Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[ripfan008]

I just noticed that Gil Coan passed away earlier this month at 97 years old. He recorded the first hit in modern Orioles history.

Here'a photo of his 1954 Esskay card (not mine). RIP

[BaltOrioles]

The 1954 Aberdeen Pheasants were the Orioles Class C affiliate. They played in the Northern League. The Pheasants were affiliated with the
Orioles until 1971 and saw a lot of future O's go through there.

The 1954 Pheasants finished 60-75 and were managed by Barney Lutz. The only future Oriole to play that year was Dick Luebke.
I was happy when I found the program, but thrilled to come across some player photos.


1954 Pheasants program

1954 Aberdeen Pheasants.jpg

5x7 Player Photos - George Blash, Paul Carson, Robert Ehrke, William Hain, John Hoffman, William Hurst, Arthur Hunt, Roy Leafgren,
Barney Lutz, George Morris, Reginald Pitre, Rolf Scheel and the batboys

1954 Aberdeen Pheasants 01.jpg 1954 Aberdeen Pheasants 02.jpg 1954 Aberdeen Pheasants 03.jpg 1954 Aberdeen Pheasants 04.jpg 1954 Aberdeen Pheasants 05.jpg 1954 Aberdeen Pheasants 06.jpg 1954 Aberdeen Pheasants 07.jpg

Dick Luebke Postcard

Dick Luebke.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

The 1954 Aberdeen Pheasants were the Orioles Class C affiliate. They played in the Northern League. The Pheasants were affiliated with the Orioles until 1971 and saw a lot of future O's go through there. The 1954 Pheasants finished 60-75 and were managed by Barney Lutz. The only future Oriole to play that year was Dick Luebke.
I was happy when I found the program, but thrilled to come across some player photos.

1954 Pheasants program

5x7 Player Photos - George Blash, Paul Carson, Robert Ehrke, William Hain, John Hoffman, William Hurst, Arthur Hunt, Roy Leafgren,
Barney Lutz, George Morris, Reginald Pitre, Rolf Scheel and the batboys

Dick Luebke Postcard

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?

[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...

[BaltOrioles]

Here are some photos from a baseball clinic sponsored by the Rochester Red Wings and Southtown Plaza. They are about postcard size and could be considered postcards, rather than photos. I have four photos, Luke Easter, Frank House, Bob Johnson and Fred Valentine. They are all autographed. My guess is these are 1961, since that was the only season Frank House played for the Red Wings. No idea if this is a complete set. Only ones I've ever seen.

1961 Rochester Red Wings Clinic 01.jpg 1961 Rochester Red Wings Clinic 02.jpg

[stevelucille]

WOW! Never even heard of those! Thanks for posting.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Here are some photos from a baseball clinic sponsored by the Rochester Red Wings and Southtown Plaza. They are about postcard size and could be considered postcards, rather than photos. I have four photos, Luke Easter, Frank House, Bob Johnson and Fred Valentine. They are all autographed. My guess is these are 1961, since that was the only season Frank House played for the Red Wings. No idea if this is a complete set. Only ones I've ever seen.

So cool. Of course never seen these before and the signatures give it an added touch in my view. Hey, at least I've "heard of" the Red Wings team!

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by ripfan008

I just noticed that Gil Coan passed away earlier this month at 97 years old. He recorded the first hit in modern Orioles history.

Here'a photo of his 1954 Esskay card (not mine). RIP

I wondered how long it would take for some Esskay cards to be posted. I'm working on the set, but a long way from completing it. I have 21 from 1954, but none from 1955.

It's interesting to note, that Esskay used the Orioles team issued photos for their sets.