Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

I'm hoping someone out there can help me to identify the O's player in this photo.

I picked this photo up years ago, because I couldn't recognize him. The photo has number 100 stamped on the back, similar to the style of Jim Elder B&W postcards. However, a look through Jim Elders checklist, eliminated it being #100 on Elder's list.

I believe the player played in the Orioles system in the late 50's - early 60's range. I don't believe he ever made it to the Orioles, but I could be wrong. I've asked several old time Orioles, but haven't had any luck. Boog Powell thought it was Al Bumbry.. NO The closest I came was Jackie Brandt, who said he recognized the player, but couldn't remember his name. Jackie gets a pass, since he's 86.

Attachment 426446

Alan:

I forwarded the photo to Bill Stetka for his thoughts and his response was:

I've seen this photo in our archives. I’d have to access our files to see if the photo is ID’d - which won’t happen until January at the earliest.

He never played in the majors with us but I think he was a spring training invite.
Bill

[roarfrom34]

I just picked up another Cal Ripken Sr. game used jersey...Sr. initially wore #47 from 1976-1984 before switching over to #7 in 1985...The year and set # flag tags were removed from this Rawlings top, but I'm guessing it was worn in the late 1970's:

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Alan:

I forwarded the photo to Bill Stetka for his thoughts and his response was:

I've seen this photo in our archives. I’d have to access our files to see if the photo is ID’d - which won’t happen until January at the earliest.

He never played in the majors with us but I think he was a spring training invite.
Bill

Bill,

Thanks. I hope Bill Stetka can find it in the archives and doesn't remember the photo from the time I asked him about it a few years ago at a game in Baltimore. If I remember right, I showed it to Bill the same night Jackie Brandt was doing an Alumni signing. We both thought he never played for the Orioles during the regular season.

[BaltOrioles]

One of the easiest and most challenging sets of Orioles postcards are the team issues from 1967-1969. Postcard collectors group the years together, because the size, style and photos used, make it impossible to pinpoint them to a specific year, unless the player only played one year.

I love this set, because these are the Orioles of my childhood. If you just want a postcard example of a player or two, the 1967-69 postcards are the easiest B&W postcards to find, compared to the earlier issues. What makes the set so challenging is the size and scope of variations that have been found. To date, 148 different postcards have been discovered. Quite a few variations by me. Most postcard collectors are happy to find examples of each player/pose, but a couple of us have made it our mission to collect the whole set. I currently have 130/148 in my collection. The postcards with facsimile autographs are especially tough, along with Steve Barber, Sam Bowens, Mike Epstein, Jim Frey, Woodie Held, Bruce Howard and John Miller.

Over the next couple days, I'll post all the cards I have. Many of the variations involve name placement and the cropping of Tadder in the lower corner.

Here's the first group, minus the postcards I'm missing Steve Barber, Mark Belanger (facsimile), Paul Blair (facsimile), Don Buford (facsimile), Andy Etchebarren (variation)

196769 Postcards 01.jpg 196769 Postcards 02.jpg 196769 Postcards 03.jpg 196769 Postcards 04.jpg 196769 Postcards 05.jpg 196769 Postcards 06.jpg 196769 Postcards 07.jpg 196769 Postcards 08.jpg 196769 Postcards 09.jpg 196769 Postcards 10.jpg 196769 Postcards 11.jpg 196769 Postcards 12.JPG

[roarfrom34]

Great postcards Alan.....The first Oriole I ever met outside of a stadium/game setting was Bill Dillman who was a co-worker of my baseball coach in 1978 & we still correspond to this day

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

One of the easiest and most challenging sets of Orioles postcards are the team issues from 1967-1969. Postcard collectors group the years together, because the size, style and photos used, make it impossible to pinpoint them to a specific year, unless the player only played one year.

I currently have 130/148 in my collection. The postcards with facsimile autographs are especially tough, along with Steve Barber, Sam Bowens, Mike Epstein, Jim Frey, Woodie Held, Bruce Howard and John Miller.

