Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[BaltOrioles]

I was shocked to learn of the passing of former Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz. Matusz was only 37 years old and spent almost all of his 8 season career with the Orioles. He had his best success, when he was converted from a starter into a reliever, the last few years of his time with Baltimore.

Brian was always one of the nicest guys to speak with during spring training and really seemed to enjoy interacting with the fans.

Here are a few Brian Matusz team issued items. (His first postcard in 2009, his last postcard in 2015, and an 8x10 team issued photo)


2009 Postcards 08 - Copy.jpg 2015 Postcards 10 - Copy.JPG
Matusz, Brian 1 - Copy.jpg

[ripfan008]

Thanks for posting that Alan. I was shocked to hear the news too this morning.

[Chstrite]

Any chance anyone has this 1966 Beth Steel photo or packet? Will pay premium price.

[roarfrom34]

I had this 2012 Postseason (ALDS) game used hat of Buck Showalter signed the other evening at the Reading (PA) Hot Stovers Banquet:

[uyu906]

Cool!

[Chstrite]

Very nice, Bill. Nice bat but partial to the older logo. Love seeing your stuff. The Hot Stove Banquet has been around for a while. I am sure it was a good time. I hope Buck was happy and healthy. I miss Buck.

[Chstrite]

William Earnest Harwell (January 25, 1918 – May 4, 2010) was an American sportscaster, known for his long career calling play-by-play of Major League Baseball games. For 55 seasons, 42 of them with the Detroit Tigers and 6 years with the Orioles (1954-1959), Harwell broadcast the action on radio and/or television. In January 2009, the American Sportscasters Association ranked him 16th on its list of Top 50 Sportscasters of All Time. His voice was amazing. Today, showing you a photo and letter on Orioles Letterhead from Harwell (dated February 27, 1955) to Art Flynn at Bowman Bubble Gum series to use his photo. Not sure exactly what series is referenced but thought to share. Harwell was once traded from the Crackers to the Dodgers for a minor league catcher to become the manager of the Crackers in Atlanta. Thus, Ernie became the only PA announcer to be traded for a ball player.

[wdwfan]

I don't think anyone collects Brooks. I say that because I listed a PSA card of his ... PSA! It's gotten 200 views and not one ounce of interest despite it being 1/4 off comps. Crazy. I thought he was kind of popular. Guess not.

[Chstrite]

Plenty of Brooks collectors. I am one. Depends on what you are selling, condition, and price. Show us.

[Chstrite]

1961 Topps Brooks Robinson. Comps on a PSA 4 is about $31.65, per VCP. Not sure there is a huge market for a PSA 4. In t is nice but just my feedback. Your price is at comp so that might be the issue given how plentiful this card is at a lower grade. Hope this helps.

[wdwfan]

Thanks. I'm not sure what VPC is as I've never heard of it. I just go by eBay comps. The last 3 (only 3 posted) on eBay sold for $40, $40 and $39. So those are the prices I used. But like you said not a big market for Brooks PSA.

Originally Posted by Chstrite

1961 Topps Brooks Robinson. Comps on a PSA 4 is about $31.65, per VCP. Not sure there is a huge market for a PSA 4. In t is nice but just my feedback. Your price is at comp so that might be the issue given how plentiful this card is at a lower grade. Hope this helps.

[wdwfan]

These are the comps I used. Both were, of course, plus shipping.

Originally Posted by Chstrite

1961 Topps Brooks Robinson. Comps on a PSA 4 is about $31.65, per VCP. Not sure there is a huge market for a PSA 4. In t is nice but just my feedback. Your price is at comp so that might be the issue given how plentiful this card is at a lower grade. Hope this helps.

[G1911]

A card priced at right around comp not selling within 24 hours on the BST is not proof of much of anything, but there's not a huge competitive market for lower grade 60's slabs. Brooks absolutely carries a very healthy premium, and has many collectors as this very active and lengthy thread shows.

[wdwfan]

Yes, Brooks is popular. I can tell by this thread. But I disagree with the part that it's priced right at comps. I've posted eBay sold comps to show this thing sells at $40. So asking $26 shipped is not even close to comps. But it is what it is. I appreciate everyone's tips.

I guess I'm going to have to look up VPC. Is it like 130point where it just gives eBay sold values? Or something different?

Originally Posted by G1911

A card priced at right around comp not selling within 24 hours on the BST is not proof of much of anything, but there's not a huge competitive market for lower grade 60's slabs. Brooks absolutely carries a very healthy premium, and has many collectors as this very active and lengthy thread shows.

