Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[BaltOrioles]

In 1992, an alternate to the programs sold at Camden Yards emerged. The programs were sold outside the stadium and eventually through a yearly magazine subscription. I started collecting them one issue too late and have all the programs printed, except issue #1. I have never seen it, but haven't given up hope of finding one. They lasted from 1992 until their last program in the beginning of 2010. The number of issues each year varied, but there are 192 different. The program was initially called GameDay, but in 1994 was renamed Outside Pitch. The publication's quality improved over the years.

Here is the Vol 1 No 2 issue along with their last issue Vol. 19 No 1.

1992 Gameday (Vol 1 No 2).jpg

2010 Outside Pitch (Vol 19 No 1).jpg

In 1998, Outside Pitch added a cool twist with their programs. From 1998-2004, they printed sets of what they called stat cards. They were distributed with the programs at the stadium and offered as promos to encourage subscriptions. The cards are 5.5" x 8.5" and the fronts varied a little over the years.

1999 Outside Pitch Subscription Thank You Letter.jpg

Here are examples from 1998-2004. In 2002 and 2003, Outside Pitch highlighted former O's players and included a card of Brooks Robinson in the 2002 set.

1998 Outside Pitch (C.RipkenNYY).jpg 1999 Outside Pitch (Mussina,Anderson,RipkenPHIL).jpg

2000 Outside Pitch (C.RipkenANA).jpg 2001 Outside Pitch #3 (C.RipkenCareer).jpg

2002 Outside Pitch #1 (B.RobinsonANA).jpg 2003 Outside Pitch #9 (E.Murray).jpg

2004 Outside Pitch #1 (M.TejadaBOS).jpg

On the backs of the cards were printed the current stats of the teams playing in the series. A few have blank backs and were probably used as the subscription gifts.

SCAN8127.jpg

I have 69 out of the 71 cards I know of. I'm sure there are other back variations out there. I'm also missing card #3 from the 2004 set. Here are the known cards and stat back variations from my research. Additions to the list are welcome.

SCAN8128.JPG SCAN8129.JPG

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

In 1992, an alternate to the programs sold at Camden Yards emerged. The programs were sold outside the stadium and eventually through a yearly magazine subscription. I started collecting them one issue too late and have all the programs printed, except issue #1. I have never seen it, but haven't given up hope of finding one. They lasted from 1992 until their last program in the beginning of 2010. The number of issues each year varied, but there are 192 different. The program was initially called GameDay, but in 1994 was renamed Outside Pitch. The publication's quality improved over the years.

Here is the Vol 1 No 2 issue along with their last issue Vol. 19 No 1.

In 1998, Outside Pitch added a cool twist with their programs. From 1998-2004, they printed sets of what they called stat cards. They were distributed with the programs at the stadium and offered as promos to encourage subscriptions. The cards are 5.5" x 8.5" and the fronts varied a little over the years.

Here are examples from 1998-2004. In 2002 and 2003, Outside Pitch highlighted former O's players and included a card of Brooks Robinson in the 2002 set.

On the backs of the cards were printed the current stats of the teams playing in the series. A few have blank backs and were probably used as the subscription gifts.

I have 69 out of the 71 cards I know of. I'm sure there are other back variations out there. I'm also missing card #3 from the 2004 set. Here are the known cards and stat back variations from my research. Additions to the list are welcome.

Alan,

Thanks for the information on these items. I know I can’t add anything because I don’t have anything related, even the Brooks card example (I do like the Brooks card though!). Those cards look oversized; is that correct?

[roarfrom34]

Mark...

Yes, those cards were oversized (little bigger than a postcard).

There also was a one year publication in 1987 (available via subscription) which was entitled aptly enough "Baltimore Orioles Magazine" and they probably published 4-5 issues before ceasing operation.

Here is a subscription form (later signed by Jr., Sr. & Bill) which I remember picking up at the Babe Ruth Museum that Spring and the very first issue used this cover design as well:

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

There also was a one year publication in 1987 (available via subscription) which was entitled aptly enough "Baltimore Orioles Magazine" and they probably published 4-5 issues before ceasing operation.

There were 5 issues. They were nicely done. I was sorry to see them stop.

1987 Orioles Magazine #1.jpg

1987 Orioles Magazine #2.jpg

1987 Orioles Magazine #3.jpg

1987 Orioles Magazine #4.jpg


The last issue had a nice article on the collection of broadcaster Ted Patterson. Oh Wow!! Look what I found on page 24....