Alan,

Those are some very nice O's postcards and tough to locate as well. Have you seen the postcards that you are missing?

[Mark70Z]

Day 324 (November 19, 2020 – 324)

An early example of a Sports Collectors Digest (SCD) from April 30, 1975 with Brooks featured on the cover.

Day 324 a Publication 1975 SCD April 30.jpg

This SCD is from August 10, 2012 and is a National Issue. SCD went with a smaller version of the publication which was about the same size as a regular magazine.

Day 324 b Publication 2012 SCD August 10 1.jpg

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Alan,

Those are some very nice O's postcards and tough to locate as well. Have you seen the postcards that you are missing?

Yes, I know what I'm looking for. Probably 20 years ago, Ed Allan, an Orioles postcard collector from Maryland, put together an illustrated checklist of Orioles postcards. A variety of collectors contributed scans of their postcards to help put the checklist together. Some old time collectors had kept good records of the years they received certain postcards, which helped to date each issue. As new postcards have been printed by the Orioles and variations of older years discovered, Ed has been updating his checklist. Ed's book is considered the bible for Orioles team issued postcards.

His website usually has the last couple years shown on it.

http://edallan.atwebpages.com/

I'm not sure if he still sells his book, but here's an example to give you an idea.

1967-1969-01.jpg

[BaltOrioles]

Here's the second group of 1967-69 Orioles team issued postcards, from the post I started yesterday. As I mentioned, there are 148 different postcards, including variations, in the set. I have 130/148.

The postcards I'm missing from this group are Jim Frey, Woodie Held, Marcelino Lopez (variation), Dave McNally (variation) and John Miller.

196769 Postcards 13.jpg 196769 Postcards 14.jpg 196769 Postcards 15.jpg 196769 Postcards 16.jpg 196769 Postcards 17.jpg 196769 Postcards 18.jpg 196769 Postcards 19.jpg 196769 Postcards 20.jpg 196769 Postcards 21.jpg 196769 Postcards 22.jpg 196769 Postcards 23.jpg 196769 Postcards 24.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Day 325 (November 20, 2020 – 325)

Let’s do some snapshot photos from 1969 today. The first two snapshots are from July 23, 1969 at the All-Star Game in the nation’s capital at RFK Stadium.

Day 325 a Snapshot 1969 AS RFK Stadium AL NL.jpg
Day 325 b Snapshot 1969 AS RFK Stadium.jpg

This snapshot of Brooks was taken on October 11, 1969 at Memorial Stadium.

Day 325 c Snapshot 1969 October 11.jpg
Day 325 d Snapshot 1969 October 11 back.jpg

[BaltOrioles]

Here is the final group of 1967-69 Orioles team issued postcards, that I've been sharing the last couple days. This group have the big names, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Jim Palmer and Earl Weaver. Again, I have 130/148 known postcards.

The postcards I'm missing from this group include Jim Palmer (facsimile autograph), Merv Rettenmund (facsimile), Pete Richert (diff pose), Brooks Robinson (variation), Frank Robinson (variation), Frank Robinson (facsimile), Eddie Watt (variation) and Earl Weaver (facsimile)

196769 Postcards 25.jpg 196769 Postcards 26.jpg 196769 Postcards 27.jpg 196769 Postcards 28.jpg 196769 Postcards 29.jpg 196769 Postcards 30.jpg 196769 Postcards 31.jpg 196769 Postcards 32.jpg 196769 Postcards 33.jpg 196769 Postcards 34.jpg 196769 Postcards 35.jpg 196769 Postcards 36.jpg 196769 Postcards 37.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Here is the final group of 1967-69 Orioles team issued postcards, that I've been sharing the last couple days. This group have the big names, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Jim Palmer and Earl Weaver. Again, I have 130/148 known postcards.

The postcards I'm missing from this group include Jim Palmer (facsimile autograph), Merv Rettenmund (facsimile), Pete Richert (diff pose), Brooks Robinson (variation), Frank Robinson (variation), Frank Robinson (facsimile), Eddie Watt (variation) and Earl Weaver (facsimile)

Alan,

Do you have a picture of the missing Brooks variation for future reference?

