Name Plates
 

Your name plates are very nice. Amazing, actually. I pick them up all the time and display them on a wall. Try to find the bigger names and different styles or years. Thanks for sharing!

Day 69 – 10 March 2024
Today I am showing a photo of Brooks Robinson by Sports Illustrated. This photo is from the 1960s. I have never seen another copy of this photo. I am not sure what year (assume early 1960s given the uniform) and any background on the photo. Is anyone familiar with this photo and was it part of a set that Sports Illustrated published? My copy is not in the best shape but would like to add to the PSA Master Set with Brooks Robinson. Please comment.

Alan may be able to help with this photo. I do know that this photo was used in the Orioles picture pack and does not have the marking on Brooks’ nose. Just wondering is they had something on the negative since it also has this mark on the Brooks ‘64 Martin Family night card.

Recently picked up this Rochester Red Wings "Annual Baseball Dinner" program dated 04/09/81 signed by members of the soon to come "33 inning" team with Cal Ripken Jr. signing on both the front & back...

https://i.imgur.com/5oIu2EG.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/RWsMNbP.jpg

I know Charlie posted some neat Memorial Stadium signage a couple weeks back. When I found those locker nameplates yesterday tucked away in a closet, I also found this old Esskay concession sign nearby that I obtained (among other things) prior to the demolition:

https://i.imgur.com/kUZ8VlX.jpeg

Misc Comments
 

Love the hot dog poster. I have so many posters I can’t hang because of space.

The 1981 dinner program is nice. All this signatures…wow! I like the Advocate / HoF programs.

Your locker room name plates need to be displayed. You can put them on my wall!

I hope Alan chimes in. I really like the SI photo. Would love to know more.

I have always assumed the Sports Illustrated photo was from 1964, but have no proof of that. It is the same photo used in the Orioles 1963 and 1964 postcard sets and 8x10 B&W team photos. So the possibility is 1963 or 64. The O's changed format in 1965, so I don't believe it's after 1964. The spot on Brooks nose is interesting...

Here's the 8x10 team issued photo and the Sports Illustrated photo side by side.


Attachment 613642 Attachment 613643

Brooks SI Photo
 

Alan, thank you. Appreciate your feedback. I do see the similarities . I believe I have the items you are comparing it to. I will keep digging on why SI has their logo on the photo and if others were produced. Take care.

Brooks Robinson 1963 Baseball Monthly Magazine Photo
 

Day 70 – 11 March 2024
My final photo of Brooks Robinson for a while is from 1963 Baseball Monthly Magazine (M118). I believe there are 88 different photos in this set. Many hall of famers and several Orioles can be found (Barber, Gentile, Hansen, and Brooks). The color of the photo is a little different but I like the Brooks version. I was fortunate to add this photo to the PSA Master Set for Brooks initially with a trimmed copy but later found another and it is the highest graded. My trimmed copy is for sale or trade if anyone is interested.

Charlie,

I like these photos too. There are four other Orioles besides Brooks (Barber, Gentile, Hansen and also Paul Richards).

Attachment 613787 Attachment 613788

Attachment 613789 Attachment 613790

Favorite Brooks Robinson Topps Cards by Decade
 

Day 71 – 12 March 2024
Brooks Robinson appeared on many baseball card like items in the 1950s-1970s. A lot of those I have part of my PSA Master Set. My favorite Topps Cards of Brooks from his 3 decades in the MLB are his rookie card (1957), his card in 1967 and his 1972 card. The 1957 PSA 8.5 I am showing is one of my most expensive cards but surprisingly, there are at least 35 PSA 9s and 1 PSA 10. His rookie card is very expensive and highly coveted by collectors. The 1967 high number Topps is hard to find at this grade (PSA 9) and can be expensive. I looked for this one for several years. There are 42 PSA 9s out there and 2 PSA 10s. My 1972 Brooks is probably the card I liked the most over the years, especially as a kid. This PSA 10 was not as easy to find as I thought. I gave up on it for a while but found it pretty cheap at auction. This PSA 10 is one of 16 out there. It is hard to find the difference between my cards and the ones graded higher. You could say the same about the lower graded cards. I enjoy the process to find the quality cards and the value is always there. I am sure some of you will debate this. Show us your favorite cards from the decades Brooks dominated at the hot corner.

