Bill,

I'm not sure of the B&W, but the color is the Rancho Cucamonga Epicenter Stadium. You'll see a print ad for the fundraiser game tomorrow...

Bill,

I'm not a beer drinker and have never seen those before. What's the story behind them. I really like the Eddie Murray, but the Tony Tarasco can only enrages me... LOL

Bill Ripken Figurine
 

In a previous post, I mentioned that for many years the Aberdeen Ironbirds printed new programs for each game. Ginger Christensen was one of the office managers for the Ironbirds over the years and such a sweet lady. She passed away a few years ago. Ginger would set aside a program each game and send them to me at the end of the season.

Attachment 401503 Attachment 401504

Often with the box of programs, she would include extra items for my collection. One year she included a Billy Ripken figurine that she said the sales staff used as a marketing promo. I don't the exact year, but she indicated that they from around 2007-2011.

Attachment 401502

Alan:

You may recall my (millennial) son lives in Salisbury and he frequents these independent brewery type places in the area who sell/serve these...

Here is another six pack of a Cal Jr. beer that came out in 2015 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 2131 game as well as another flavor (lemon) of "Puck Face."

https://i.imgur.com/RbNJKwI.jpg

The watering hole we hang at pre game outside of Camden Yards had this "Steady Eddie" table flag on our high top table a couple years ago and they said I could have it:

https://i.imgur.com/LwZ7BIo.jpg

I have an empty can of the Eddie beer if you'd like one.

Bill,

I would love an Eddie can. Thanks so much. I'll message you with the address.

Day 146 (May 25, 2020 – 146)

It’s my daughter’s birthday today so I’ll post a few things from her birth year. First is The Sun newspaper celebrating the Orioles Kiddie Corp of the ‘60’s.

The Sun – April 2, 2001

Attachment 401726

Secondly, is a flyer for a Hall of Fame/All-Star Softball Fundraiser.
Hall of Fame/All-Star Softball Fundraiser – October 20, 2001

Attachment 401727

Lastly a 2001 Upper Deck card picturing Frank R., Brooks R., Mark B. and Boog P with a supposed Game Used bat piece.

2001 Upper Deck Vintage Timeless Teams

Attachment 401728

Memorial Day
 

Day 146 (May 25, 2020 – 146) CONTINUED...

Hope you all have a great Memorial Day.

My grandfather was in World War I and died a year before I was born so never had a change to meet him. My father would tell me some fond memories of him. His dad was gassed in the war and it damaged his lungs and health wise was never the same. My father was in World War II, in the U.S. Navy, and was on a sub chaser in the South Pacific. They received credit for sinking a submarine during the war. A number of his friends and family members were lost in the war. I know people throw the saying around, but it's true, "Freedom isn't free."

Today I'm going to post a favorite item of mine that I purchased from Scott (quitcrab) several years ago. I was going to post it earlier this year with the next item, but just couldn't find the thing. So first I'll picture a Brooks 1964 Topps Standup that I posted on Day 128.

1964 Topps Stand-Up

Attachment 401730

AND the...

1964 Topps Stand-Up transparency

Attachment 401731

Mark:

Happy Birthday to your daughter! My youngest son turned 29 yesterday...April 2, 2001 was Opening Day (Cal Ripken's last one)...Here is the Orioles dugout lineup card from that afternoon (signed & notated by Cal Jr.):

https://i.imgur.com/uAmKb5I.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/g22qdo0.jpg

Is that transparency from the Topps Vault? I think that is very cool!

Happy Memorial Day to All

1987 orange alternate top of pitcher Mike Kinnunen

https://i.imgur.com/H3SPxZm.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/8fsTxfL.jpg

Very nice post today Mark. Well done! You managed to wish your daughter a happy birthday, thank all that have served to give us our freedom and the posting of those beautiful Topps Stand Ups.
My father passed last year and served in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean War. He is surely missed. He loved the Orioles and scored every game while watching the TV broadcast.
I am a big fan of the Stand Ups and really enjoy finding them. Maybe one of the coolest sets Topps produced in the 1960s
If anyone is looking to unload some stand ups I am your guy !
Happy Memorial Day to all! Happy Birthday to your daughter too !
Scott

Signed photo & 1960 Topps card of a big part of that Kiddie Corp (Milt Pappas, Jack Fisher & Jerry Walker):

https://i.imgur.com/sDStvQr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/MAQqjjC.jpg

Bill,

Very nice line up card from Cal's last opening day.