1987 Orioles Magazine #5.jpg SCAN8130.JPG

[MarcosCards]

About a year ago, my wife and I were visiting Maryland. Being from the Midwest, we relish opportunities to eat quality, fresh, seafood. So, when we asked our Uber driver about a good, local seafood restaurant, he suggested The Blue Dolphin outside of Baltimore. Wow - we were not disappointed with his recommendation!

On a wall (I believe near the bar) was a collection of framed artwork of Baltimore sports heroes. I was most impressed with this one of the great Brooks Robinson - so I took this photo. We always respected him in Detroit.
8D20AA8D-0BD7-4754-9915-78B8605199E5.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by MarcosCards

About a year ago, my wife and I were visiting Maryland. Being from the Midwest, we relish opportunities to eat quality, fresh, seafood. So, when we asked our Uber driver about a good, local seafood restaurant, he suggested The Blue Dolphin outside of Baltimore. Wow - we were not disappointed with his recommendation!

On a wall (I believe near the bar) was a collection of framed artwork of Baltimore sports heroes. I was most impressed with this one of the great Brooks Robinson - so I took this photo. We always respected him in Detroit.

Marcos,

Thanks for the great memory of your visit to Maryland. The Norman Rockwell "Thanks Brooks" piece is likely in most Orioles fans collections. I know I have a few different size examples.

Since you mentioned Detroit, I'm sure they'll be a couple examples of Brooks with Al Kaline in this thread the coming year.

[Mark70Z]

Day 96 (April 5, 2020 – 096)

Today we have a somewhat rare unreleased ‘Test’ issue from Topps. The 1973 Topps Comic were meant to be folded around gum (since Topps owned Bazooka) so some examples do have the folds and show evidence of being attached. Below is the 1973 Topps Comic Brooks Robinson.

1973 Topps Comic

Day 96 a 1973 Topps Comic back.jpg
Day 96 b 1973 Topps Comic.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

There were 5 issues. They were nicely done. I was sorry to see them stop.

The last issue had a nice article on the collection of broadcaster Ted Patterson. Oh Wow!! Look what I found on page 24....

Those are some nice looking publications; wonder why they ceased after just five issues.

The last issue with part of Ted Patterson's collection is my favorite. Now how cool is it to have both Alan AND Bill "featured" in the magazine (of course Alan came out on top). Did you guys have fun at the games?

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

There were 5 issues.

The last issue had a nice article on the collection of broadcaster Ted Patterson. Oh Wow!! Look what I found on page 24....

Attachment 392337 Attachment 392338

Alan:

I'll be honest with you that I had completely forgotten about that...I know I was given a ticket to make up for my subscription unused balance but totally had forgotten that contest! As an aside, what did you win, just tickets too?

Back in the mid 1990's, Crown gas stations used Brooks image on their credit cards..I had met one of their sales reps from prior promotions and he somehow got me a un-embossed one too....

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Alan:

I'll be honest with you that I had completely forgotten about that...I know I was given a ticket to make up for my subscription unused balance but totally had forgotten that contest! As an aside, what did you win, just tickets too?

Bill,

I don't really remember why I even entered, but I do remember when the Orioles called me, they said "We never expected anyone from Maine to win, in fact we never expected anyone from Maine to enter". Since, I hadn't had many chances to go to Memorial Stadium over the years, my wife and I went down. I think they upped the prize a little because of the distance we traveled. We got tickets to the whole weekend series against Boston, a tour of the stadium, watched Orioles batting practice before the rest of the fans came into the park and a goody bag. I do remember our seats were beside Tom Neidenfuer's girlfriend in the Orioles family section. For those curious, Tom's girlfriend at the time was actress Judy Landers, now his wife.

I don't know if I was the reason, but I've noticed that most of the Orioles contests after that were limited to residents living in Maryland and surrounding states, but not Maine.

[Mark70Z]

Day 97 (April 6, 2020 – 097)

“EXTRA” put out by The News American in Baltimore Maryland. Just by coincidence it’s dated April 6, 1975. The article enclosed which is also listed on the front of the insert is “Brooks Robinson and His Gloveful of Memories”.

EXTRA The Magazine of The News American Baltimore, Maryland Sunday, April 6, 1975

Day 97 a.jpg