Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[Mark70Z]

Day 193 (July 11, 2020 – 193)

First up today is a letter, with The Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods Company letterhead, from Brooks to Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Wagman who are from York, PA where Brooks got his start as a minor leaguer with the York White Roses. An interesting piece of the letter discusses the possibility of soon opening a sporting goods store in the Queensgate Shopping Mall. It would make sense that this somehow relates to the plastic disc that Alan (BaltOrioles) pictured from Post #210. Would be neat to find out how the disc was used.

Day 193 a Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods letter.jpg

I picked up this sweater just for the Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods tag. I know the sporting goods store made Oriole jerseys; would be nice to have one of the jerseys they made with the Brooks tag.

Day 193 b Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods Tag.jpg
Day 193 c Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods Tag Sweater.jpg

Lastly, a t-shirt from the sporting goods store. Could I have ironed it? Yes.
Did I iron it? no.

Day 193 d Shirt Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods.jpg

[Mark70Z]

I know the site is having issues; hopefully the pictures will ultimately come back into view...

Day 194 (July 12, 2020 – 194)

The 1964 Topps Coins set consisted of 164 metal coins inserted into the Topps wax packs. There were 120 regular coins and 44 All Star coins. The Brooks coin pictured today is the regular coin from the 1964 set. I really like the photo Topps used for this ’64 coin.

1964 Topps Coin #18

Day 194 a 1964 Topps Coin #18.jpg

While it’s not the best of proofs, since it’s the yellow version, it’s the only front proof I have in my collection.

1964 Topps Coin proof #18

Day 194 b 1964 Topps Coin #18 front proof.jpg

Pictured below is a proof of the back of the 1964 Brooks coin.

1964 Topps Coin back proof #18

Day 194 c 1964 Topps Coin #18 back proof.jpg

[BaltOrioles]

Esskay Hot Dogs have long been associated with the Baltimore Orioles. Over the years, Esskay has sponsored a variety of items including baseball cards on the packages in 1954-1955.

One player not included in the Esskay card sets was Vern Stephens. I can only assume that's because Stephens was part of another hot dog set.

In 1954, Wilson Franks, a hot dog company based out of Chicago, produced a 20 card set that was distributed in the midwest. The set included big names like Ted Williams, Bob Feller Gil Hodges and Roy Campanella. The only Oriole representative was Vern Stephens.

I really like the look of the cards, but condition is always an issue since the cards were packaged with hot dogs.

1954 Wilson Franks

1954 Wilson Franks.jpg

[roarfrom34]

Here is that poster that I referred to the other day which was a companion piece to the 1983 Gala Evening event program that was held in November of 2019:

[roarfrom34]

Mark...I love those Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods items...very unique!

Alan...Nice Stephens Wilson Franks card! Do you have any of the Esskay cards from that era?

Here is an cool Esskay Holiday greeting card from 1995:

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Alan...Nice Stephens Wilson Franks card! Do you have any of the Esskay cards from that era?

Bill,

I've picked away at the 1954 Esskay set over the years when I find examples in the price range and condition I'm happy with.

I have 21 from the 1954 set, but haven't picked up any from 1955. I don't expect to ever finish either set, but would like to eventually pick up some of the 1955 cards not in the 1954 set.

1954 Esskay Hot Dogs

1954 Esskay Meats #1.jpg 1954 Esskay Meats #2.jpg

1954 Esskay Meats #3.JPG

[Chstrite]

Mark, the Letterhead is amazing. Would like to find a ream of it! Thanks for sharing.

[Mark70Z]

Day 196 (July 14, 2020 – 196)

Brooks was the 1970 World Series MVP and one of the gifts was a new Dodge Charger. Shortly after the Series Brooks made a visit to Brenner on October 22, 1970 and did a bit of advertising and a signing for the customers. Below is one of the 8X10 Brooks signed:

1970 Brenner – signed

Day 196 Photo 1970 Brenner October 22 1.jpg

[roarfrom34]

Alan...I knew you wouldn't let us down with the Esskay cards! Thanks

Mark....Great photo...Is Brenner a car dealership in MD?

I was remiss in that yesterday was the 29th anniversary of four Oriole pitchers contributing to a No Hitter in Oakland (their last no hitter).