Another nice alternate jersey. I'm guessing there aren't many Mike Kinnunen items floating around and it's not often I get to post his team issued photo.

Attachment 401795

Mark,

Happy birthday to your daughter and thanks to all those we remember on this Memorial Day.

Here's a few items from Cal's last spring training in 2001. Schedule, Workout Roster, Ticket Brochure and Scorecard

Attachment 401801

Attachment 401800 Attachment 401798

Attachment 401799

Alan..Thanks for the Kinnunen headshot & 2001 Spring Training items...I've always loved that program cover shot of Cal Jr.

I don't believe I've posted this before, but here is a 2001 Orioles team signed baseball:

https://i.imgur.com/ZAyMLcw.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/fab8sL8.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/MQhvBdc.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/BdLkGrq.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/2y4Z5x4.jpg

Just found this thread yesterday and have to say I love it! I have a pretty large Orioles collection myself.

Talmer

Bill,

Hope your son had a great birthday as well! My daughter has a bunch of friends over and we’re cooking out and they are having a great time.

You just keep bringing the alternate jerseys! Love ‘em...

That Cal last Opening Day dugout card is just an awesome item especially with the notations. You have an awesome Ripken collection with so many one of a kind items.

Just love the signed photo AND card of Milt, Jacks and Jerry. So cool to get a photo of a card that was produced and even better to have them signed. Those are just GREAT.

The transparency ultimately came from Topps. I got the transparency from Scott (quitcrab) and I’m not sure where he purchased it from. I “think” it was in a Hunt auction at some point in time.

Talmer,

Glad you were able to find the thread and enjoying it. As you see we’re all Oriole fans (including minor league affiliates) as well as baseball fans in general so please post and make yourself at home. Just a bunch of good guys in here sharing their collections.

Mark that transparency is awesome!

Bill those 87 alternates are tough to find in original condition.

Thanks Clint. It's one of my favorite Brooks pieces that I have that was used to make a baseball card. Usually the transparencies are very small, but this one is larger, around 2 1/2" x 3 1/2".

Day 147 (May 26, 2020 – 147)

I had shown another 1978 Rack Pack (Rak Pak) earlier in the thread and below is another example with different players showing including Rose.

1978 Topps Rack Pack – w/Pete Rose and Danny Ozark

Attachment 401895

The last time I posted a ’78 Rack Pack I posted the 1978 Topps Brooks card. So, this time I’ll post the 1978 O-Pee-Chee even though this is not what’s in there…

1978 OPC Record Breaker #239

Attachment 401896
Attachment 401897

AND a partial OPC sheet with Brooks included for icing on the cake…

Attachment 401898

Mark...love the rack pack! I have good memories of buying those back in the day..

1987 alternate orange top of pitcher Tony Arnold

https://i.imgur.com/pZZ1Evv.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/24lAE4J.jpg

1983-85 Newark Orioles
 

It's been awhile since I highlighted a minor league affiliate. From 1983-1987, the Newark Orioles were the short season A representative of the Orioles in the NY-Penn League. The Aberdeen Ironbirds are the Orioles current short season team.


Here's some items from 1983-85

1983-1985 Pocket Schedules

Attachment 401899 Attachment 401909 Attachment 401901

The 1983 Orioles finished 48-26, losing to Utica in the playoffs. The team included Eric Bell, John Habyan and Carl Nichols.


1983 Programs

Attachment 401902 Attachment 401903


In 1984 Newark finished 46-28, losing to Little Falls in the playoffs. The team was managed by Jim Hutto and included Eric Bell.


1984 Programs

Attachment 401904 Attachment 401905

The 1985 Orioles finished 41-36. While they didn't make the playoffs, the team included future Orioles Jeff Tackett, Pete Stanicek and Jeff Ballard


1985 Program & Team Photo

Attachment 401907

Attachment 401908

Bill,

You provide the jerseys and I'll help with the team issued photos. :D

Attachment 401910

Mark,

I love the challenge of the O-Pee-Chee sets. Unless you collect them, you don't realize how hard they are to find in nice shape. OPC has a history of miscut and poorly centered cards. Several 1968 OPC cards were cut short from the factory, making the #2 AL Leaders card very tough to find with decent borders. I'm close to completely my Orioles team sets, but in addition to the 1968 Leader card, the 1967, 1971 and 1974 sets all have some hard to find cards that have eluded me.

Here's the OPC version of one of my favorite cards as a kid.

Attachment 401911

Alan, thanks for the Tony Arnold head shot (signed no less)! Do you collect the Topps Venezuelan cards too?

