Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Alan,

Where do you come up with all these great minor league items!

Just when you have an opportunity to expand on collecting minor league Oriole affiliates. I believe you've discussed that you were an Oriole fan in Maine, but how the progression to ALL minor league affiliates?

Mark,

I did grow up an Orioles fan in Maine. In 1964, at age six, I fell in love with the Orioles bird on their hat and Brooks Robinson. Back in those days, I collected baseball cards like most kids. By the late 60's, I had progressed to yearbooks and some programs. I came across some Orioles team issued postcards and a Norm Siebern 8x10 photo at a card show in Nashua, NH and was hooked on team issued stuff.

My interest in minor league items can probably be traced back to my first set of TCMA cards (1978 Rochester Red Wings). I've always had an interest in family history and geneology. Since the minor leagues are part of a franchise's history, the progression to Orioles minor league items was logical. That's the short answer. I'll expand of some items as the year progresses. I will say that it is amazing how much stuff a minor league team will just give you if you show interest and ask them. Needless to say, all the current O's affiliates know who I am...