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Alan,

Do you have a picture of the missing Brooks variation for future reference?

Mark,

It's a variation of the first three Brooks Robinson postcards.

[Mark70Z]

Day 326 (November 21, 2020 – 326)

It’s tough as a player collector, at least for me, in that I have many favorites. One of my many favorite regular issue cards of Brooks, which I believe I’ve mentioned in the past, is the 1975 Topps #50. I enjoy the out of the ordinary, so I give you a 1975 Topps #50 blank back.

Day 326 a 1975 Topps #50 Blank Back.jpg
Day 326 b 1975 Topps #50 blank back back.jpg

Then let’s go with a 1975 Topps #50 that’s slightly mis-cut.

Day 326 c 1975 Topps #50 Miscut.jpg

And finally, some progressive proofs. I don’t have all the color progressions (think I’m missing two), but here’s a few…

Day 326 d 1975 Topps #50 Progressive Proof 1.jpg
Day 326 e 1975 Topps #50 Progressive Proof.jpg
Day 326 f 1975 Topps #50 Progressive Proof 2.jpg
Day 326 g 1975 Topps #50 Progressive Proof 3.jpg
Day 326 h 1975 Topps #50 Progressive Proof 4.jpg

[BaltOrioles]

I've discussed Orioles co-op teams in some earlier posts. Today, I'm taking a look at the 1988 Virginia Generals. The Orioles provided Virginia with several of it's minor league players. The Generals were the worst team in the Carolina League that year, finishing 41-99. Interestingly, the Orioles class A affiliate Hagerstown Suns were also in the Carolina League.

This leads to the story of Orioles pitching prospect Brian Dubois. He ended up splitting the season with Virginia and Hagerstown. He was 2-5 with Virginia and 12-4 with Hagerstown. Dubois never played for the Orioles, but did spend several seasons with the Detroit Tigers (1989-90). By 1994, Dubois was back in the Orioles system and appeared in the set of cards inserted in the Orioles programs that year.

1988 Virginia General program

1988 Virginia Generals.jpg


1988 Virginia Generals schedules

1988 Virginia Generals (WMBG RadioColor).jpg 1988 Virginia Generals (WMBG RadioB&W).JPG


1988 Virginia general team photo

1988 Virginia Generals 1.jpg


Brian Dubois cards (1988 Star Virginia Generals set & 1994 Orioles program set)

1988 Star Co Virginia Generals #1.jpg

1994 Orioles Magazine Program #11.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Day 327 (November 22, 2020 – 327)

Koolon Visor air-conditioned insertband in its original packaging that’s likely the same that Scott (quitcrab) included in post 868. Figure you’d need to see another example so here you go…

Day 327 a Koolon Visor Package.jpg

To add to the Koolon Visor is an air-conditioned visor in its original packaging.

Day 327 b Koolon Visor.jpg

[roarfrom34]

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

I do have the Koolon premium photo “somewhere” that’s pictured on this publication (which I don’t believe I’ve seen before or even heard of). I wanted to picture it along with the headband and visor, but to no avail.

Years ago I saw that a person had some of the Koolon ad pieces to include some of the photos, but I passed for some unknown reason. Would like to see them again to at least capture a photo of the items.

[roarfrom34]

Alan:

I was sifting through some items in my collection today & ran across this 1959 Amarillo Gold Sox team photo which I'm not sure I had posted earlier....The photo is oversized and thus wasn't organized with my other MiLB team photos. I love the Hartzell bird patch on the left shoulders........

Future MLB guys are Artie Quirk, Bill Lajoie (Exec.), Charlie Beamon, Ron Moeller, Cal Ripken ("Ripkin"), Jerry Adair, George Staller, Angelo Dagres & Tom Patton...

Club finished 75-71 good enough for 5th place in the Texas League...

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Alan:

I was sifting through some items in my collection today & ran across this 1959 Amarillo Gold Sox team photo which I'm not sure I had posted earlier....The photo is oversized and thus wasn't organized with my other MiLB team photos. I love the Hartzell bird patch on the left shoulders........