Orioles Venezuelan cards
 

Bill,

Yes. I do collect the Venezuelan cards. I probably have around 60 Orioles cards, along with a few dupes. I don't have any complete Orioles team sets, but close to completing the 1964 and 1967 sets. I'm picky about condition. I don't like paper loss on the backs and would rather wait than pick up a card I'd have to replace later.

Here's my 1967 set, missing only Dave McNally.

Attachment 401933 Attachment 401935

1968 Venezuelan Brooks Robinson All-Star

Attachment 401937

Day 148 (May 27, 2020 – 148)

J.D. McCarthy was a Detroit based photographer and today the post will include a color and a B&W photograph taken by McCarthy. I’m unsure if you’ll be able to see in the pictures, but both have a mark that the photo was taken by McCarthy.

Attachment 402004

Attachment 402005

JD McCarthy Orioles photos & postcards
 

Mark,

I love JD McCarthy's work. Those are very nice photos.

A few more McCarthy photos

Gene Green

Attachment 402023

Orioles trainers Eddie Weidner with Ralph Salvon

Attachment 402022

Charlie Lau getting a shot (Look at that needle)

Attachment 402024


JD McCarthy is also known for his postcards. I think Brooks has been posted, but there is a nice selection of other Orioles postcards. Jim Northrup, Milt Pappas and Gus Triandos all have postcards with sponsors ads on the back. Woodie Held is blank backed. The Jehosie Heard postcard is fairly hard to find and I'm still missing the Milt Pappas (squatting) postcard.

Attachment 402014 Attachment 402015 Attachment 402016 Attachment 402025
Attachment 402018 Attachment 402019
Attachment 402020 Attachment 402021

Bill Ripken was recalled from Rochester in July of 1987. Here is his orange alternate top from that season (along with a signed bat):

https://i.imgur.com/WvB8Oe9.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/43mZpty.jpg

and batting helmet

https://i.imgur.com/wHcogfB.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/CyhwbXu.jpg

Really getting the good stuff out Bill!

Those McCarthy photos are nice.

Here is a Charley Lau game used H&B bat (1965-68 labeling period) from his time in Baltimore..Of course Lau later gained fame as a batting instructor (which started in Balt. in '69):

https://i.imgur.com/uYoajrB.jpg

Alan,

He’s a favorite photographer for sure. Really like the collection of pictures and postcards; very nice!

I agree; some REALLY nice items being pictured lately...

I'm astounded to see 33 pages of posts on Brooks Robinson and the Orioles. I first saw Brooks play during the 1970 World Series when I was 10. He seemed to single-handedly beat my beloved Reds, but I didn't hold it against him. I made sure my next glove was a Rawlings Brooks Robinson model, and soon I was trying to play third base like him. I would actually practice diving with my glove outstretched. I met him as a teenager, and he was a true gentleman.

I've long considered the Happy Bird to be the best cap logo in baseball. I'm also a big fan of the Early Bird, and the Ornithologically-Correct Bird, which are each pictured below.

Of all my pieces of Orioles memorabilia, here are a few of my favorites. The caps are from c. 1954, c. 1960 and 1970 (Bobby Grich!), the photo in the middle comes from a 1957 Sports Illustrated, the Bazooka card is from 1964, and the jersey is from 1959 (Harry Brecheen?).

Day 149 (May 28, 2020 – 149)

As you’ve already guessed it, I collect pretty much anything Brooks related (unless it’s ugly and if it’s ugly sometimes I collect that as well ;)). This piece is a Brooks Robinson Cooperstown Bears figure called, “The Hot Corner”. I had to post the bottom of the resin figure because it hit me as funny when reading. The bottom states, “This Cooperstown Teddy is part of an exclusive offering of MLB bears authentically reproduced from original sources – historical documents, photographs and detailed information from famed baseball historians.” Ha; really?

1998 Cooperstown Bear – “The Hot Corner”

Attachment 402182
Attachment 402183

The figure was from 1998 so I’ll post a favorite post career card. It’s a 1998 Fleer Sports Illustrated signed card.

1998 Fleer SI signed

Attachment 402184

Chris,

Those are some amazing GU items. I'm a big fan of the Happy Bird as being my favorite and the Grich example hits the mark. Now, it's hard to beat a 1954 cap though and that is a great example. I really like pretty much ALL of the Oriole caps over the years even the examples that don't have the bird like the "B" cap.

The signed cutout of Brooks from the '57 SI is cool. I also like the photo on the back as well. The back photo reminds me of a Brooks item I have that I posted on Net54 before, but not in this thread. I'll have to picture it since it resembles that shot.

