Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[Chstrite]

Thanks, Bill. Bad memory and got lazy.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

Day 97 – 7 April 2024
In the Patterson scrapbook I found a few interesting photographs of Brooks. The 5 x 7 inch photo featuring Brooks, Frank, Boog (with signature) along with Aparicio (with signature). I am not sure who #55 (assuming a coach) is but guess someone here will know. The team photo along the 3d base shows the Orioles and I believe this is 1969 World Series (some details are on the back but it has a bit of glue on it; not wanting to remove it. Here is a picture of Brooks at bat (on the back, it says Daryl Norenberg, Pomona, CA). Another picture shows Brooks at a podium assuming he is receiving an award…his smile! Some pretty cool photos.

Definitely some nice looking photos shown that are in the scrapbook. You don’t see many vintage color shots and that’s a good one.

[Chstrite]

Day 98 – 8 April 2024
One of my best finds in the Ted Patterson scrap book is a 5 x 7 inch Team Issued 1971/75 photo. You can tell this by the type, placing of his name, signature, size and Tadder as the photographer. I have been looking for this photo for years. It has some damage on the back but am happy to have found it. I am still looking for the larger 6 x 9 inch Team Issued photo from the same years.

[Chstrite]

Day 99 – 9 April 2024
In the scrapbook is other miscellaneous items. The top paper addresses less fortunate kids who need donations for transportation to the game and tickets. It was a non-profit (Baltimore Jaycees). Not sure about the one below with the young lad in a wheelchair. The other paper talks about the Orioles belonging to the citizens of Maryland along with their schedule. It is a tri-fold. The next item is a list of Oriole moments and personalities to be voted on. It must be from 1975, as it provides information from 1954 – 1975. It is affixed to the page but with some work, I could pull out. The color photo I have on a jersey night cardboard advertisement; I believe this is 21 July 1983 prior to Brooks going into the HoF.

[roarfrom34]

I know I've posted this AP press photo of Brooks previously that was taken prior to the last home game of the '76 season, when there was speculation that it may indeed be the the last game home of his career.

The reason for the re-post was that a good friend of mine, Bill Stetka who was a long time sportswriter, official scorer and Orioles PR person (and now the team historian) recently shared with me a neat story about this game.

In '76, he was in college and his father's business had Orioles season tickets right behind the visiting team dugout and once it got to be late in the season (and no one wanted to go), he would often go with some buddies.

They were playing the Brewers that night & late in the game when it was Brooks last AB, Bill could hear 1st baseman George Scott whistle at the pitcher a couple times and nodded to him as Brooks approached the plate (less than 9,000 fans in the stands). The pitcher then appeared to groove a pitch to Brooks, who hit the ball to center for a single....Brooks was then replaced by a pinch runner as he tipped his helmet to the remaining fans who were giving him a standing ovation.

Anyway, years go by and one day Bill sees George at Camden Yards (he was then a scout for the Red Sox) and decided to approach him...Knowing that George was not a fan of sportswriters, Bill told him that he had a quick question for him that wasn't for publication, but simply for his own information.

He recounted the 1976 story to George and asked him if he indeed had asked the pitcher to groove the pitch to Brooks, George then shook his head and said "it never happened..." As George was walking away, he turned around and then gave Bill a wink...

[Mark70Z]

Charlie… Quite a bit of unique items in the scrapbook. How large was the thing?

Bill… thanks so much for sharing the story. Really like to hear the behind the scenes goings on.

[Chstrite]

Nice story above. Sad when our sports hero age. It happens to the best of us in our own careers. Mine was as a Soldier. Brooks did it with grace and good for the pitcher!!!

Scrapbook is pretty big but lots of empty pages and some items were picked over. I will ship to you for your SI poster or license plate from 1961. 😎😎

[Chstrite]

Day 100 – 10 April 2024
Wow…day 100. How did Mark Comer do it. Posting here daily is a bit of work. Today, I am including more photos of Brooks Robinson from the scrapbook. These photos seem to be around the time of his retirement. The top left invite is for a reception on 18 September 1977 at the Hollyday Room Village of Cross Keys. Beside it is a team issued photo, which I have seen before but smaller. The photo below it is of Brooks diving. I believe the next photo is Thanks Brooks Day (on the back, it says the attendance was 51,798…largest ever!). Below it, is a photo from Carl Yaztrmski giving him a gift on his retirement; photo has signatures, which is very nice.

