Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[Mark70Z]

Day 354 (December 19, 2020 – 354)

One of my all-time favorite baseball cards of Brooks is his 1973 Topps #90. Even though it’s a pretty cool shot of Brooks at 3rd one of the reasons I like the card so much is that during his playing days Topps only pictured him fielding on this particular card. I guess you could possibly make a case for a few different cards like the ’71 Greatest Moments #9, or the 1971 Topps #331, but really for me his 1973 card, pictured at the hot corner, just has the aesthetics I like in a baseball card. I think Topps did a very nice job with the general card setup in 1974 and Brooks is pictured how I remember him at third.

Reminds me of a quote by one of the Birds, “Before every pitch for years and years, he was on his toes, ready to move, instantly alert. He always got ready as if he knew the ball was coming to him. Whenever a new guy would join the bullpen, he’d watch Brooks for a game or two and say, ‘Holy cow! He’s as good as they say!’ We’d say, ‘Just watch him. He treats every pitch like there are two outs in the ninth.’ – Dick Hall

1973 Topps #90

Day 354 a 1973 Topps #90.jpg
Day 354 b 1973 Topps #90 back.jpg

1973 Topps #90 Match Print photo

Day 354 c 1973 Topps #90 Match Print Photo.jpg

[Fleerfan]

I would agree that the 1973 Brooks card is also one of my top favorites. I still remember the day I first saw it. It was sometime in the late 70's when I was at a friend's house and he was showing me his cards. I had never seen the 1973 card before (I started collecting in 1976), and when I saw that card I was blown away. All I was familiar with were the 1976 card where you can barely even see his eyes because of the shadow from his cap and the 1977 & 1978 cards where he looked much older.

Seeing an action shot of him at 3rd base was amazing! Fortunately my friend had an extra one which he gave me. It wasn't in the greatest shape, but I've still held on to it (even as I've gotten an upgrade for my 1973 set) as I still remember my reaction to seeing this card for the first time.

I'm almost certain the picture on the card was taken on May 28, 1972 against the Indians, along with the large number of other action shots of Orioles in the 1973 set. Here is my look at those cards (along with a few Indians cards) which helped me figure out the date:

https://fleersticker.blogspot.com/20...tographer.html

[JollyElm]

Originally Posted by Fleerfan

I'm almost certain the picture on the card was taken on May 28, 1972 against the Indians, along with the large number of other action shots of Orioles in the 1973 set. Here is my look at those cards (along with a few Indians cards) which helped me figure out the date:
https://fleersticker.blogspot.com/20...tographer.html

That was a very cool read!!! The wide variety of action shots really made up for the boringly white appearance of the 1973 cards. I especially like how you pointed out the ill-placed 'NY' on Nettles' jersey. (It's always made me laugh.) The Brohamer, Grich, Belanger and Duffy cards are each very cool on their own, mainly because they aren't traditional shots, and do a fantastic job of really pulling you into the action, as if you had a seat in the bleachers that day. Love it! Good work!

[Fleerfan]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

That was a very cool read!!! The wide variety of action shots really made up for the boringly white appearance of the 1973 cards. I especially like how you pointed out the ill-placed 'NY' on Nettles' jersey. (It's always made me laugh.) The Brohamer, Grich, Belanger and Duffy cards are each very cool on their own, mainly because they aren't traditional shots, and do a fantastic job of really pulling you into the action, as if you had a seat in the bleachers that day. Love it! Good work!

Thanks for the kind words. The 1973 set sometimes gets a bad rap for the unusual action photography, but I actually really like it for the reasons you point out.

[Mark70Z]

Day 355 (December 20, 2020 – 355)

Millers Falls Company was a hand and power tool manufacturer out of Massachusetts. This is a large postcard sent out to dealers who sold their tools. The postcard features the sportscaster Chris Schenkel and pictures football center Mike Pyle of the Chicago Bears and Brooks Robinson. I have seen a large postcard with Brooks featured on the postcard, using the same photo, to advertise their tools, but do not have that example.

Day 355 Millers Falls Tools Sportscaster Chris Schenkel Mike Pyle 1964.jpg

[roarfrom34]

While the exact details of this piece are sketchy, here is a 12" ceramic Brooks Robinson liquor decanter issued in 1983...I remember this piece as one of the very first pieces of memorabilia I purchased when I moved into my first apartment in early 1984 (remember paying $50 for it)...

The story was that some liquor company was going going to sell these (there was a John Unitas one as well) with some sort of whiskey in them but for whatever reason they were not given permission...

If anyone has more detail, I would love to hear it:

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

While the exact details of this piece are sketchy, here is a 12" ceramic Brooks Robinson liquor decanter issued in 1983...I remember this piece as one of the very first pieces of memorabilia I purchased when I moved into my first apartment in early 1984 (remember paying $50 for it)...

The story was that some liquor company was going going to sell these (there was a John Unitas one as well) with some sort of whiskey in them but for whatever reason they were not given permission...

If anyone has more detail, I would love to hear it:

Bill,

That's the same story I've heard as well. Pictures don't do them justice. Mine came with a wooden base. Did yours?

1983 Liquor Decantor (Brooks Robinson).jpg