Alternate orange top (and GU Rawlings bat) from 1987 of Cal Ripken Jr.:

https://i.imgur.com/oDJ3IbK.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/ASCQLpg.jpg

Cal Ripken Jr. game used batting helmet from 1986:

https://i.imgur.com/toKqfI8.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/CnO23go.jpg

News-American scorecards
 

In post #1523, I discussed Sunpapers scorecards from the 1960's. During that time, the rival newspaper of the Baltimore Sun was the Baltimore News-American. They also printed scorecards for their readers to score games as they followed the Orioles. By the end of the 60's, the tradition of scorecards had ended, except for some World Series scorecards from 1969-1971.

Scorecards from 1955-1960 were relatively plain. Roster changes throughout the season led to scorecards being updated during the season.

Attachment 402206 Attachment 402207

Attachment 402208 Attachment 402209

Attachment 402211 Attachment 402214


In 1961, the format changed to include a cover design. 1961-1963 used the same basic design. In 1964, the covers started changing from year to year. I'm still looking for a 1965 scorecard.

1961-1963

Attachment 402199 Attachment 402200

Attachment 402201

1964

Attachment 402202

1966

Attachment 402203

1967

Attachment 402204

1968

Attachment 402205

I don’t know what to say other than WOW!!!

Day 150 (May 29, 2020 – 150)

Our family will try to make a trip every year to see a couple games where the Rays play the Orioles in Tampa. On May 29, 2000 the Orioles visited the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field for a “Turn Back the Clock” game. The Orioles won the game 5-1.

This is a pretty neat program we picked up from the game picturing Brooks along with Jim Palmer, Frank Robinson and Earl Weaver.
May 29, 2000 Devil Rays vs. Orioles “Turn Back the Clock” game program

Attachment 402348

Schmidt's Blue Ribbon Bread
 

Schmidt Baking Company is a bakery in Baltimore. The company makes Schmidt's Blue Ribbon and Schmidt's Old Tyme Breads. Maybe some Baltimore locals can tell us more about them. I've never seen any of their products in Maine.

I'm not positive of the year, but guessing between 1967-1969, Schmidt Baking had a promotion featuring Frank Robinson. The promotion included a couple 3 inch pinback buttons and a baseball tips booklet.

Attachment 402353

[QUOTE=BaltOrioles;1985251]Schmidt Baking Company is a bakery in Baltimore. The company makes Schmidt's Blue Ribbon and Schmidt's Old Tyme Breads. Maybe some Baltimore locals can tell us more about them. I've never seen any of their products in Maine.

I'm not positive of the year, but guessing between 1967-1969, Schmidt Baking had a promotion featuring Frank Robinson. The promotion included a couple 3 inch pinback buttons and a baseball tips booklet.


Good morning Alan,

I just picked up that Frank Robinson booklet last week. It came from a gentleman who was the original purchaser in a bag of Schmidt's Bread. He said the booklet was just crammed into the bread bag without any other wrapping, so his was a little stained. He also vaguely recalled the bread tasting a little odd with a booklet jammed into it.

He couldn't remember the exact year but gave the same range as you. As for Schmidt's, they've been selling bread in Baltimore since the 1880's (although the company is owned by H&S Baking now).

I don't know much about Schmidt Old Tyme Bread but I do know their jingle from listening to radio broadcasts of Oriole games (hopefully they'll be on the radio again in a month or so).

Alternate orange jersey (with customized cigarette pack interior pocket) of Cal Ripken Sr. from 1988. Unfortunately, Cal Sr. never had the chance to wear this jersey as he was dismissed after only six games into the season.

https://i.imgur.com/GvO8X5L.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/a2myNSu.jpg

Day 151 (May 30, 2020 – 151)

I try to find the not so ordinary cards of Brooksie. Today I’m going to show an ordinary 1969 Topps #550 base or regular issue card. I think the back of the ’69 card has nice color and setup.

1969 Topps #550

Attachment 402466
Attachment 402467

Now I’m going to show the same card, but all three are blank backed cards; notice the color variations.

1969 Topps #550 blank back

Attachment 402468
Attachment 402469

1981 O-Pee-Chee Orioles
 

Mark,

One thing I've learned from this thread is that even ordinary items can provide an interesting story. I've picked up a lot of great new information from many of you about items I thought I already knew about.