After the game I wrote the A's ticket manager and asked if he could send me a ticket from the game then I had all four participants sign it (this very well may be the only complete signed ticket out there):

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

I was remiss in that yesterday was the 29th anniversary of four Oriole pitchers contributing to a No Hitter in Oakland (their last no hitter).

After the game I wrote the A's ticket manager and asked if he could send me a ticket from the game then I had all four participants sign it (this very well may be the only complete signed ticket out there):

Bill,

I'm guessing you are correct. That's an awesome ticket and great heads up to contact the A's.

My favorite O's no-hitter is by far the 1968 gem by Tom Phoebus. I hated the Red Sox as a kid and haven't gotten any kinder as an adult.


Here is the complete list of Orioles No-Hitters with the player's team issued photo from that year.

Hoyt Wilhelm (Sept 20, 1958 vs NY Yankees) 1-0

Wilhelm, Hoyt 4 - Copy.jpg

Steve Barber & Stu Miller (April 30, 1967 vs Detroit Tigers) Lost 2-1

Barber, Steve 9 - Copy.jpg Miller, Stu 6 - Copy.jpg

Tom Phoebus (April 27, 1968 vs Boston Red Sox) 6-0

Phoebus, Tom 4 - Copy.jpg

Jim Palmer (Aug 13, 1969 vs Oakland A's) 8-0

Palmer, Jim 4 - Copy.jpg

Bob Milacki, Mike Flanagan, Mark Williamson & Gregg Olson (July 13, 1991 vs Oakland A's) 2-0

Milacki, Bob 1 - Copy.jpg Flanagan, Mike 10 - Copy.jpg Williamson, Mark 2 - Copy.jpg Olson, Gregg 2 - Copy.jpg


It's amazing to realize that Nolan Ryan had seven no-hitters himself.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Alan...I knew you wouldn't let us down with the Esskay cards! Thanks

Mark....Great photo...Is Brenner a car dealership in MD?

I was remiss in that yesterday was the 29th anniversary of four Oriole pitchers contributing to a No Hitter in Oakland (their last no hitter).

After the game I wrote the A's ticket manager and asked if he could send me a ticket from the game then I had all four participants sign it (this very well may be the only complete signed ticket out there)

If I’m not mistaken they had a family of dealerships in Pennsylvania.

Man, that ticket is off the charts cool...

[Mark70Z]

Day 197 (July 15, 2020 – 197)

Avalon Hill is a game company that started in 1954 and the name of the company was influenced by the city where the first games were sold which was Avalon, Maryland. While the company was more known for war type board games, they did make some which were sports related. The company was sold to Hasbro in 1998. Here’s a few items that relate to Avalon Hill.

Day 197 a Avalon Hill Game Company All-Star Replay.jpg
Day 197 1973 Avalon Hill Handbook of Official Rules.jpg
Day 197 Avalon Hill Game instructions.jpg

[ripfan008]

Good morning,

Mark- I've never seen that 8 x 10 Brenner Brooks photo before. Very nice.

I recently purchased several magazines featuring Cal Ripken from a gentleman selling his collection. Included were some oddball ones, including Fit Pregnancy Magazine and a 1999 Miami Heat Magazine.

Fit Pregnancy Magazine with Cal on cover.jpg

Miami Heat Magazine with Cal Ripken.jpg

However, also included was an issue of Wax Pack Magazine that had an article where Bill listed his Top 10 Rarest Cal Items.

The Wax Pack front.jpg

The Wax Pack Bill article.jpg

Bill, do you still have that Stroh's photoball? I've certainly never seen one before.

[uyu906]

Very cool letter from Brooks about York, PA (close to where I live and grew-up). I was just at the Queensgate shopping center today for lunch!

[Mark70Z]

Day 198 (July 16, 2020 – 198)

This is a program for The 10th Annual Maryland Shrine of Immortals Night on July 16, 1969. The cover features Brooks along with Gordon “Babe” Phelps. On this night Phelps became the 19th member of the Maryland Shrine of Immortals. Phelps was a native of Maryland and The Maryland Shrine of Immortals was created to recognize men with Maryland backgrounds who have distinguished themselves in professional baseball.

The 10th Annual Shrine of Immortals Night July 16, 1969

Day 198 a.jpg

The image used on the above program may be from the same photo shoot or at least the photographer had the same idea for the shot; either way I like the look. This photograph is from 1968 of Brooks at the plate in an away game.

