Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

After a full season with the Orioles in 1958, Brooks made his final trip to the minor leagues as a member of the 1959 Vancouver Mounties. Here are the three variations of the 1959 Mounties program, that I am aware of, and the Mounties media guide.

Alan,

Finally a program that I have at least seen before. Of course I didn’t know about the different colors on the program so it’s nice to see a scan of them. Now the media guide I didn’t even know the Mounties had one. Thanks so much for the willingness to post part of your great collection.

[BaltOrioles]

Another area of collecting I love are the team issued postcards the Orioles have been printing since 1954. It is often hard to pinpoint an exact year for some of the older postcards, because the Orioles would print them as needed. Some players weren't printed each year if there were enough left over from the previous season. The Orioles postcards are B&W from 1954-1969 and are in color from 1970 to present, with a few exceptions. Players often used these for autograph requests through the mail, so finding ones that have been mailed are quite common. The more popular a player with fans, the more postcards printed and thus easier to find. Fringe players or players traded during the season tend to be much tougher and on everyone's wantlists.

The first postcards printed of Brooks Robinson were from 1957-59. I just love the team issued stuff.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Another area of collecting I love are the team issued postcards the Orioles have been printing since 1954. It is often hard to pinpoint an exact year for some of the older postcards, because the Orioles would print them as needed. Some players weren't printed each year if there were enough left over from the previous season. The Orioles postcards are B&W from 1954-1969 and are in color from 1970 to present, with a few exceptions. Players often used these for autograph requests through the mail, so finding ones that have been mailed are quite common. The more popular a player with fans, the more postcards printed and thus easier to find. Fringe players or players traded during the season tend to be much tougher and on everyone's wantlists.

The first postcards printed of Brooks Robinson were from 1957-59. I just love the team issued stuff.

Alan,

Do you have a checklist with all the Orioles team issue postcards? Weren't you working on that project, with pictures included?

When I was young I really didn't know a lot about team issue postcards even though I saw a few back then, but really didn't know what they were. I do have a few now and they are some of my favorite items. The Brooks you pictured, the one with the rookie card photo, I've been looking for an unsigned version for I don't know how long now. I've seen one, but it wasn't available for sale; maybe I'll find one some day. Is the one you listed been sent through the mail? If so, what is the date of mailing?

[whiteymet]

Here are two 1/1 prototypes of a Brooks Southland statue that was never issued.

First is an unpainted solid resin, the other is a wax statue that was used in the mold making for the statue.

Wish they would have gone ahead and actually issued it!

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by whiteymet

Here are two 1/1 prototypes of a Brooks Southland statue that was never issued.

First is an unpainted solid resin, the other is a wax statue that was used in the mold making for the statue.

Wish they would have gone ahead and actually issued it!

Fred,

I was hoping you would post pictures of your two prototypes of the Brooks Southland statue. I don’t know if you recall, but several years ago you provided pictures of them and I saved them somewhere. I remember those being the coolest items and wondered why in the would they wouldn’t have produced them. They look great! Hey, if you have an opportunity to post a picture of the Brooks prototypes displayed on your shelf with your other figures I’d love to view.

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Alan,

Do you have a checklist with all the Orioles team issue postcards? Weren't you working on that project, with pictures included?

When I was young I really didn't know a lot about team issue postcards even though I saw a few back then, but really didn't know what they were. I do have a few now and they are some of my favorite items. The Brooks you pictured, the one with the rookie card photo, I've been looking for an unsigned version for I don't know how long now. I've seen one, but it wasn't available for sale; maybe I'll find one some day. Is the one you listed been sent through the mail? If so, what is the date of mailing?

Ed Allan from Maryland compiled a checklist of Orioles postcards with the help of other collectors, probably 20 years ago, that most people use as the standard. He continues to update it each year with new issues and discoveries of older unknown postcards. To date, I believe there are 2,863
different ones from 1954-2019. Every year we cross our fingers that the Orioles continue to print them. On Mondays and Thursdays, during the season, the Orioles have local old timers (Orioles alumni) signing autographs before the game. Postcards are printed for those players, but they are in a little different format from the regular issue. A lot of the same players appear each year and the Orioles tend to use the same postcard over and over, so there aren't many new alumni postcards each year. Here's a link to Ed's website with some of the recent issues. At one time, he was selling copies of his checklist, including pictures, upon request. I have one up to 2012 and have been adding my own updated pages since then. I don't know if he is still printing the book or not.

http://edallan.atwebpages.com/

Mark,
I'll gladly send you any info you would like or maybe you need to make a trip to Sarasota during spring training for a game and we can catch up then.