I've had a 1981 Orioles O-Pee-Chee team set since almost 1981. Little did I know that they come in gray backs as well as the more common cream/white backs. Of course, I'm now trying to complete a set that I thought was already complete. I've found the centering on the gray backs to be challenging at best.

Examples of the 1981 OPC backs

Attachment 402470

1984 SportsFirst Orioles Posters
 

I don't collect newspapers, but for some strange reason, I've been drawn to newspaper inserts and cutouts over the years. Previous posts have mentioned the Scrapbooks cards from 1960-63, 1970-71 Dayton Daily News cards and the 1971 Baltimore Sun newspaper posters.

I don't know much about these, but in 1984 SportsFirst printed some 10x12 posters in their paper. They are cutouts and not inserted posters. I believe SportsFirst was affiliated with the News-American newspaper in some way. Not sure if it was a separate newspaper or an insert to the News-American paper. Any info out there ??

I have six different posters, with dupes of Storm Davis and John Shelby. Luckily, the six I have include Cal Ripken Jr, Eddie Murray and Jim Palmer. I don't have any kind of checklist beyond the six shown.

Attachment 402471

Attachment 402472

Attachment 402473

Attachment 402474

Attachment 402475

Attachment 402476

Alan...I believe SportsFirst was a separate paper, but I can confirm that with Bill S. (who wrote for the News American) on our Zoom call tomorrow...

A few years back on Craigslist, I saw this metal Cal Ripken Jr. sign & I immediately recognized it as being one that was displayed on Eutaw Street with other members of the Orioles Hall of Fame.

The seller told me he knew someone at the company that manufactured/installed them and at one point the Orioles wanted larger signs and they replaced them all & he was given the "old" Ripken sign for his son (who was a fan), which was then displayed in his son's room for a few years. The son had since grown up and moved out and dad thought it was time for the sign to find a new home (the second photo is what you'd see today).

https://i.imgur.com/J2ERny9.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/36fqJfh.jpg

1989 Orioles World Series Pin
 

Alan, I never knew those posters existed. Thank you for sharing them.

Bill, I can't believe you found the original Eutaw St. Ripken O's HOF sign on Craigslist! Do you consider that your luckiest find ever?

I first started following the Orioles in 1988, of course the infamous year they started 0-21. The very next year was one of the most exciting in my life when the Why Not O's went to the final weekend battling for first place (I was CRUSHED they lost).

Here is a phantom 1989 Orioles World Series press pin:

Attachment 402517

So very cool! Where do u have it displayed?

Hey Mike:

Yeah that was a very lucky find indeed!

I agree those final weekend losses to the Jays in '89 were crushing indeed...Here is the plate umpires line up card to the infamous Dave Johnson pitched game that Saturday afternoon (BTW which is still currently displayed in the executive office lobby in the warehouse at Camden Yards, where they had an entire display case dedicated to the Why Not? season):

https://i.imgur.com/86P82IX.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/3X66EFC.jpg

Mark...the sign is still on the floor leaning up against the wall in my hobby room (due to it's weight, I'm not sure how to display it properly).

Well today is the 38th anniversary of Game 1 of Cal Jr.'s Consecutive Game Streak. Here is the plate umpires line up cards to the thay game as well as a ticket stub (21,632 fans witnessed history that afternoon & didn't realize it!):

https://i.imgur.com/k71yFpC.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/DRLGIqh.jpg

Bill,

When is the museum open for business? I know I'd pay to get in...

Day 152 (May 31, 2020 – 152)

If you’ve lived long enough, or had any type of childhood, I’m sure you’ve had a Slurpee and of course the “brain- freeze” to go along. In 1972 7-Eleven stores had Slurpee sports-themed trading cups in which Brooks was included. I’ve seen a 7-Eleven Trading Cup Scorecard before, picturing all of the player cups, but don’t have one personally. There were 60 different players on the baseball cups in 1972.

1972 7-Eleven Slurpee cup

Attachment 402661
Attachment 402662

In 1973 the 7-Eleven stores added an addition to its 60 baseball cups which were baseball HOF stars of the past. The HOF player cups were in a sepia tone on the cups and the era’s stars appeared in color. Brooks was included in 1973 and is the same picture on the front of the cup, but a variation on the back. Again, there was a 7-Eleven Trading Cup Scorecard, but AGAIN, don’t have it.