[Chstrite]

Day 101 – 11 April 2024
Today, more items from the scrapbook. Here is a 1979 ALCS Press Pass (blue) for Ted Patterson from WMAR TV booth 1. The green Press Pass is for the 1979 WS for Ted. I really like the 1979 AL Champion Christmas Card. Ted must have had a 1979 media hospitality invite for games 1 and 2, too. Additionally, I am showing a WMAR Channel 13 Magicard and the 1979 Spring Training Schedule. I am also showing the actual scrapbook. The scrap book has many other items but best I stop boring you. The other items include vintage Oriole baseball cards, team issued photos, Manny Baseball Photos, Exhibit cards and other miscellaneous items.

[roarfrom34]

After Jackson Holliday was called up yesterday it did create quite the stir that it was then soon announced that he would wear #7 and that the Holliday family had reached out to Cal Ripken Jr. for permission, because that number hadn't been issued since Cal Sr. last wore it in 1992.

Reports also mentioned that the last Orioles player to wear # 7 was Bill Ripken who took it after Sr. was fired after only six games into the 1988 season (when Sr. was re-hired as a coach in '89 he re-claimed it).

Kind of a along story, but a friend of mine who was part of the media took me into the Orioles locker room after the last home game of the '88 season (they had just lost their 104th game) and were packing for Toronto for the final weekend of that nightmare season.

I approached Bill after he dressed and asked him if I could have the "Ripken 7" nameplate above his locker (Cal Jr. had already given me his) and he pulled it off and just handed it to me. He then added "Hold it, I've got something else for you" and dug deep into the bottom of his locker and handed me the mangled "B. Ripken 3" nameplate that had been there since April.

Needless to say I was very grateful to my media buddy as well as to the Ripken Brothers for their generosity that fall night......

[Chstrite]

Bill, please have a yard sale and let some of those locker room name tags go. I have a nice wall of them decorated but none are older than 2004. Brooks, Cal, Palmer, or some of the other common older ones would suffice. Thanks for sharing these above.

[Chstrite]

Day 102 – 12 April 2024
I thought I would show some Baltimore Related Stickers for a “few” days. I am constantly scanning ebay and the shows for stickers. If anyone has any that they do not see over the new “few” days and want to trade, donate or sell, keep me in mind. Funny…I am constantly buying ones I already have. At the end of the “sticker” session here, you’ll understand how that is possible. I will start with a few in a large “holder.” This assortment includes ones from the 1980s – early 2000s. I especially like the yellow one (Os Magic, Channel 2), the 1983 World Champions, and “Were for the Birds.” On the next sheet, I like the “Sign Cal” and the Decker Bird from the 1960s.

[roarfrom34]

[Chstrite]

Day 103 – 13 April 2024
Today’s stickers include more from 1950s, 1970s, 1980s through 2000s. I like the Channel 13 Miller High Life “Its 2 Million Time.” The Baltimore Sun Bird sticker is cool, too. I enjoy the Hartzell Bird Decal from the mid-1950s. The next sheet probably has some duplicates, but on this sheet I like the “Tonight, Let it be LowenTime.” The small bird at the bottom from the 1950s is nice, too. I really like the 1970 WS sticker on the top right.

[Chstrite]

the top right.
Day 104 – 14 April 2024
Today’s sheet is full of more of the same. Stickers from the 1970s through 2000s. I like the bright stickers so on this sheet I am partial to the “Baltimore Knows Boh.” The sticker reflecting Baltimore’s frustration with Peters is fun (“I am Petered Out!”). I also like the HoF Ripken/Gwynn sticker. On the next sheet, you see a couple old Decals from the 1950s at the bottom left. The top right “Looking Great in 1978” is a cool one.

[Chstrite]

Wrong pics above

[Chstrite]

Day 105 – 15 April 2024
Ok…we will move on to some individual stickers. My favorite sticker is on this framed group celebrating an award for Jim Gentile from the Maryland Drycleaning Guild. The group of stickers come from a banquet for Drycleaners in September 1960. Brooks Robinson is featured with 1960 RoY Hansen, Gentile, and Triandos. I tried to remove the sticker but it would get damaged. I have never seen another. I wrote about this a couple years ago. Anyway, the sticker came along with a nice photo of Gentile in a leather bound binder for the banquet for the attendees.

[roarfrom34]

learned over the weekend that RHP Odell Jones who went 2-2 for the Orioles in 1986 (21 games) unfortunately passed away last month:

[roarfrom34]

I'm sorry that I had to post Orioles obituaries twice in one day but just in the past hour or so I have learned that both Larry Brown (1973) and LHP Ken Holtzman (1976) have unfortunately passed away:

[Chstrite]

Day 106 – 16 April 2024
Today’s sticker is from 1974 celebrating the Orioles attendance goals. I liked this sticker so much I had it framed and it turned out very nice. It appears they fell short with an attendance of 962,620. Out of the 24 teams in the MLB in 1974, they were ranked at the bottom with 5 other teams having fewer attendees. The bright orange with the bird and black letters really pop. Hard to believe this sticker is over 50 years old.