Future MLB guys are Artie Quirk, Bill Lajoie (Exec.), Charlie Beamon, Ron Moeller, Cal Ripken ("Ripkin"), Jerry Adair, George Staller, Angelo Dagres & Tom Patton...

Club finished 75-71 good enough for 5th place in the Texas League...

Bill,

Wow nice photo. It doesn't show up very often. I thought I might have something to do with the Ripkens in my collection, that you didn't have. I guess not.

I posted the 1959 Amarillo program and team photo way back in post #657, but my photo has a crease down the middle. I prefer 8x10 team photos, that I can store in albums, to the oversized photos.

Here's the program again for reference.

1959 Amarillo Gold Sox.jpg

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Bill,

Wow nice photo. It doesn't show up very often. I thought I might have something to do with the Ripkens in my collection, that you didn't have. I guess not.

I posted the 1959 Amarillo program and team photo way back in post #657, but my photo has a crease down the middle. I prefer 8x10 team photos, that I can store in albums, to the oversized photos.

Here's the program again for reference.

Attachment 427298

Thanks Alan...

I wish their was a way to Index these posts lol......

At least yours doesn't have a fisheye over Cal Sr.'s face

Nice program

[Mark70Z]

Day 328 (November 23, 2020 – 328)

This is a nice large 1998 lithograph that I had framed by artist Bill Purdom. The original art was called “Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood”.
(1998 Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood)

Day 328 Art Poster.jpg

[Chstrite]

Love that lithograph!

[ksfarmboy]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

Love that lithograph!

Agree, it’s beautiful.

[Mark70Z]

Thanks you guys; it is a nice looking LARGE display piece...


Day 329 (November 24, 2020 – 329)

This is an oversized photo, 11X14, taken by Fred Burnette of Brooks holding a couple bats (one is a Paul Blair H&B) prior to an away game. Again, the stadium identification is not my thing (along with a bunch of other stuff), but I’m going to guess California? Hey, I know it was an away game for sure...

Day 329 a Photo Fred Burnette.jpg

[BaltOrioles]

Mark,

That is a very nice photo. Here are a couple more 11x14 photos. These were taken by Baltimore Sunpapers photographer, Richard Starks. I especially like the Robin Roberts photo, because he's wearing both the block letter style uniform and the B hat, the Orioles used briefly.

Robin Roberts and Wally Bunker (Richard Starks 11x14 photo)

DSCN1731.JPG

DSCN1732.JPG

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Mark,

That is a very nice photo. Here are a couple more 11x14 photos. These were taken by Baltimore Sunpapers photographer, Richard Starks. I especially like the Robin Roberts photo, because he's wearing both the block letter style uniform and the B hat, the Orioles used briefly.

Robin Roberts and Wally Bunker (Richard Starks 11x14 photo)

I’m with you; really like the Roberts photo as well. Don’t see many photos with both the block letter uni and cap.

[Mark70Z]

Day 330 (November 25, 2020 – 330)

I don’t have any full sheets of Topps cards, but do have a couple small partial sheets. This partial sheet example is from the 1970 Topps set and includes the Brooks Robinson All-Star card #455. The back of the Brooks AS card has my favorite comic on a Topps card (likely because it’s LARGE).

Day 330 a 1970 Topps partial sheet.jpg
Day 330 b 1970 Topps partial sheet back.jpg
Day 330 c 1970 Topps AS #455 front.jpg
Day 330 d 1970 Topps AS #455 back.jpg
Day 330 e 1970 OPC #455 back.jpg

[BaltOrioles]

In 1970, the Orioles had six minor league affiliates....

Rochester Red Wings (AAA), Dallas-Ft Worth Spurs (AA), Stockton Ports (A), Aberdeen Pheasants (A), Miami Marlins (A) and Bluefield Orioles (Rookie)

They combined for a record of 354-312 (.532), led by Miami (88-45), Bluefield (37-21), Rochester (76-64) and Aberdeen (36-33). Dallas Ft-Worth (63-73) and Stockton (54-76) finished with below .500 records.