1973 7-Eleven Slurpee cup

Attachment 402663
Attachment 402664

Last year Scott (quitcrab) called me about the original artwork for the Brooks Slurpee cup he saw at one of the shows he was attending and asked if I was interested. Of course, I had to have it and paid too much for it (BUT LOVE IT), so here you go…

1972/1973 Slurpee cup artwork

Attachment 402665

I have never seen the 7-11 cup checklist either. I don’t think you paid too much for the original artwork. Wait until PSA starts grading them! It’s a great one of a kind piece . You have a nice collection Mark !

Scott,

It’s kinda funny to me that PSA is grading not only cards, but all sorts of items that they ultimately put in the players master checklist. I guess nothing will surprise me to get included.

Washington Times Orioles Posters
 

Previously, I mentioned my attraction to newspaper cutout cards and posters. Does anyone else collect them like I do. I really like them.

Over the years, both the Baltimore Sun and Washington Times have printed posters of the Orioles to be inserted into their newspapers. Today, I'm going to highlight only the posters from the Washington Times. I'm sure that I'm missing a bunch, but here are examples and checklists of what I have from 1996-2004. I don't have any from 2001. Additions to the checklists are appreciated.

1996 - 1996 Orioles All-Stars

Attachment 402670


1997 - Roberto Alomar, Brady Anderson, Mike Bordick, Eric Davis, Chris Hoiles, Jimmy Key, Mike Mussina, Rafael Palmeiro, Cal Ripken Jr, 1997 Orioles All-Stars

Attachment 402671


1998 - Roberto Alomar, Brady Anderson, Mike Bordick, Eric Davis, Chris Hoiles, Mike Mussina, Rafael Palmeiro, Cal Ripken Jr, B.J. Shurhoff

Attachment 402672


1999 - Brady Anderson/Paul Blair, Albert Belle/Frank Robinson, Mike Bordick/Mark Belanger, Will Clark/Boog Powell, Delino DeShields/Davey Johnson, Charles Johnson/Rick Dempsey, Mike Mussina/Jim Palmer, Cal Ripken Jr/Brooks Robinson, B.J. Surhoff/Don Buford

These are cool, because the posters picture a current & past Orioles player. Brooks is pictured with Cal. I thought they were commemorating the 1969 team, except the catcher is Rick Dempsey instead of Ellie Hendricks.

Attachment 402673


2000 - Albert Belle, Cal Ripken Jr, B.J. Surhoff

Attachment 402681


2002 - Tony Batista, Jeff Conine, Scott Erickson, Jay Gibbons, Jerry Hairston Jr, Sidney Ponson, David Segui, Chris Singleton

Attachment 402686


2003 - Tony Batista, Jay Gibbons, Jerry Hairston Jr, Gary Matthews Jr

Attachment 402676


2004 - Larry Bigbie, Daniel Cabrera, Javy Lopez, Melvin Mora, Miguel Tejada

Attachment 402677

Mark,

Very nice piece. You definitely need to get it autographed by Brooks.

Mark.....I LOVE that Brooks original Slurpee artwork; I got a brain freeze just looking at it!

Back in June of 2010, the Orioles celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the 1970 World Championship team by having a team reunion and also by having the Orioles & Nationals wear throw back uniforms.

I was always a Luke Scott fan and I purchased the batting helmet he wore in that game:

https://i.imgur.com/0isHAIZ.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/X0lsFbB.jpg

The Orioles also sold a nice limited edition autographed print of the players who attended the reunion & in looking at it now, it's sad to see so many of them have passed away in the past 10 years:

https://i.imgur.com/MTWuSrQ.jpg

Dishwasher safe? Lol
So cool

MSA Discs
 

Day 153 (June 1, 2020 – 153)

Today we have the Michael Schechter Associates (MSA) discs. The MSA discs were used for advertising by several different companies by having their logo on the back of the baseball discs. Below are the Brooks Robinson MSA discs for 1976. I guess I should have pictured the fronts as well, but they look “almost” all the same…

1976 Buckmans Discs
1976 Carousel Discs
1976 Crane Potato Chips Discs
1976 Dairy Isle Discs
1976 Isalys/Sweet William Discs
1976 MSA Sports Blank Back Discs
1976 Orbackers Discs
1976 Red Barn Discs
1976 Safelon Discs
1976 Towne Club Discs

Attachment 402814

1976 MSA Discs
 

Mark,

I've always been a fan of the items MSA produced over the years. I don't know how important variations are to you, but here are a few from the 1976 discs.

First, here's the front of the Brooks Robinson. Like Mark mentioned, they are are pretty much the same.

Attachment 402831


The Carousel discs were nothing more than blank discs, that each store could stamp with their own address. Thus, you will find a variety of different stamped backs. I also have one with Circus Wagon stamped on the back. I'm not sure if they are related to Carousel or a different company altogether.

