Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Alan,

The '72 Lewiston program is a gem. I like everything about the design setup, colors, font, etc. on this program. One of the nicest I've seen so far.

I think I know where Lewiston got the idea for their program design

[BaltOrioles]

As Major League baseball considers reducing the number of affiliated minor league teams, the Orioles had a franchise high 12 affiliates in 1954.

Today, I would like to continue with the Orioles class A affiliate from the Western League, the Wichita Indians. The Indians were located in Wichita, Kansas and finished with a 76-77 record. A look through the roster didn't produce much in the way of major league talent, but I do have a couple photos of players from the team.

1954 Wichita Program

1954 Wichita Indians.jpg

Bill Diemer

Diemer, Bill 1.jpg

Bob Masser

Masser, Bob 1.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Day 67 (March 7, 2020 – 067)

This is a banner that flew downtown near Camden Yards. The banner is about 29”x38” and is double sided with grommets so it can be hung easily.


Day 67 Banner Camden Yards.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

As Major League baseball considers reducing the number of affiliated minor league teams, the Orioles had a franchise high 12 affiliates in 1954.

Alan,

That is a lot of affiliates for one franchise. I bet it’s tough looking and/or finding items for the minor league affiliates with so many teams. I’d assume the older ones are even harder to come by.

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Alan,

That is a lot of affiliates for one franchise. I bet it’s tough looking and/or finding items for the minor league affiliates with so many teams. I’d assume the older ones are even harder to come by.

Mark,

You are right about that, but part of the fun of collecting is the challenge and hunt. I have programs from about 90% of all the Orioles affiliates, but most of the about 50 I have left are low minors teams from the 50's and the Stockton Ports. Stockton Ports items from the 60's don't show up often. Attendance was poor during the time they were affiliated with the Orioles. With many teams printing several different issues each year, I have around 1500 different affiliate programs from 1954-present.

In another thread, I've posted my current want list, but don't receive much response. Many of the teams on my want list are teams no one has heard of. If I add one older program a year at this point, I'm very happy.

Thanks for your interest that goes beyond just Orioles major league collectibles.

[roarfrom34]

I hope you let me step outside of the Orioles organization for one post as this team photo of the 1949 Lancaster Red Roses has a definite Oriole tie in.

The Red Roses were a Class B affiliate of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the player on the far right of the first row is Bill Ripken (the uncle of Cal Jr. & Bill), who was a fleet footed center fielder in the Dodgers system from 1947-49:

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

I hope you let me step outside of the Orioles organization for one post as this team photo of the 1949 Lancaster Red Roses has a definite Oriole tie in.

The Red Roses were a Class B affiliate of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the player on the far right of the first row is Bill Ripken (the uncle of Cal Jr. & Bill), who was a fleet footed center fielder in the Dodgers system from 1947-49:

Bill,

I love those old team photos, especially some of the surprise gems they contain. Great photo. Have you ever shared it with the Ripkens?

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Bill,

I love those old team photos, especially some of the surprise gems they contain. Great photo. Have you ever shared it with the Ripkens?

Alan...

I neglected to mention that the manager of that '49 club was Al Campanis, who would later become the Dodgers GM (as well as part of that ABC Night Line controversy in '87 which justifiably cost him his job).

Yes, I have shared it with them...A few years back I was part of a function that everyone was there (including "Uncle Bill") & we all spoke about his playing career..Had him sign a ball for me as well.

Cal Sr.'s older brother, Oliver was a fine player as well (he was a catcher) who turned down a signing opportunity with the Pirates...Both Ollie & Bill were members of the Aberdeen team in the Susquehanna Valley League (good semi pro league) and they told stories of Cal Sr. being the bat boy...They had suspected their signs were being stolen, so they gave the responsibilities of giving the signs to Sr. because no one would suspect that the Bat Boy was the one relaying them!

[BaltOrioles]

I have programs for 7 of the 12 Orioles affiliates from 1954. The last one to share is from the San Antonio Missions. The Missions played in the Texas League and were a class AA affiliate. Oddly, the Orioles had no AAA affiliate in 1954. The Missions finished 78-83 and did include a few players that had major league experience. The most recognizable would be Ryne Duren, while most of the others had cups of tea in the show.

1954 San Antonio Missions.jpg

Here are a few players from that team.

Joe Durham

Durham, Joe 1.jpg

Chuck Oertel

Oertel, Chuck 1.jpg

Mel Held

Held, Mel 1.jpg

Bob Harrison

Harrison, Bob 1.jpg

Willy Quintana

Quintana, Willy 1.jpg

Jim Pisoni

Pisoni, Jim 1.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

I think I know where Lewiston got the idea for their program design

Nah...that isn’t even close to the same...

OR maybe the Orioles got the design from Lewiston