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

William Earnest Harwell (January 25, 1918 – May 4, 2010) was an American sportscaster, known for his long career calling play-by-play of Major League Baseball games. For 55 seasons, 42 of them with the Detroit Tigers and 6 years with the Orioles (1954-1959), Harwell broadcast the action on radio and/or television. His voice was amazing. Harwell was once traded from the Crackers to the Dodgers for a minor league catcher to become the manager of the Crackers in Atlanta. Thus, Ernie became the only PA announcer to be traded for a ball player.

Ironically the Orioles final opponent at Memorial Stadium in October 1991 was indeed the Tigers, so it was very fitting that Ernie was able to broadcast that game as well (I believe he worked an inning or two with Chuck Thompson as well).

[Chstrite]

Bill, His voice, Bob Uecker, Chuck Thompson, Jon Miller and Vin Scully!!!

Just amazing.

[Chstrite]

Recently discovered there are two different bumper stickers with the 1961 Baltimore Orioles tag line “It can be done in ‘61!” Found this one (unframed) and when I got it home I discovered it was different. I was excited to have a second one with my collection but learned it was different. Having it framed, of course. Pretty cool. I do enjoy the vintage stickers.

[Mark70Z]

Really nice bumper stickers. I hadn’t seen the first example when you first showed the example and never have seen your recent add. Both look great!

[Chstrite]

Happy Sunday! Thought to share a recent add to my Brooks and Eddie Robinson Gorsuch House Restaurant collection. I have a framed menu but picked this one up recently with a WS insert with a Michelob tag. The insert is the smaller item with the logo and the menu additions for the WS. Assuming this is 1966 WS. Show your Gorsuch House items.

[ripfan008]

I recently picked up this 1965 Minnesota Twins All-Star Game Schedule featuring Brooks fresh off his 1964 AL MVP award. It measures 21.5" x 14" and someone backed it with cardboard. It looks like it was originally meant to hang in a bar.

1965 Twins All-Star Schedule.jpg

1965 Twins All-Star Schedule Brooks.jpg

[quitcrab]

Whoop whoop! What a great piece !

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by ripfan008

I recently picked up this 1965 Minnesota Twins All-Star Game Schedule featuring Brooks fresh off his 1964 AL MVP award. It measures 21.5" x 14" and someone backed it with cardboard. It looks like it was originally meant to hang in a bar.

Attachment 649367

Attachment 649368

Man, that is so cool! “Another” piece with Brooks included that I’ve never seen before.

[Chstrite]

Very nice, Mike. Never seen that one before.

[Chstrite]

Got my It Can Be Done In 61 sticker back from being framed (middle sticker). I had the top one for a couple years but found the middle versions last month. I believe the middle version is the most common. Thought to put my 1961 Christmas Card below the newly framed sticker. Happy collecting.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

Got my It Can Be Done In 61 sticker back from being framed (middle sticker). I had the top one for a couple years but found the middle versions last month. I believe the middle version is the most common. Thought to put my 1961 Christmas Card below the newly framed sticker. Happy collecting.

Charlie…Such a cool setup. They definitely look nice framed and displayed.

[roarfrom34]

Sad to hear about the passing of Orioles Hall of Famer Rich Dauer who played his entire career with the O's (1976-85) at the age of 72......

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Sad to hear about the passing of Orioles Hall of Famer Rich Dauer who played his entire career with the O's (1976-85) at the age of 72......

Hate to hear. Was a solid player for many years with the Orioles.

[roarfrom34]

Rich Dauer was certainly one of my favorite Orioles and one of his biggest HR's occurred back in September of '82 when on "Earl Weaver Day" he hit a 10th inning walk off homer at Memorial Stadium (and I had the good fortune to be there)...

Additionally, it was also Mike Flanagan's 100th career victory (hard to believe that both are no longer with us).

Here is the actual ball he hit that Sunday afternoon...

[Chstrite]

Very cool ball and story. Hard to believe he was 72. Thanks for sharing.

[Chstrite]

Here is something different. The 1962 Salada Coin Shield with a Proof Strip of all the Baltimore Orioles. Pretty rare. Brooks Robinson is part of this of course.

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

Here is something different. The 1962 Salada Coin Shield with a Proof Strip of all the Baltimore Orioles. Pretty rare. Brooks Robinson is part of this of course.

Charlie,

Very nice. Those shields are difficult to find without some kind of damage, cracking, etc.

The proof panel is from the updated 200 back coins, since it includes the Snyder and Estrada proofs. Are there any other markings? Could also be from the Canadian Shirriff coins. Not sure if there's any way to tell without the plastic coin.

Great pick up.

[minbran1]

Hey roar. I was looking at posts through the years and was wondering if you ever got your 1st game of the streak Ripken stub graded.

