Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[BaltOrioles]

For some reason, I enjoy portrait photos much more than action shots. I love the simplicity of the older B&W head shots.

Here are a few more from the 1950's. Some should be familiar, a couple may not.


Hoot Evers and Tito Francona

Evers, Hoot 1 - Copy.jpg Francona, Tito 1 - Copy.jpg


Billy Hunter and Lou Kretlow

Hunter, Billy 1 - Copy.jpg Kretlow, Lou 1 - Copy.jpg


Bob Kuzava and Don Lenhardt

Kuzava, Bob 1 - Copy.jpg Lenhardt, Don 1 - Copy.jpg


Dick Littlefield and Gus Triandos

Littlefield, Dick 1 - Copy.jpg Triandos, Gus 1 - Copy.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Day 344 (December 9, 2020 – 344)

On May 18, 1975 the Orioles played the California Angels at home. Nolan Ryan was the pitcher for the Angels this day and pitched 8.2 innings and gave up 2 hits and 1 ER. Ryan also picked off Al Bumbry at 2nd base during the game. Mike Torrez was the O’s picture and did a pretty good job even though the home team came up short.

Here’s the daily parking pass from the Orioles vs. Angels game.

Day 344 a 1975 Special Parking May 18.jpg

I’ve had this rack pack as long as I can remember. It was a tad yellowed when I purchased likely from being displayed, but the cards still look nice. Brooks is sharing the front with Ron Cey and Vida Blue; some pretty good company.

1975 Topps Rack Pack

Day 344 b 1975 Topps Rack Pack.jpg

[quitcrab]

A nice Super Proof of the all time best 3rd baseman to play the game !

[David W]

Is that proof thinner than a regular card?

I have a couple and they are not as thick as a regular “Super ”.

[quitcrab]

Originally Posted by David W

Is that proof thinner than a regular card?

I have a couple and they are not as thick as a regular “Super ”.

Yes mine is on a thinner card stock then the regular issue.

[BaltOrioles]

I grew up in Maine and have been an Orioles fan since 1964. Major League players from the state of Maine aren't that plentiful. Cold weather and even snow in the spring make it difficult for most youth to compete with the players from the south. Maine has produced a few players over the years, most notable are Billy Swift, Danny Coombs, John Cumberland, Bob Stanley, Carlton Willey, Bert Roberge, Pete Ladd and Matt Kinney. If most of these names are unfamiliar to you, they are well known by baseball fans in Maine. All of these guys are pitchers. It's very tough for a position player to develop enough to reach the majors.

In recent years, the Orioles have had a good Maine connection in their organization. Surprisingly, all position players.

Mike Bordick was the first Oriole from Maine when he joined the O's, as Cal Ripken Jr transitioned to 3B. Mike grew up a short distance from me. I coached high school baseball for many years and Mike's dad would umpire many of our games. Mike is a great guy. He stills works the Orioles as a spring training coach and broadcaster.

Ryan Flaherty was an Orioles Rule 5 pick from the Cubs. Buck Showalter loved Ryan's versatility and he was the O's super utility during Buck's tenure. In 2004, Ryan's American legion team from Portland, ME won the national championship. Unheard of for a team from Maine.

Ryan McKenna is a current Orioles prospect that is moving quickly through the O's system and could make his Orioles debut soon.

Gary Thorne is the Orioles broadcaster. Gary was a lawyer by trade, but made a name for himself doing University of Maine hockey broadcasts. That led to doing NHL games and finally MLB games.

Mike Bordick and Ryan Flaherty

Bordick, Mike 1 - Copy.jpg Flaherty, Ryan 1 - Copy.jpg


Ryan McKenna and Gary Thorne

McKenna, Ryan 1 - Copy.jpg 2008 Postcards 12 - Copy.jpg


Footnote: Two other players from Maine include Louis Sockalexis and Clyde Sukeforth. Anyone know their significance to baseball history??

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by quitcrab

Yes mine is on a thinner card stock then the regular issue.

Scott,

Is yours a blank back or regular back?

[quitcrab]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Scott,

Is yours a blank back or regular back?

Blank back