Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[Mark70Z]

Day 363 (December 28, 2020 – 363)

Brooks throughout his career has sponsored, been a spokesperson for, and an employee of Crown Petroleum. Crown was instrumental in getting the first bronze statue of Brooks Robinson in Baltimore which is located right outside of Camden Yards. Check it out if you haven’t already.

The relatively large banner I have listed below is from late 60’s early ‘70’s and has a well-known (at least for O’s fans) headshot of Brooks with the statement, “I Choose Crown Gold for Action!” I’ve had this canvas banner for probably 20+ years. The banner was likely displayed outside the Crown gas station for all to see and over the years it had become rather dingy. I sent it out to Tom (The Art of Restoration) and had the banner cleaned. He did a great job and it looks much, much better than it did prior to sending; so glad I had this accomplished.

Day 363 Crown Banner.jpg

[BaltOrioles]

Mark,

You saved some really nice items for the end of the year. The Mort Tadder photos, Brooksie orange uniform and Crown Petroleum banner are all very cool.

I've seen so many new Brooks Robinson and Orioles items posted this year. I can't thank you guys enough for making 2020 a little more bearable.

I've had a pretty good year collecting wise and even added a few items with the help of Net54 members.

Each year, I have some general goals for my collection, as well as some specific goals. I don't know if anyone else does this, but I thought I would take a moment to look at how I did this year.

General goals that carry over each year......

Orioles Team Issued Postcards

Started the year with 2712/2862 known postcards. The Orioles didn't produce many new postcards this year, but I did come across a couple new variations. Ending the year with 2735/2876 for a net gain of 9 postcards, including 2 glossies from 1954-56. Based upon what I still need - Great year

Orioles Team Issued Head Shot Photos

I was able to pick up photos of the new players to make their O's debut in 2020, but still no luck finding any photo of John Buzhardt from 1967. Thanks to Bill, I did add autographs to a few of my older photos.

Orioles Minor League Affiliate Programs

Mostly struck out here too. No programs added from teams I still need, but did add cover variations from a couple teams. Probably impossible to complete this one, but I keep trying.


I set specific card goals to try and complete some Orioles team sets each year. Here's how I fared this year.

Baseball Cards

1954 Dixie Lids (Clint Courtney) - added three new backs, including one large size lid

1963 Jello - added 1 card, still need Russ Snyder

1970-71 Dayton Daily News cards - didn't add any to my 1970 set, but did pick up the 1971 Frank Robinson. Still need four from 1970 and the 1971 Boog Powell

1971 Kelloggs - completed the master set with all back variations

1971 Milk Duds - completed the master set of unopened boxes

1972 Milton Bradley Game - completed


O-Pee-Chee sets

1965 - only 1 left (AL Batting Leaders card #1)
1967 - 2 left (Bob Johnson #38 and John Miller #141)
1968 - 1 left (AL Batting Leaders #2)
1974 - Completed
1976 - Completed
1981 - Completed master set of white backs and tougher gray backs

Topps Venezuelan sets

1964 - Completed
1967 - only 1 card left (Dave McNally #248)

Got closer on a couple other Venezuelan sets. Hoping to finish 1962 or 1966 set this year.


I would love to hear how others did.....

[quitcrab]

Picked up two tough Orioles items. 1969 Topps four in one Dillman and Johnson card.
Scott

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by quitcrab

Picked up two tough Orioles items. 1969 Topps four in one Dillman and Johnson card.
Scott

Scott,

Very nice. That's a set I've never started. They are tough. Congrats.

[ksfarmboy]

Mark I love that crown piece and still kick myself for not getting the half poster that was on eBay.

My Orioles collecting goals for the year usually consists of adding 3-4 game used items for my 70, 79 and 83 teams. Unfortunately this year was more about saving money for other projects. I did add an 80’s warm up jersey from Bill and made a trade for a great 69-74 batting helmet.

[LincolnVT]

58 Topps signed.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by LincolnVT

58 Topps signed.

Ethan,

That Brooks signature looks to be a pretty early auto.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by ksfarmboy

Mark I love that crown piece and still kick myself for not getting the half poster that was on eBay.

The Crown banner that was cut was at one of the National events in Baltimore. Even though it was cut it still was large and looked pretty good. Unsure why someone would do this unless the bottom portion was tore up which is possible since they were likely displayed outside.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Mark,

You saved some really nice items for the end of the year. The Mort Tadder photos, Brooksie orange uniform and Crown Petroleum banner are all very cool.

I've seen so many new Brooks Robinson and Orioles items posted this year. I can't thank you guys enough for making 2020 a little more bearable.

I did try to save a few good items for the last of the year to end on a good note.

I’m very thankful that this thread was far better then expected... Thanks everyone for all your input.