The autographed Brooks Robinson postcard is postmarked Aug 14, 1957. It is harder to find than the other pose, in my opinion. Again, that could be that Brooks wasn't as well known early in his career and didn't get the fan mail that some of the others got.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Mark,
I'll gladly send you any info you would like or maybe you need to make a trip to Sarasota during spring training for a game and we can catch up then.

The autographed Brooks Robinson postcard is postmarked Aug 14, 1957. It is harder to find than the other pose, in my opinion. Again, that could be that Brooks wasn't as well known early in his career and didn't get the fan mail that some of the others got.

When I get a chance I'll request the information on the postcards. I know I still have the information you sent me on some of the Brooks postcards and the slight variations.

I need to get down toe Sarasota to catch some spring training. It's tough with my daughter still doing All Star Cheer and Dance. They have so many competitions that I'm travelling so much and run out of vacation. By the way where are you currently, home (Maine) or are you out and about?

Thanks for the postmark information on the Brooks postcard. That postcard had to be first produced in 1957 and I guess the O's could have kept producing into other years. Is the other Brooks postcard first produced in 1959?

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

I need to get down toe Sarasota to catch some spring training. It's tough with my daughter still doing All Star Cheer and Dance. They have so many competitions that I'm travelling so much and run out of vacation. By the way where are you currently, home (Maine) or are you out and about?

Thanks for the postmark information on the Brooks postcard. That postcard had to be first produced in 1957 and I guess the O's could have kept producing into other years. Is the other Brooks postcard first produced in 1959?

We are in Sarasota until May. I'm not sure if the Brooks postcard is 1959 or earlier. It is part of the group that is generally classified as 1957-59, since many of the postcards were printed over a range of years and have been found with postmarks from different years. Old time postcard collectors, Dan Even and Bob Thing, kept some records of when they received certain cards from the Orioles, while others as best guess estimates. I don't believe there were any Brooks postcards before 1957, because the style before 1956 was much different (glossy photo postcard).

[quitcrab]

Just a side note about the Team Issue Postcards. Brook’s middle name is Calbert not Colbert. Those prototypes statues are so cool. It’s a mystery why the manufacture went that far without putting the out.
Also Tim thanks for posting the story about the son going through his fathers Brooks collection after he died. It was a great read.

[jb67]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Another area of collecting I love are the team issued postcards the Orioles have been printing since 1954. It is often hard to pinpoint an exact year for some of the older postcards, because the Orioles would print them as needed. Some players weren't printed each year if there were enough left over from the previous season. The Orioles postcards are B&W from 1954-1969 and are in color from 1970 to present, with a few exceptions. Players often used these for autograph requests through the mail, so finding ones that have been mailed are quite common. The more popular a player with fans, the more postcards printed and thus easier to find. Fringe players or players traded during the season tend to be much tougher and on everyone's wantlists.

The first postcards printed of Brooks Robinson were from 1957-59. I just love the team issued stuff.

Alan, I totally agree with you when it comes to the team issue postcards. I absolutely love collecting those. Very under appreciated in collecting world if you ask me.

[Phil68]

I'll try to dig up some black & white 35mm of Brooks as well...I have a few games with 100+ frames from each during the 65-68 seasons but they're all over the place...man, I have GOT to get organized...

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by Phil68

I'll try to dig up some black & white 35mm of Brooks as well...I have a few games with 100+ frames from each during the 65-68 seasons but they're all over the place...man, I have GOT to get organized...

Phil,

Thanks for posting the great looking Brooksie card; nice setup...

Yes; please break out some B&W 35mm; would love to see some.

[Mark70Z]

Posted for Scott (quitcrab). Believe this is a Rawlings advertising poster featuring several shots of Brooks.

Rawlings Adv Poster.jpg

[ksfarmboy]

Holy cow where do I get my poster? That’s sweet!

[Mark70Z]

Day 25 (January 25, 2020 – 025)

I try, when possible, to pick up items that relate to the #5; the uniform number Brooks wore and has been retired, by the Orioles. This is an example of one of those type items; an original brass aisle marker that was embedded in the concrete aisles at Memorial Stadium where both the Orioles and Colts played.

Memorial Stadium brass aisle marker


Day 25 a.jpg


I loved going to Memorial Stadium when I was young. Here’s a picture of a crowd going into Memorial back in the day. Think this picture is from the 1969 World Series, or at least the playoffs, since it has the banner of the Cuckoo Bird, or I prefer the Angry Bird, that came out in 1968; banner states “Year of the Bird”. Of course, you see the bunting in the photo as well and they are not usually out for regular season games.


Day 25 b.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Posted for Clint (ksfarmboy) Clint has for us today a 1977 Orioles road jersey of Lee 'The Big Bopper' May. May played for the Orioles six years and helped the Orioles reach the 1979 World Series.