Attachment 402832 Attachment 402833


The Red Barn discs can be found with or without the address line

Attachment 402834

1985 Daytona Beach Islanders
 

I have discussed co-op teams in the past, but one in particular is very interesting.

In 1985 the Daytona Beach Astros were renamed the Daytona Beach Islanders after the Astros moved to Kissimmee, FL. Owned by Texas Rangers VP Larry Schmittou, the Daytona Beach team was a co-op with players from the Rangers and Baltimore Orioles. The Islanders were managed by former Oriole Jim Hutto. It was a weak club, like most co-ops, finishing 53-87, last in the Florida State League. The Islanders had no All-Stars and were outscored 649-474. Hitting only 14 homers in 140 games, led by Jeff Melrose's 3 HRs.

Since co-op teams don't usually receive a teams top prospects, it's interesting to note that four players on the team wore Oriole uniforms.
Allan Ramirez , Bob Milacki, Jeff Tackett and a young Billy Ripken.

Manager Jim Hutto

Attachment 402842

Program and schedule

Attachment 402837 Attachment 402836

Team Issued Card set

Bill probably knows, but I believe this is Billy's first card (middle row, 4 cards down). It's the earliest in my collection. Another oddity in the set is the card of Ron Johnson (not the former Tides manager). He has a card in the set, but is shown as "Picture not Available". I hope that wasn't his only baseball card . :rolleyes:

Attachment 402838 Attachment 402839
Attachment 402840 Attachment 402841

Alan....

Great collection on that '85 Daytona Beach Islanders club (you're correct that it was Bill's first card)!

I have a page from the scorebook of the Official Scorer of a game on 05/28/85 vs Winter Haven...Note Bill Ripken was batting cleanup:

https://i.imgur.com/FsGtbtf.jpg

Here is Bill's game used Islanders jersey from that season as well:

https://i.imgur.com/62SToAY.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/R0kKj7w.jpg

Bill,

Great looking jersey. I have to know how you were able to acquire it. It has to be an interesting story.

Alan....Back in the fall of '95, Sports Illustrated's 2131 Special Edition magazine hit the newsstands and there was an article in it about my collection. Fortunately, someone associated with the DB club (might have been the GM) read it and reached out to tell me he had this jersey (and pants which I didn't show) and asked if I would like to add it to my collection.

Got a lot of nice publicity from that article (and picked up some neat pieces along the way)!

You may or may not have all his discs. Here is the link to all of Lou Brocks from various years with some variations as well as some ancillary items.

You can go stark raving mad trying to accumulate Carousel back stamps (I've got about 20 now).

https://www.net54baseball.com/showth...=174114&page=5

Alan,

I'm with you; I'm a fan. Well, especially with Brooks I really like the variations and with the MSA discs all the different stores advertised.

On the Carousel discs I have several different stamps, but don't actively seek them out. Do you happen to have listing of the known stamps?

I do have both Red Barn discs; address and no address.

Never seen a Circus Wagon one... Wonder what that is?

[QUOTE=roarfrom34;1986291]I have a page from the scorebook of the Official Scorer of a game on 05/28/85 vs Winter Haven...Note Bill Ripken was batting cleanup:

Here is Bill's game used Islanders jersey from that season as well:/QUOTE]

Again AWESOME!

David,

I have all of, I'd guess considered, the regular issue Brooks discs for '76 and '77, but I know I don't have near all of the Carousel back stamp variations. I doubt I have anywhere near 20 as well; maybe 10, but I don't have them organized so I can look for them all...

MSA Discs
 

Day 154 (June 2, 2020 – 154)

I might as well do the 1977 MSA discs today…

1977 Chilly Willee Discs
1977 Daily Isle Discs
1977 Detroit Caesars Discs
1977 Holiday Inn Discs
1977 MSA Customized Sports Discs
1977 Saga Discs
1977 Wendy's Discs
1977 Zipz Discs

Attachment 402926

While not really the same type of disc mentioned above, I’ll go ahead and include the 1977 MSA cup lid. Notice on this MSA lid pictured; it has the unpunched straw hole on the lid slightly off to the right of center, which is far scarcer than the common hole lid at the 12:00 mark ;).

Attachment 402925

The other day Alan posted some fantastic newspaper posters of Orioles players & asked for help with a checklist.

Unfortunately, my collection of these posters were pretty much limited to Cal Jr. (and occasionally Billy), but I do collect the newspaper vending box ad signs that promoted these posters.