Brooks Robinson Topps - Regular issues
 

Who can argue with the three regular issue Topps cards you've selected. The rookie is iconic, the '67 has to be up there on everyone's list and I absolutely love the setup on the '72 Brooks card.

On the regular issue cards I really like them all, but I especially liked the

1971 Topps, 1973 Topps and 1975 Topps...

Great Proofs Mark!

Thanks Bill! I haven’t picked up any proofs in quite some time. Seems like they’ve dried up.

Nice proofs, Mark. I have a few to share. I will show at some point.

Brooks Robinson 1960 Leaf and 1063 Fleer
 

Day 72 – 13 March 2024
Brooks Robinson had two cards in the 1960s that are not Topps but are considered part of his PSA Master Set (1957 – 1978). I am happy to share the 1960 Leaf and 1963 Fleer. These cards are very different than their Topps competitors. The 1960 Leaf is a favorite. It is part of a smaller set including 144 cards. I find the black and white to really pop. My particular card is one of my lower graded cards in my Brooks basic set. There are 57 PSA 8s and 7 PSA 9s (no PSA 10s). I have never seen a PSA 9 but always looking. The 1963 Fleer set has 66 cards and a checklist. The Brooks you see is a PSA 9, which there are 52 and four PSA 10s. This is another card I think pops.

GREAT looking cards! Really like the looks and designs of both cards. Of course the backs are kinda plain.

Mark, I really like the 60 Leaf. A spectacular set and by far, the Brooksie is beat card in the set.

1964 Martin Family Night Regional Baltimore Oriole Cards
 

Day 73 – 14 March 2024
Brooks Robinson appeared in many regional sets during his playing days. One of the harder sets to find is his 1964 Martin Family Night card. This card is part of a give away set at a game played on July 17, 1964 against the Tigers. This set is printed on a blue background measuring 3 x 4 inches. Brooks is joined by 13 other Orioles in this set. I included a picture of all the players front and back with a close up of Brooks Robinson. The pictures can be seen on other photos. The back provides player personal information and 1963 stats. At the bottom of the card it mentions ZD or “Zero Defects at Martin!” I really tried hard to add this card to the PSA master but fell short. The Orioles shutout the Tigers with Robin Roberts pitching a complete game shutout. Brooks went 1/3 with a run, RBI, and BB. I have seen this card a few times but they are rare. I often wonder how many were in attendance that night (could not determine through a little research the total number) and regrettably forgot their cards under their seat?

17 July 1964 Martin Family Night Score Card
 

With the Cards, I meant to share this beautiful score card from the Martin Family Night game with the blue card handouts. Anyone familiar with Z-D (on the back of the cards ZD stands for Zero Defects), Gemini Gems (does this have something to do with the space program rocket?) and the Clown? Same with the statement, “When the Orioles make a hit, Whistle!”

according to Baseball Reference the attendance was 22,629

Thanks, Bill. 22K. Not bad. So there would be a decent number of these handed out. I really like this set and program. They did great things in the 1960-1970s. This was one of them.

Did anyone that has a set of Martin Night cards get the Astronauts with them?

Charlie,

It is my understanding that the Martin Night set wasn't available to the general public. It was given out to Martin employees, but I'm not sure how they were distributed or the quantity. The set is much too hard to find to have been a stadium giveaway. I have a newsletter in my collection, from Martin Marietta, that mentions prizes and giveaways to employees, but doesn't specifically mention the card set. It looks like some prizes might have been based upon ticket sales within a department. I wish I knew more.

Clint, thanks for sharing the two astronaut cards. I was aware of them but was not sure exactly. If you have extra, please mail em my way.