[BaltOrioles]

We seem to be losing former Orioles on a daily basis. I just saw where former Oriole and HOF manager Whitey Herzog passed away yesterday at 92. He played with the Orioles in 1961-62.

Here's a few 8x10 photos and postcards of Herzog, along with the other recent deaths (Larry Brown, Odell Jones and Ken Holtzman).


Herzog, Whitey 1.jpg 1961 Postcards 04.JPG

Brown, Larry 1.jpg 197374 Postcards 02.JPG

Jones, Odell 1.jpg Mel Bailey 34.JPG

Holtzman, Ken (Tadder) 4x5.jpg Mel Bailey 31.JPG

[Chstrite]

Day 107 - 17 April 2024
Today, I am showing my “Glo Orioles Glo” sticker. This sticker is very bright featuring the Angry Bird. A similar item with this sticker is a paper visor. I really enjoy the bright orange with black on the white matting. Any insights on this Oriole slogan (“Glo Orioles Glo”).

[Chstrite]

Day 108 – 18 April 2024
My next sticker is a bit different. The 1968 Topps All Star Action All Star Sticker full panel with Brooks Robinson and Roberto Clemente. The full panel is not easy to come by and can be a little expensive given Clemente and Brooks are on it. This panel is a test issue. There were 16 three part die cut sticker panels. Other big stars include Mantle, Mays, F. Robinson, Aaron and Yaz. In 1968 you would find these regionally in a $1.60 pack with 1 panel each in a box of 12. Some of the players appeared on 2 stickers; my understanding is 12 of the panels were totally different.

[quitcrab]

Four of the 68 action sticker panels repeat the same player as the larger middle sticker panel, but the tops and bottom smaller sticker panels are different.

[Chstrite]

Hey, Scott. Thanks for the details on the All Star Stickers. The large panels are really cool. I wish Brooks had a bigger one. Would love to have all of them but they are so expensive.

[Chstrite]

Day 109 – 19 April 2024
Today’s sticker is nothing special. This sticker is from the 1980s I believe. I enjoy the Bird and dark orange blocked Orioles letters.

[Mark70Z]

Looks really nice how you have some of the stickers framed.

I’ve never had the full ‘68 AS Sticker. I do have a proof, but would like to one day have the finished panel.

[quitcrab]

Bazooka
Orioles are going to have a good year! Nice little Bazooka pennant.

[ksfarmboy]

Great stuff Charles, keep it coming!

That Bazooka pennant is one of my earlier Orioles items I purchased as a kid, thanks for sharing.

[Chstrite]

Day 110 – 20 Apr 2024
One of my favorite Oriole campaign slogans was from 1961. I searched for this sticker for a while and when I finally found it, I had to frame it. This sticker is oversized and rarely available. I have seen one other. In 1961 the Orioles had high expectations and came up with the ad campaign / slogan, “It Can be Done in 61.” I enjoy the bear and baby bird on either side. In 1960, the Orioles had the RoY (Hansen), Gentile, Triandos and Brooks appeared in his first of 18 All Star games. They had a winning record for the first time with 89 in the Win Column. Going into the 1961 season, they had high expectations but finished 3rd with a 95 Win Season.

[bswhiten]

Does anyone have a Don Wingfield postmarked Brooks postcard? Just curious how early he began signing these.

Part of a set of 35 postcards. Beckett lists them as 1955-1962.

[roarfrom34]

While browsing Twitter/X yesterday, I found this un-credited picture which frankly I had never seen before....It's a cool photo of Norman Rockwell working with Brooks to capture photographs to assist him prior to him painting his famous "Thanks Brooks" work of art:

[Chstrite]

Here is my PSA Graded Wingfield PC of Brooks. PSA recognized it as 1960 and this one is post marked as 1961 and hand written by Brooksie.

[bswhiten]

Thanks Charlie. Any idea why PSA is grading these as Authentic?

[Chstrite]

I am not really sure. I am not sure any of the Wingfield BW Post Cards got a number grade. Killebrew colored version has a number grade. A lot of test issues and odd items get Authentic. Another issue is all the writing on this one. I am speculating on this one though. My guess is all the writing on it.

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

Here is my PSA Graded Wingfield PC of Brooks. PSA recognized it as 1960 and this one is post marked as 1961 and hand written by Brooksie.

For what it's worth, my guess is 1961. I don't know much about PSA, but I'm guessing the c1960, on the label, means circa and they aren't sure of an exact year.

Here's the 1961 Orioles team issued postcard, which uses the same photo.