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by minbran1

Hey roar. I was looking at posts through the years and was wondering if you ever got your 1st game of the streak Ripken stub graded.

have not yet

thanks

[quitcrab]

What a nice pick up Charlie !

[Chstrite]

Looking for the 1970s Orioles Bird Bumper Year “bumper sticker” shown below. I have seen a couple on eBay but missed out. Willing to trade the rare oversized AL Champs Bumper Sticker if anyone interested. Please let me know at Charles.strite@yahoo.com. Thanks.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

Here is something different. The 1962 Salada Coin Shield with a Proof Strip of all the Baltimore Orioles. Pretty rare. Brooks Robinson is part of this of course.

You know I LOVE the proof stuff and this is no exception.

[Chstrite]

Has anyone ever seen one of these? How can there be 2,000 and never seen one till recently. This vintage sculpture is a limited edition piece, numbered as 5 out of 2,000 made. The sculpture features Brooks Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles.

[roarfrom34]

Learned that catcher Dave Van Gorder passed away recently, who played a handful of games with the Orioles in '87...

Ironically his last MLB appearance was on 07/11/87, which was Bill Ripken's historical debut (first time in history that a manager managed two sons in a game):

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

Has anyone ever seen one of these? How can there be 2,000 and never seen one till recently. This vintage sculpture is a limited edition piece, numbered as 5 out of 2,000 made. The sculpture features Brooks Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles.

Charlie

I think the Brenn Very sculptures were discussed here at some point. They came out in the mid 1980's and Mr. Very offered two different pieces..One was the 3D wall hanging that you showed and the other was the figurine shown below (I have #66 of 971).

My suspicion is that when the initial orders came in, Mr. Very made enough to satisfy those orders (plus a few more) and that likely nowhere near 2000 pieces were made....

I'd be interested in other thoughts....

[Chstrite]

Hi, Bill. Thanks for the feedback. I have the one shown and it is one of my favorites. I am always looking for Brooks like statutes, dolls, Bobbleheads, stuffed animals, etc. I was not aware of this one by Very till I saw it on EBay. I bet you are right on them never hitting that 2,000 production run. Mine is #5 in the run so that is pretty cool. Hope others chime in. Thanks again.

[abambury]

A post on another thread reminded me of this item I had from collecting autographs as a kid.

[Balticfox]

I have Brooks Robinson's 1962 Canadian Post Cereal card, his 1962 Shirriff Baseball coin, his 1963 Salada Baseball coin, his 1964 Topps All Star Baseball coin, his 1965 Old London Baseball coin and his 1971 Topps Baseball coin but I have only this single Brooks Robinson Topps card:

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Charlie

I think the Brenn Very sculptures were discussed here at some point. They came out in the mid 1980's and Mr. Very offered two different pieces..One was the 3D wall hanging that you showed and the other was the figurine shown below (I have #66 of 971).

My suspicion is that when the initial orders came in, Mr. Very made enough to satisfy those orders (plus a few more) and that likely nowhere near 2000 pieces were made....

I'd be interested in other thoughts....

I see a lot more of the figurines thru the years, but only a few of the wall hanging piece. I purchased both pieces together, I believe in the early 90’s. I agree that nowhere near that many were produced.

[roarfrom34]

Eddie Fisher who pitched in the majors for 14 years which included a 90 game stint with the Orioles in 1966 & 1967 unfortunately passed away on Monday at the age of 88:

[whiteymet]

For those of you who did not see my other post:
Thought you might be interested to know:

Start saving your $$$$$$$

I have recently been consulted about 1961 actually 1963 Topps Dice cards.

I have been given permission to say that an UNCUT sheet of the complete set will be offered at auction most likely starting next month!

Once more permission is accorded I will post a photo with info about the auction itself

And YES there is a Brooks card on the sheet!

Cheers!

[REG1976]

Another Stand Up

[whiteymet]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

Has anyone ever seen one of these? How can there be 2,000 and never seen one till recently. This vintage sculpture is a limited edition piece, numbered as 5 out of 2,000 made. The sculpture features Brooks Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles.

Charlie:

It reminds me a little bit of the Southland prototype statues in my post #69 in this thread from 2020

[Chstrite]

Fred, I recall your post a few years ago. Cut that Dice Sheet up and sell me Brooksie.

[roarfrom34]

recently acquired this unique 11 x 14 photograph that originated from the estate of long time Orioles minor/major league coach, Minnie Mendoza.

It's a group photo from 1980 Spring Training of all their minor leaguers players & staff (most likely taken at Biscayne College).....Among the players in this photo is a 19 year old Cal Ripken Jr.

[ksfarmboy]

Great find Bill! I’d also like to congratulate everyone as the Brooks thread has gone over a million views!