Day 198 b Photo 1968 hitting close up.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by uyu906

Very cool letter from Brooks about York, PA (close to where I live and grew-up). I was just at the Queensgate shopping center today for lunch!

Thanks!

Maybe you can help in the research of the Queensgate disc that Alan (BaltOrioles) posted on Post #210. Really would like to find out what that disc is. I believe it's associated with the opening of the store in the Queensgate shopping center, but unsure what is was used for.

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by uyu906

Very cool letter from Brooks about York, PA (close to where I live and grew-up). I was just at the Queensgate shopping center today for lunch!

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Thanks!

Maybe you can help in the research of the Queensgate disc that Alan (BaltOrioles) posted on Post #210. Really would like to find out what that disc is. I believe it's associated with the opening of the store in the Queensgate shopping center, but unsure what is was used for.

With all the discussion lately about the Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods store and the Queensgate shopping center, it seems like a good time to update everyone on my research. The letter Mark posted was great. It means that if the disc is related to a store in the Queensgate shopping center, the time frame would be 1974-1977. Can anyone verify that a store actually opened at the mall? I contacted Bruce Genther, who was the art director for the store for many years. He mentioned the store closed in 1977. Unfortunately, he doesn't remember producing or helping produce anything like the disc. However, the design on the front of the shirt, Mark posted on 7/12, looks very much like the disc design. Bruce did say that Brooks did many appearances in York, so it's possible the disc is not related to the store, but another promotion. I've also reached out to a lady that does a blog on York County history to get her input, but no response yet.

I wish I had more info to share, but really appreciate Mark's letter.

Someday, I would love to have Brooks take a look at it to see if he remembers what it was used for. Anyone with Brooks connections, send him a note.

Here's a picture of the disc again. It's hard plastic and about the size of a KFC chicken bucket lid.


Queensgate.jpg

[uyu906]

Hi Guys,

I was born in York County, PA in 1968. My parents shopped at Queensgate Shopping Center all my life. I continue to do business there. I have been an Orioles fan all my life. I went to my first Orioles game at Memorial Stadium in 1975. To my knowledge, the Brooks Robinson Store never opened a store in Queensgate shopping center. If they did, it would have had to have been before my memories start - as Brooks was my favorite player from the start and I would certainly have taken notice if he opened a store in a Shopping plaza my family frequented regularly. So if it ever did open I would say it had to have happened before 1974, probably in the 1960s or very early 1970s and be closed by 1974-75. I started playing little league baseball in 1975, and I know there was no Brooks Sporing Goods Store in Queensgate when I got equipment for that year - or we would have went there to buy our stuff.

Queensgate, however, did bring in Orioles players to sign autographs in the mid-1970s. First ever major league autos I ever got were of Mark Belanger and Bobby Grich at Queensgate. That year was either 1975 or 1976. I still have that faded ball in my collection.

I do not know what the disk came from - but possibly one of these signings at Queensgate?

I would love to hear from anyone who can add anything to these memories.

Rich

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

With all the discussion lately about the Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods store and the Queensgate shopping center, it seems like a good time to update everyone on my research. The letter Mark posted was great. It means that if the disc is related to a store in the Queensgate shopping center, the time frame would be 1974-1977. Can anyone verify that a store actually opened at the mall? I contacted Bruce Genther, who was the art director for the store for many years. He mentioned the store closed in 1977. Unfortunately, he doesn't remember producing or helping produce anything like the disc. However, the design on the front of the shirt, Mark posted on 7/12, looks very much like the disc design. Bruce did say that Brooks did many appearances in York, so it's possible the disc is not related to the store, but another promotion. I've also reached out to a lady that does a blog on York County history to get her input, but no response yet.

I wish I had more info to share, but really appreciate Mark's letter.

Someday, I would love to have Brooks take a look at it to see if he remembers what it was used for. Anyone with Brooks connections, send him a note.

Here's a picture of the disc again. It's hard plastic and about the size of a KFC chicken bucket lid.