Items from the higher level teams are fairly easy to find, but stuff from the other teams are much harder, with Stockton and Aberdeen nearly impossible. I was lucky to find an Aberdeen Pheasants scorecard, but I'm still looking for the 1970 Stockton Ports program, along with most of the other programs while Stockton was an Orioles affiliate.

Programs from the 1970 Orioles affiliates minus the Stockton Ports

1970 Rochester Red Wings.jpg

1970 Dallas-Fort Worth Spurs.jpg

1970 Aberdeen Pheasants.jpg

1970 Miami Marlins.jpg

1970 Bluefield Orioles.jpg

[roarfrom34]

Hand written letter from a young Cal Ripken Jr. to a family during his season in Rochester (1981):

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Hand written letter from a young Cal Ripken Jr. to a family during his season in Rochester (1981):

Bill,

VERY COOL piece...

[Mark70Z]

Day 331 (November 26, 2020 – 331)


Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!


On Thanksgiving I’d like to picture a couple of 1967 Topps Test Discs. The ’67 Test Discs are all progressive proofs or not a finished product. I don’t have a full color ’67 proof; all are missing a color or multiple colors. The discs have a circular photo with a silver foil background. My scanner really doesn’t do them justice, but hopefully they still look ok.

1967 Topps Test Discs

Day 331 a 1967 Topps Test Dics.jpg
Day 331 b 1967 Topps Test Disc 1.jpg
Day 331 c 1967 Topps Test Disc 2.jpg

[David W]

You have some very nice progressive proofs.

[BaltOrioles]

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

The Baltimore Orioles of the late 1960's and 1970's were one of the most successful franchises in baseball, being in playoff contention every year. However, if I described a team, over an 11 year period, as having a .582 winning percentage, 8 First Place finishes, 2 Second Place finishes and 1 Third Place finish, 10 Playoff Appearances with 5 League Championships, you would probably assume I talking about the hated Yankees from their hey day.

I'm actually talking about an Orioles farm team. From 1966-1981, Miami was the Orioles class A affiliate in the Florida State League. From 1966-1970, they were known as the Miami Marlins. in 1971, they were renamed the Miami Orioles. A number of future Orioles played in Miami, over the years, including Jim Palmer, Don Baylor, Eddie Murray, Mike Flanagan, Dennis Martinez, Cal Ripken Jr and John Shelby, to name a few.

Here's what the Marlins/Orioles accomplished during an 11 year run.

Combined record

1968–1978 (879-629) (.582)

Yearly records

1968 (87-55) 1st Lost in Championship Series
1969 (80-52) 1st Florida State League Champions
1970 (88-45) 1st Florida State League Champions
1971 (94-47) 1st Florida State League Champions
1972 (73-57) 1st Florida State League Champions
1973 (77-64) 2nd Lost in 1st Round of Playoffs
1974 (74-58) 3rd Missed Playoffs
1975 (79-57) 1st Lost in 1st Round of Playoffs
1976 (79-63) 1st Lost in 1st Round of Playoffs
1977 (72-66) 2nd Lost in 1st Round of Playoffs
1978 (76-65) 1st Florida State League Champions


Here are all the Miami programs from that incredible run. On a side note, the programs, from 1971-1978, parallel the Orioles spring training programs.

Miami Marlins / Orioles programs from 1968-1978

1968 Miami Marlins - Copy.jpg 1969 Miami Marlins (40 pgs) - Copy.jpg

1970 Miami Marlins - Copy.jpg 1971 Miami Orioles - Copy.jpg

1972 Miami Orioles - Copy.jpg 1973 Miami Orioles - Copy.jpg

1974 Miami Orioles - Copy.jpg 1975 Miami Orioles - Copy.jpg

1976 Miami Orioles - Copy.jpg 1977 Miami Orioles - Copy.jpg

1978 Miami Orioles - Copy.jpg

[roarfrom34]

Mark...awesome Test discs (they look just fine)...