Brooks was already called "The Human Vacuum Cleaner", but Lee May asked, "Where do they plug Mr. Hoover in?" So, "Hoover" was yet another nickname associated with Brooks. I don't know if you recall, but May hit .389 and set a record for five games with eight RBI's in the 1970 World Series.


Lee May Jersey front.jpg
Lee May Jersey back.jpg

[Phil68]

Here's a couple...I'll have to scan in others at some point.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by Phil68

Here's a couple...I'll have to scan in others at some point.

Phil,

Those are awesome; thanks for digging them out. I’m definitely a photo guy and enjoy both collecting and viewing photos In reference to the first color photo you listed; have you sold any negatives and/or photos from this night game? I have a similar photo that I purchased several years ago that’s definitely from the same roll. Love the young Brooks at a night game. Thanks for sharing these great shots.

[Phil68]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Phil,

Those are awesome; thanks for digging them out. I’m definitely a photo guy and enjoy both collecting and viewing photos In reference to the first color photo you listed; have you sold any negatives and/or photos from this night game? I have a similar photo that I purchased several years ago that’s definitely from the same roll. Love the young Brooks at a night game. Thanks for sharing these great shots.

You bet!
Yes. I have sold some photos. I have also had some files stolen--as is common these days. The image is originally a 35mm kodachrome. It can make up to about 24x36" before it loses clarity.

[ripfan008]

Here's my favorite photo of Brooks. It's from the 1965 Who's Who in Baseball magazine. Is that really John Orsino?

[JollyElm]

Originally Posted by ripfan008

Here's my favorite photo of Brooks. It's from the 1965 Who's Who in Baseball magazine. Is that really John Orsino?

Joe Jackson.

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by ripfan008

Here's my favorite photo of Brooks. It's from the 1965 Who's Who in Baseball magazine. Is that really John Orsino?

It sure is....

Orsino, John 4.jpg

Orsino, John 3.jpg

[ripfan008]

[QUOTE=BaltOrioles;1950181]It sure is....

Thank you Alan!

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by ripfan008

Here's my favorite photo of Brooks. It's from the 1965 Who's Who in Baseball magazine. Is that really John Orsino?

Not to long ago someone on eBay had that same magazine photo autographed by Brooks and he signed it and put "an impostor"...

Thanks Alan; it is Orsino.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by Phil68

You bet!
Yes. I have sold some photos. I have also had some files stolen--as is common these days. The image is originally a 35mm kodachrome. It can make up to about 24x36" before it loses clarity.

Phil,

Not the greatest pic of the piece; just a quick pic so you get the idea. It's a 16x20 and is a pretty nice shot of Btooks. I like the one you pictured as well and I may have purchased that one as well since it looks familiar, but not positive.

Brooks Pic.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Day 26 (January 26, 2020 – 026)

I pretty much loved all the Orioles players and John “Boog” Powell was no exception. Boog was the 1970 AL MVP and was a significant part of the Orioles in their heyday.

First is a UPI photo of the Robinson brothers along with Boog; the “Big Guns” in the Orioles lineup playing the Red Sox in 1966. By the way the O’s won this game 6-4.


Day 26 a.jpg


Second up is a picture of the Orioles celebrating when they clinched the Eastern Division title in 1969. Boog is in the middle of it all enjoying the well-deserved division title.


Day 26 b.jpg

[ripfan008]

I was first able to meet Boog when he was the guest of honor at a CVS Pharmacy opening (of all places) in Nottingham, MD. I asked him to sign his 1965 Topps card, since he is clearly wearing number 8 in it, just like my favorite player.

Later, I was able to acquire his 1968 Topps 3-D card, which even though it's been shown on this thread before, I just think it's a beautiful card.

[LarsenMN]

I seen this tread and am currently watching a 1969 World Series with the Mets vs. Orioles. If anyone hasn't subscribed to mlb vault on youtube.com I highly suggest it. They have a ton of old footage. Watching Bob Gibson in the 1968 was amazing. It was one of the most dominate performances I had ever seen. Brooks Robinson was a very underrated batter as well. Defensively Yes, offensively no, Schmidt was better. Beltre and Jones were too.

[LarsenMN]

P.s. I would rather mlb network play these classics then the rotation of Sandlot, Mr. Baseball and Bull Durham on a 3 day rotation.

[clydepepper]

I like this one because of the old-style Baltimore cap:

2005 UD Past Time-BROOKS ROBINSON Auto.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by clydepepper

I like this one because of the old-style Baltimore cap:

Great looking card! I’m probably in the minority, but I love the look of the block letter Orioles jersey as well as the “B” cap. In fact I’m wearing the “B” hat right now...

[lowpopper]

Heard that guy played a nice 3rd base