orioles in this set but none as rare or as nice as Brooks. I have a Triandos and Gentile. I believe there are a total of 12 PM 10s featuring Orioles. They are very expensive and hard to find. Show us your PM10 Oriole Pins. More pins tomorrow.

Orioles World Series Pins, Clasps, etc.
 

Day 17 – 17 January 2024
Here are a few of the Orioles World Series Pins, Clasps, Broaches and Charms. I tried to organize them by World Series year in a row starting at the top with 1966, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1979, and 1983. Then, from left to right you will find the clasp, pin, charm and broach. I am not exactly sure if all four types were made for each year but always looking. My favorite is 1970 (“3rd World Series). The detail is very nice. I really like the 1971 Japan version (fourth row, far right…not in the best condition). You’ll notice 1969 does not say anything about the year, just the “Baltimore Orioles and World Series.” There are some phantom WS versions out there from the 1960s, too.

I really never got into the press pins, even though I have a few. I guess I should at least add the main ones to the collection at some point. Looking at the photo it makes me wanting to add the different types of pins as well. Thanks for posting them all...

Press Pins
 

Mark, I am addicted to the press pins. The new ones are nice but really appreciate the 1958 AS pin and the WS ones featuring the Orioles.

Charlie,

Here are some of the phantom World Series press pins. I also included the 1984 Orioles Japan Tour pin.

I also have the two different 1989 phantom W.S. pins, but don't have a scan of them. The 1960's phantoms are pretty tough to find, but the 1989 pins are very easy. Sorry the scans are the best. They look much better in person. LOL


1960 World Series phantom press pin

Attachment 605888


1964 World Series phantom press pins (Gold & Silver variations)

Attachment 605889 Attachment 605890


1984 Orioles Japan Tour press pin

Attachment 605891

Press Pins
 

Alan, the 1960 and 1984 are really nice. Thanks for sharing.

Day 18 – 18 January 2024
In 1969, the Orioles had 4 players appear on a MLB button but that is sort of orange. Today, I am showing you Frank, Palmer and Brooksie. I am missing Boog Powell. Not sure why, but you rarely see the Orioles in these, especially Brooks and Boog. I believe Boog appears on a normal size and smaller version. Someone will correct me as I have not seen the two and their differences. A lot of HoF players appeared on this set. On FB, a Bench just sold for $1,500 or so.

Why in heck is Brooksie wearing what I can only assume is a #15 jersey on that button???

Attachment 605923

Brooks button
 

I always wondered that myself. Maybe Davey went to the studio group photo session and Brooks wasn't feeling it to bring his jersey and Davey had to give one up for the team and that's why Brooskie has that smirk on his face in the photo. I'm pretty sure I'm fairly right-on for the reasoning...

Charlie,

Here's the Boog Powell. Mine is the same size as the Robinsons and Palmer. I've never seen a smaller version.

There is a thread on this site that mentions these pins fairly regularly. Maybe someone on there can verify the smaller Powell

Attachment 605973

Powell Pin
 

You are killing me! Very nice though.

Orioles early 1950s pins, ring, cuff links, etc.
 

Day 19 – 19 January 2024
Today, I have an assortment of early 1954 pins, ring, charms, tie clasps, tie bar and cuff links featuring the Hartzell Bird. I believe these are 1954 or a year or two later. You also see a necktie from the first season (1954). This tie comes in 3 or 4 different colors. Also shown is the 1958 AS pin and button, which are both very rare. The detail with the 1958 AS pin is amazing.