Thanks, Alan. I was not sure about the distribution. Had not heard that. Thanks for the update. Very interesting.

Baltimore Orioles 1970 WS Carl Alana Set
 

Day 74 – 15 March 2024
Another interesting set Brooks Robinson appeared in was the 1970 Carl Aldana set. This set commemorated the 1970 WS Championship. Brooks appears on two different cards. Both cards are of him diving. On one you can see his face while the other shows his back. The card is from his famous diving catch. This set included 12 small cards including the 2 of Brooks with a blank back. I have provided a picture of the set and Brooks graded cards. Carl Aldan was a west coast artist that played college baseball but was mostly a non-sports artist (landscapes). I am not sure how these cards were distributed. He made another set of random players in 1971. He made a PCL set about 40 years later.

Cool set Charles, love the two different angles of Brooks making the catch! Thanks also for the reply on the Astronauts. I haven’t seen anyone else share them with their set so was curious.

Clint, the two astronauts cards were news to me until a year or so ago. Thanks for sharing.

Day 75 - 16 March 2024
Another regional set Brooks Robinson appeared in was the 1970 Traffic Safety set / sheet. This set / sheet includes 10 different Orioles. Brooks appears on the top left and due to that, his cards seem to grade low with corner issues. To get the individual cards, you have to cut the sheet. Along with Brooks are a few of the studs from the WS teams (Bellanger, Cuellar, McNally and Weaver). When cut, the cards are about 2.5 x 4 inches. The paper is a light yellow. The back includes information about baseball situations and traffic safety information. The DC Department of Motor Vehicles Office of Traffic Safety sponsored these cards along with a similar set of the Washington Senators. Below, I am showing my graded Brooks and the other individual cards and a sheet.

Day 75 – 16 March 2024
Another favorite regional set I have is the orange 1970 Orioles Pictures of Champions Set. I believe this set is incorrectly marked by PSA as 1971. This set similar to yesterday’s Aldana set celebrates the 1970 World Series Championship of the Orioles. This set includes 16 Orioles including Brooks. I was able to find a second Brooks on ebay that is ungraded. I found it for about $5. I was not sure what it was until later when I researched it and discovered PSA grades it. The graded card I have is the highest graded. This set is very nice and includes so many of the Oriole greats (Brooksie, Belanger, Weaver, Frank, Palmer, Cuellar, and McNally). Surprisingly, no Boog. On the back you will find the player number and name with the name of the set at the bottom (Pictures of Champions). This set is on Ebay for $2,999 (I found mine for $40).

Charlie,

I love these types of sets also. Interestingly, the photos used in the Pictures of Champions set are the same photos from the Mike Andersen postcard set. It leads me to wonder if Andersen was involved in the printing of the set or just let them use his photos.

There are 29 Mike Andersen Orioles postcards, but no Boog Powell. Maybe Boog wouldn't allow Andersen to use his photo. Thus no Powell in the Pictures of Champions set. The Andersen postcards are really nice quality, but very tough to find. I'm still missing the Brooks Robinson and second pose of Frank Robinson.

Here's the postcards I have

Attachment 614680 Attachment 614681
Attachment 614682 Attachment 614683
Attachment 614684 Attachment 614686
Attachment 614687 Attachment 614688

Alan, I did not know the relationship between the two sets (Orange Picture Of Champions and Anderson). The post cards are very nice. I have one (sadly). Both are nice but I prefer the bigger black and white version. This is helpful…I now know what to look for with the post cards. I think you showed me these before. Thank you!!!

Looking for Brooks Robinson rare post cards
 

Looking for these Brooks Post Cards:

1958-60 Thin Black and White
1961 Black and White
1961 Thin Black and White
1962 Black and White

Picture provided.