1961 Postcards 05 - Copy.JPG

[Chstrite]

Day 111 – 21 April 2024
Another sticker I enjoy is the 1966 American League Champs oversized sticker. The sticker is yellow and maroon. I really enjoy the bird and the list of players. We were blessed with an amazing team in 1966 featuring Brooks, Frank, Palmer, McNally, Blair, Powell and a few others.

[Mark70Z]

Here’s a couple grabs from the Norman Rockwell Museum.

[Chstrite]

Day 112 – 22 April 2024
Today, I am showing the Coo-Coo Bird again, but with different context. This sticker is from 1970 or 1971. The Year of the Bird with the bird and orange letters was an amazing slogan and campaign for the Orioles.

[Mark70Z]

LOVE the angry Bird…

[Chstrite]

Day 113 – 23 April 2024
The Orioles relationship with local news and radio always had a special way of representing the Orioles with bright colors and slogans. I believe this sticker is from the early 1980s. WJZ sponsored this sticker (News Channel 13) with the “I’m a Bird Backer” slogan. I enjoy the color and simplicity of the sticker along with its News 13 connection with Baltimore.

[Chstrite]

114 – 24 April 2024
My final sticker is my oldest and most expensive. This sticker features another slogan the Orioles had in their past. This sticker is oversized and I have never seen another. The slogan, “Get on the Oriole Band Wagon” features the Hartzell Bird and I believe it is from 1954. I really enjoy the size, colors and bird.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by chstrite

114 – 24 april 2024
my final sticker is my oldest and most expensive. This sticker features another slogan the orioles had in their past. This sticker is oversized and i have never seen another. The slogan, “get on the oriole band wagon” features the hartzell bird and i believe it is from 1954. I really enjoy the size, colors and bird.

awesome!

[Chstrite]

Day 115 – 25 April 2024
For the next three days I will share things from Brooks and Eddie Robinson’s Gorsuch House. I do not have a lot of items but happy with the few I have. The Gorsuch House was operated by Brooks and Eddie Robinson in the 1960s – 1970s. Did anyone ever eat there? The Restaurant was operated by Eddie first and then Brooks came a long. It dated back to 1964 located off of Greenmount between 32nd and 33rd Streets in Baltimore. The address was 511 Gorsuch Avenue. The phone number was BE 5-2744. The restaurant was adorn by some baseball related photos and bats and featured the Robby’s crabcake, but Brooks direct involvement was limited. My first item is a photo of the front of the restaurant with a couple of signs featuring the HoF’er…not seeing Eddie’s name. This picture is signed. Not the best photo but look closely at the rough building, sidewalk and Robinson name appearing three times. I wonder who the lady is? I will show another item the next two days. I wonder what happened to the Signs and letters on the Robinson’s name above the door. Love the round windows. I would love to find more items. If anyone has anything extra, let me know or at least show it.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

Day 115 – 25 April 2024
For the next three days I will share things from Brooks and Eddie Robinson’s Gorsuch House. I do not have a lot of items but happy with the few I have. The Gorsuch House was operated by Brooks and Eddie Robinson in the 1960s – 1970s. Did anyone ever eat there? The Restaurant was operated by Eddie first and then Brooks came a long. It dated back to 1964 located off of Greenmount between 32nd and 33rd Streets in Baltimore. The address was 511 Gorsuch Avenue. The phone number was BE 5-2744. The restaurant was adorn by some baseball related photos and bats and featured the Robby’s crabcake, but Brooks direct involvement was limited. My first item is a photo of the front of the restaurant with a couple of signs featuring the HoF’er…not seeing Eddie’s name. This picture is signed. Not the best photo but look closely at the rough building, sidewalk and Robinson name appearing three times. I wonder who the lady is? I will show another item the next two days. I wonder what happened to the Signs and letters on the Robinson’s name above the door. Love the round windows. I would love to find more items. If anyone has anything extra, let me know or at least show it.

I’ll check it out to see if I have anything to add, but probably only have the common stuff. I’ve never been and I haven’t ever seen a full pic of the outside of the restaurant so that’s nice to see (sidewalk needed some work). A couple cool signs and lettering if anything survived.

[ksfarmboy]

Who or what was a Gorsuch? Remember I’m an Oriole fan in Kansas.

[Chstrite]

Sorry. It was a Restaurant. Eddie started it (Oriole teamate) and later Brooks joined him in the business.

[ksfarmboy]

Right, but what is Gorsuch?

[quitcrab]

Gorsuch was the street name.
I have a few matchbooks from the restaurant and had a menu at one time.

[Chstrite]

Day 116 – 26 April 2024
My next Gorsuch House item is a cocktail napkin. Nothing special but it is in great shape. I really like the big R and how it is oriented. It says Brooks and Eddie Robinsons Gorsuch House.