Attachment 409503

[Mark70Z]

Day 199 (July 17, 2020 – 199)

The All-Star cards have made an absence for five long years and are re-introduced in the 1968 Topps set. Brooks and Frank were the Orioles in the ’68 AS set; the Brooks card as follows:

1968 Topps All-Star #365

Day 199 a 1968 Topps AS #365.jpg

The backs of the All-Star cards formed two player photos: Orlando Cepeda on the National League cards and Carl Yastrzemski on the American League.

Day 199 b 1968 Topps AS #365 back.jpg

There were also the All-Star cards included for the Venezuela issue in 1968.

1968 Venezuelan All-Star #365

Day 199 c 1968 Topps Venezuelan AS #365.jpg
Day 199 d 1968 Topps Venezuelan AS #365 back.jpg

I only have one progressive proof for the 1968 Topps AS #365 pictured below.

Day 199 e 1968 Topps AS Progressive Proof.jpg

AND here’s the 1968 transparency used for the photo on the Topps All Star card.

Day 199 f 1968 Topps AS transparency.jpg

[roarfrom34]

Mark...cool transparency & progressive proof!

Here are the two versions of the Ripken Thom McAn discs I mentioned in that 1993 article. The blue disc I obtained early on and for awhile thought that was the only version.

Interesting story was at some point I was introduced to a collector who informed me about the Ripken yellow version and was trying to obtain the entire set himself (with all color variations) who traveled often on business. What he did was simply buy one pair of Thom McAn shoes and in his travels and he would exchange that pair of shoes at one of their stores (wherever his travels took him) for another and get two new discs.

He promised me that if he ever gave up trying to complete the set that he'd sell the yellow Cal Jr. to me. Fortunately (for me anyways), he gave up on trying to complete it:



As I mentioned in the article as well these discs can be differentiated from the Subway discs in that these have the Thom McAn/Jox logo on the back.

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by uyu906

Hi Guys,

I was born in York County, PA in 1968. My parents shopped at Queensgate Shopping Center all my life. I continue to do business there. I have been an Orioles fan all my life. I went to my first Orioles game at Memorial Stadium in 1975. To my knowledge, the Brooks Robinson Store never opened a store in Queensgate shopping center. If they did, it would have had to have been before my memories start - as Brooks was my favorite player from the start and I would certainly have taken notice if he opened a store in a Shopping plaza my family frequented regularly. So if it ever did open I would say it had to have happened before 1974, probably in the 1960s or very early 1970s and be closed by 1974-75. I started playing little league baseball in 1975, and I know there was no Brooks Sporing Goods Store in Queensgate when I got equipment for that year - or we would have went there to buy our stuff.

Queensgate, however, did bring in Orioles players to sign autographs in the mid-1970s. First ever major league autos I ever got were of Mark Belanger and Bobby Grich at Queensgate. That year was either 1975 or 1976. I still have that faded ball in my collection.

I do not know what the disk came from - but possibly one of these signings at Queensgate?

I would love to hear from anyone who can add anything to these memories.

Rich

Rich,

Thanks so much for your post. I think it adds a few pieces to the puzzle. From Mark's letter (Post #1901), it's obvious that during 1974, plans were being developed to open a store in the Queensgate Shopping Center. Rich seems to confirm that the store never materialized, which is why I haven't been able to find any information about it. I can only assume that financial and/or other delays contributed to the store never opening. Bruce Genther, who worked the store, confirmed that Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods closed in 1977. Perhaps, the disc was going to be used as part of a store opening promotion, that never happened.

It doesn't answer all my questions concerning the disc, but gives me hope that the mystery will be solved someday.

[BaltOrioles]

Yesterday, I noticed a 1976 Charlotte Orioles program listed on eBay. It reminded me that I haven't posted much minor league stuff lately.

1976 was an interesting year for Charlotte programs. They printed three different covers, but also included the opponents name on the front. It was very unusual, at that time, for a team to get that detailed with it's programs.

I have five different covers and still need the Montgomery and Columbus versions.

FYI, Eddie Murray played for Charlotte that year.

1976 Charlotte Orioles Programs

1976 Charlotte Orioles #1.jpg

1976 Charlotte Orioles #2.jpg

1976 Charlotte Orioles #3.jpg

1976 Charlotte Orioles #4.jpg

1976 Charlotte Orioles #5.jpg


Bonus:

Program from an exhibition game played in Charlotte that year - Atlanta Braves vs the Southern League All-Stars

1976 Charlotte Orioles (Exhibition).jpg