Email me at charles.strite@yahoo.com

Day 77 – 18 March 2024
My next and final regional issue Brooks Robinson appeared in is the Baltimore News Post (BNP) Orioles Scrapbook news paper cutouts from 1960 – 1963. The scrapbook cutouts are just that. Sometime in late winter / early spring a number of the players would appear in the BNP. Kids would cut out the players. You can see other information on the opposite side of the cutout such as sports information, news and advertisements. Each year, the cutout would have Orioles and Scrapbook at the top with the players photo, signature and player information. The 1960 version included 50 players look with player information and a cutout or card number. Brooks was number 10. Player statistics and the Hartzell Bird were not on the 1960 version. I like the note at the bottom right that says to “Clip Out and Save” with the scissors. I found this one to be the hardest to find. I have all but one (#49 Courtney). If anyone has an extra Courtney, let me know. . The 1960 BNP set included 45 different players, including Brooks. Like the 1961 cutout, details about the player was provided but no statistics. 1961 did not include a card number but the Hartzell Bird was added with a section for the player’s real autograph and a section to the left for holes to be punched out and placed in a binder; unfortunately, you will find many with the holes. The 1962 and 1963 versions were similar to 1961 but player statistics were added. The pictures for the 1960 and 1962 appear to be the same. The same is true with 1961 and 1963 picture. Unfortunately, these are not part of the PSA Master Set. I would love to find the missing #49 (Courtney) from 1960 and have plenty of 1961 – 1963 to trade.

These are very hard to come by and usually in not the greatest of shape. Your examples look extremely nice. Really like these type of oddball items.

Alan,

Didn’t know about these particular postcards until you posted about them in the past. Do you know someone that has the postcards, or have you seen the Brooks and Frank examples, from this set? I don’t believe I ever seen either one.

I forgot to ask, but could you post a photo of the back or are they blank?

Mark,

I don't have the Brooks Robinson postcard, but assume it's a similar photo to the Pictures of Champions card. I have 27 of the 29 Orioles. They are listed as a 1969 issue by most people.

Here's the second Frank Robinson postcard, that I still need, along with the back. It's a normal postcard style back with Mike Andersen's stamp. I have seen a few without the stamp, but the high quality of the postcard is easy to identify.

Attachment 614910 Attachment 614911

Orioles Pocket Schedules Featuring Brooks Robinson
 

Day 78 – 19 March 2024
Does anyone else collect the Baltimore Orioles Pocket Schedules? I have collected them over the years. I really enjoy the older ones. I have seen a picture checklist out there but never tried to collect them all. I have a complete run from 1954 through 2023. They are harder to come by now but they were plentiful years ago. You would find multiple ones in the same year by different sponsors. I have a handful of extra if anyone wants to trade for that 1972 Crown Schedule with Brooksie. Today, I will start with the ones I have featuring Brooks. I show some from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. I am not aware of many others with Brooks but Crown did one of his likeness in 1972 that I have been looking for. The schedules in the picture below has him during his playing days and when he did the play by play announcing during his post playing days. If anyone has any others with Brooks, please share.

Thanks Alan. Besides your photos of the postcards I’ve never seen these to my recollection.

Charlie,

There's a very similar schedule with Brooks on the back for 1985.

1954-1978 Baltimore Orioles Pocket Schedules
 

Day 79 – 20 March 2024
I thought I would show more of my Baltimore Oriole Schedules from 1954 – 1978. The 1954-1978 are not easy to find and can be pricy. There are so many different varieties. Beer, food, radio, TV, and news papers, to name a few. I especially like the 1954 given it is the Orioles first year in the MLB. The Natty Boh is a nice touch. 1955 with Gunther, too, is very nice. The Birds in 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1964 are nice. I especially like the Decker Birds in 1963 and 1964. Some of the years can have as many as 5 variations, in my experience.

Charlie,

Schedules can be a fun addition to anyone's collection. It used to be an inexpensive part of the hobby, as most are picked up for free at ballparks and stores. However that has changed, as many of the older Orioles skeds from the 1950's & 60's can go for big bucks ($100 and up) today.

I don't consider myself an Orioles schedule collector, but over the years I've accumulated over 700 O's skeds and another 600 plus minor league affiliates schedules. So I guess I do collect schedules. LOL I would guess the number of different Orioles schedules well into the thousands.

