[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by OriolesHOF

Mark - As with most of us, I collect what I like. This includes more than just the Orioles. With respect to bats, it started with the Orioles HOF plaques on Eutaw Street near Boogs BBQ. Took one look at all the familiar players on the wall and decided to obtain at least one game used bat from their playing days with the O's. I do have other HOF'er bats, decal bats, mushroom bats, ring bats, etc.

I have a run of yearbooks 1954 - 2000 but the Hartzell covers are my favorites. James Hartzell drew the first Orioles cartoon bird.

I also have a run of team signed balls from 1954 - 1990. Pictured are some key Orioles baseballs with the '54 and '55 (bottom row starting on the left) having two players, Howie Fox and Tom Gastall who died during their playing days. In 1955, Fox was stabbed to death in a bar room incident and in 1956 Gastall crashed a small plane into the Chesapeake.

The metal Orioles Route sign hung outside Memorial Stadium and came from the City of Baltimore. The Mezzanine sign hung inside the stadium.

WOW! Just awesome...