Some of you may remember at Memorial Stadium the "Hit & Run Club" which was a bar/restaurant located near the front entrance...

From Cal's rookie season of 1982, here is a placemat from the restaurant signed by most of the team:

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by David W

You have some very nice progressive proofs.

Thanks David. I'm trying to find more blank backs as well. I see you have quite a number of Brock examples.

[mrmopar]

Always thought these were neat, but too expensive. The value is always there is the metals, I suppose. I have a different Brooks, also signed, that may be platinum. I'd have to try to dig it out, as I don't recall.

[Mark70Z]

Day 332 (November 27, 2020 – 332)

I may as well follow up the 1967 Test Discs with two 1968 Topps Test Discs. The Brooks disc for 1968, as you can see, have Brooks’ photo reversed, but is the same setup as the 1967. Also, the one full color disc proof has a white background rather than the silver foil. To date I’ve only seen the white background proofs associated the ’68 discs and not the ’67’s.

1968 Topps Test Discs

Day 332 a 1968 Topps Test Disc a.jpg
Day 332 b 1968 Topps Test Disc b.jpg

[BaltOrioles]

Over the years, it's been popular for sporting goods companies to attach cards of players to their gloves at the retail level. I call them cards, but they are sometimes referred to as glove tags.

I'm curious if anyone has found any additional Orioles to the ones I've picked up. I've got Mike Flanagan and Eddie Murray from Wilson Sporting Goods, plus a Rawlings Sporting Goods tag of Cal Ripken Jr. My best guess is that the Flanagan is from 1982, Murray around 1985 and Ripken about 1996.

Additions to the list appreciated.

Orioles Glove Tag Cards

1982 Wilson Sporting Goods.jpg 1985 Wilson Sporting Goods.jpg 1996 Rawlings Sporting Goods.jpg


As an added bonus, Brooks Robinson appeared on a couple of Rawlings Sporting Goods cards in the 1960's, but I don't consider them part of the glove tag category. The first one was cut off the glove box.

1964 Rawlings Sporting Goods.JPG

robinsonrawlings1.jpg robinsonrawlings2.jpg

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Over the years, it's been popular for sporting goods companies to attach cards of players to their gloves at the retail level. I call them cards, but they are sometimes referred to as glove tags.

I'm curious if anyone has found any additional Orioles to the ones I've picked up. I've got Mike Flanagan and Eddie Murray from Wilson Sporting Goods, plus a Rawlings Sporting Goods tag of Cal Ripken Jr. My best guess is that the Flanagan is from 1982, Murray around 1985 and Ripken about 1996.

Additions to the list appreciated.

Alan:

The tag on the left is from 1985 and the card from 1996 on the right is not a tag per se but rather included with the purchase of a Cal Jr. mini glove/ball set:

[BaltOrioles]

Thanks Bill. I appreciate the additions to the list.

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Thanks Bill. I appreciate the additions to the list.

No problem Alan...The Ripken tag you pictured is from 1995...Curious as to the origin of that B&W Brooks Rawlings card?

Mark.....Love those Test Discs!!

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

As an added bonus, Brooks Robinson appeared on a couple of Rawlings Sporting Goods cards in the 1960's, but I don't consider them part of the glove tag category. The first one was cut off the glove box.

Alan,

The Brooks Robinson Rawlings has eluded me over the years. Tell me you have another one... I know Scott (quitcrab) has an example, but i don't really know a lot about this Rawlings item.

[Mark70Z]

Day 333 (November 28, 2020 – 333)

Early Brooks photos are probably my favorites. Youthful kids basically trying to make it in the big leagues. This photo is taken by The Sunpapers Joe DiPaola, Jr. in March of 1957. Notice the back of Brooks’ jersey you can see a number 4 on the back; he was wearing #34 at the time. You don’t see many photos of Brooks in uniform where he’s not wearing good ole’ #5. This photo has made its rounds and is in rough shape with all the editorial marks and general handling damage. Pretty awesome photo in my book…

1957 Photo

Day 333 a.jpg

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Alan,

The Brooks Robinson Rawlings has eluded me over the years. Tell me you have another one... I know Scott (quitcrab) has an example, but I don't really know a lot about this Rawlings item.