The best part is the variety. Here are a couple of interesting ones from my collection.

1965 George Palmer Beer Distributor matchbook skeds

Attachment 615067

1966 Clement J. Prucha for State Senate - 1970 National Bohemian Beer can

Attachment 615068 Attachment 615069

1984 Lowenbrau Beer

Attachment 615070

Alan, agree on the schedules. Never saw the matchbooks…I have the beer can. Thanks for sharing.

1979-2023 Baltimore Orioles Pocket Schedules
 

Day 80 – 21 March 2024
I am showing you the remaining Orioles Schedules from Brooks’ Post Playing Days. The pictures show 1979 – 2023. I find the after the late 1980s the schedules are less creative. I can remember as a kid taking a handful to school and selling them for 10 cents or giving them away. You use to be able to get these from at Memorial Stadium and Camden Yards but recently the Orioles stopped handing them out. I will have to find my 2024 copy soon.

Day 81 – 22 March 2024
The Orioles use to do a great job with marketing their Season Tickets. Today, I am showing you 1954 Ticket Plan. The plan includes a schedule and the type of packages. There appears to be 5 Reserved Seat Plans ranging from 54 games to 15 games. Prices for those range from $108 to $30. Another plan includes 77 games either in the old Mezzanine / Field, other choice box seats or reserved seats. Those prices are a bit higher ranging from $185 - $125. I do not see a web site so it looks like you had to mail your request in with a check. I am also including a picture of a marketing document for Memorial Stadium. The document is probably from 1953 and it describes the work underway at Memorial Stadium. It describes the seating capacity for baseball at 51,750 (other events at 62,600) and could be enlarged to a capacity of 92,000. The stadium would have 200 foot candles for lighting over the entire playing surface, parking for 4,000 cars and an electric scoreboard. I really enjoy these old documents showing the start of our beloved Orioles.

Photos added for 1954 Ticket Plan and Memorial Stadium Advertisement

1956 George Mahoney for Senate Orioles Schedule
 

Good morning,

Charlie- love the 1954 ticket plan brochure.

Here is an Orioles schedule I recently picked up, similar to the Clement Prucha schedule Alan showed earlier. It's a 1956 George Mahoney for Senate card with the 1956 Orioles home game schedule on the back (as well as the horse racing season schedule).

George Mahoney would end up losing the 1956 Senate race in the general election.

Attachment 615224

Attachment 615225

Mike, thanks for sharing the schedule. I enjoy seeing all the different possibilities for Oriole schedules. 1956 was not a good year for him or the Orioles (6th place at 69-85; ahead of two other teams though). Very nice schedule.

Baltimore Orioles Gold Glove Balls
 

Dat 82 – 23 March 2024
I thought to share my Gold Glove ball collection. You will see the 18 different Orioles who received a gold glover while playing with the O’s. Some received more than one (a prize for whoever guesses who has the most) but here is a ball for each with the Gold Glove edition ball with one exception, which is Mark Belanger. The Blade passed away I believe before the Rawlings Gold Glove Ball was made. This was a fun project. The hardest player to find was Bobby Grich. Brooks was the first Gold Glove Oriole and Urias was the latest. I hope this year we can add at least two more with Gunnar and Adley. I think Mounty might have a break out year as well.

Day 83 – 24 March 2024
Another collectible I enjoy are the mega phones or horns the Orioles made available over the years. Some of these are from other events or manufactures. My favorite pop corn horn is the darker of the three with “Charge.” I like the one in the frame, too. The top right plastic Wild Bill horn is nice. This one took a while to find but once I found it, I picked up a second one for half the cost. The white one in the middle top is from the 1966 WS and looks brand new. I believe there is at least one other version but black. The round horn beside it to the left is from memorial stadium but is round. I really like this one. There is a Bethlehem Steele round one I would love to find. The other two round ones are for the American League. If anyone has other horns, please share.