Mark,

I'm sorry to say, I don't even have the B&W Rawlings card. Wish I did. I've only seen one in auction and I was easily outbid. It might even be the one that Scott owns. I saved the photo from the auction, but don't know much about it's origin. I assume it's from 1969, based upon the stats on the back. Maybe Scott can offer more background info for us.

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Day 333 (November 28, 2020 – 333)

Early Brooks photos are probably my favorites. Youthful kids basically trying to make it in the big leagues. This photo is taken by The Sunpapers Joe DiPaola, Jr. in March of 1957. Notice the back of Brooks’ jersey you can see a number 4 on the back; he was wearing #34 at the time. You don’t see many photos of Brooks in uniform where he’s not wearing good ole’ #5. This photo has made its rounds and is in rough shape with all the editorial marks and general handling damage. Pretty awesome photo in my book…

Mark,

Great looking photo. I have a bunch of Joe DiPaola photos in my collection and really like his work. He took photos of a lot of guys that are hard to find in O's uniforms.

Here's a few examples of Joe DiPaola photos in my collection.

Tom Fisher, Paul Gilliford, Lou Piniella and Gordon Sundin

Fisher, Tom - Copy.jpg Gilliford, Paul 1 - Copy.jpg

Piniella, Lou 2 - Copy.jpg Sundin, Gordon 1 - Copy.jpg

[roarfrom34]

At the conclusion of every season the Orioles would have a Fan Appreciation weekend and one of the things they would do is choose children randomly as they entered the ballpark to be given game used jerseys of the players (as part of a pre-game ceremony). The players placed the jerseys on the children as a photo opportunity & then took them back to play that evening's game....Once the game was over, the jersey's/Thanks Fans Undershirts were washed, signed then sent to the recipient.

In 2000, a child from the Bowie area was the lucky winner of the Cal Ripken Jr. jersey. About 5-6 years ago that child (then in his early 20's) read about my collection somewhere and reached out to me to see if I would be interested in purchasing it from him. Fortunately, we were able to work it out and I drove down to Bowie one afternoon to pick it up and spent a nice day with him and his family hearing all the stories about that evening (they kept one photograph and fortunately included the rest of the photos and the Orioles paperwork with the jersey).

When I acquired it it was signed just "Cal Ripken Jr." but the next time I saw Cal I showed him the photos/paperwork, etc. and he added "2000 Game Used" underneath his original autograph....Did I mention that Cal homered that night too?...lol..Easily, one of my favorite pieces in my collection

[quitcrab]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Mark,

I'm sorry to say, I don't even have the B&W Rawlings card. Wish I did. I've only seen one in auction and I was easily outbid. It might even be the one that Scott owns. I saved the photo from the auction, but don't know much about it's origin. I assume it's from 1969, based upon the stats on the back. Maybe Scott can offer more background info for us.

I believe it’s from 1969 and is referred to as a “1969 Rawlings Promo”... I have never seen another until I saw the post above.... but then I find out it may be a picture of the one I own. SGC has graded both a Reggie Jackson and Mickey Mantle from this issue.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Mark,

Great looking photo. I have a bunch of Joe DiPaola photos in my collection and really like his work. He took photos of a lot of guys that are hard to find in O's uniforms.

Here's a few examples of Joe DiPaola photos in my collection.

Tom Fisher, Paul Gilliford, Lou Piniella and Gordon Sundin

Really nice photos taken by Joe DiPaola. It's not often you see Lou Piniella in an Orioles jersey.

[Mark70Z]

Day 334 (November 29, 2020 – 334)

While I don’t have the regular issued complete panel of the 1968 Topps Action All-Star Stickers with Brooks included, I do have a proof of the full panel.

Day 334 1968 Topps Action Sticker Proof Clemente.jpg