Here are a few and I'll post a few more later on:

https://i.imgur.com/ShqR2vM.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/8veZksp.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/Hbb1lSD.jpg

Mark,

Nice lids. Jim Palmer was the other Oriole included in all those sets. Additionally, in 1978 there were a couple other sets of lids that included Jim Palmer, but unfortunately didn't include Brooks Robinson.

1978 Papa Gino's

Attachment 402935 Attachment 402936

1978 Tastee-Freez

Attachment 402937 Attachment 402938

While not a lid, in 1978 MSA also did a set of MLB Superstars sponsored by Pepsi-Cola. Distributed in the Ohio area, the set is heavy in Cincinnati Reds players

Attachment 402939

2005 - 2009 Frederick Keys Media Guides
 

Bill,

Great story. I've found most minor league teams have limited space for storage and a don't have a good handle on the significance of their history within an organization. It's amazing what teams will give you if you ask them. I was at a Frederick Keys game and the Keys GM, Dave Ziedelis, was talking to me about my collection. I mentioned missing a few years of media guides. He said only a few were printed those years for internal use and opened up his desk and handed me the missing years. He said he was getting ready to clean out his desk anyway. They are priceless to me.

2005 - 2009 Frederick Keys Media Guides

Attachment 402940

Attachment 402941

Attachment 402942

Attachment 402943

Attachment 402944

King of the Cal-ectors
 

Nice article with quotes by someone we may recognize.

https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.co...ball-card-set/

Has anyone seen any other of the MSA test lids, like the one David pictured on Page 5 using the Linnett drawing, within the Lou Brock thread?

Day 155 (June 3, 2020 – 155)

Here’s a Card Price Update (CPU) for June of 1984 that the pictures Brooks and Frank on the cover. It’s funny to me that they couldn’t find a picture that was not autographed to use and/or a picture that was autographed by both for the cover shot?

June 1984 Card Price Update

Attachment 403039

I do have this color picture signed by Brooks and Frank but cannot locate it at the moment.

Pins, Pins, Pins
 

Tried to organize some of my pins yesterday. I'll be the first to admit, it's an area of my collection that frustrates me the most. Except for a few issues, I find it difficult to find checklists or the ways pins are identified. I've seen the tag PM-10 used for many pins that I don't believe fit that label. I also have a hard time displaying them. I guess that's way most of them ended up in a box. Any suggestions for cataloging and displaying pins would be appreciated. :confused:

Here are a few favorites from my collection ...

1956 Topps Pins

In 1956, Topps produced a set of 60 pins. The set is gorgeous. Over the years, I sold most of my early Topps stuff to help fund my Orioles collection. Probably, the one item I wish I hadn't sold is my set of 1956 Topps pins. I was able to reacquire the four Orioles in the set - Hal Smith, Willy Miranda, Chuck Diering and Gus Triandos. Chuck Diering is one of the toughest ones in the set to find

Attachment 403050


1971 Unknown Stadium Pins

These pins have been discussed and posted on other threads, but I don't think here. These are beautiful pins. The best info I've seen suggested these were unlicenced pins from around 1971 and sold outside the ballparks. The four Orioles include Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Boog Powell and Jim Palmer.

Attachment 403051


2009 Pins based upon the 1967 Topps Test Discs

These last pins are fairly new, produced around 2009. They are a reproduction of the three Orioles in the 1967 Topps Test Disc set. I don't care they aren't worth much. I think they are neat and well done.

Attachment 403052

Hi Mike:

Thanks for that link.....For those of you who haven't seen it, Chris Dishman runs a great web site (www.ripkenintheminors.com) about Cal's minor league cards/collectibles.

Somewhat related to this, going back 20 plus years, I met a guy who was a professor at a suburban Baltimore university, who in the summer (late 70's/through the 80's) was friendly with the guys who ran the Orioles clubhouse and was able to hang out there & work in the umpires room, run errands for players, etc.

Anyways, he was a collector well before it fashionable to do so & was able to pick up a lot of neat things. He always told me he had Cal Ripken's "shaving kit," which even I thought was odd (said Cal left it in his locker after the season was over).

Eventually, he (or his family) sold his collection and I was fortunate to be one of the first people to view what he had at the dealer's warehouse in NJ.

So, I found the "shaving kit" among a lot of other things, purchased them and brought them home.

The shaving kit was a Charlotte O's giveaway item in 1980 and I thought it was weird why Cal Jr. would use it once he was in the Major Leagues.

When I showed it to Cal for him to sign it, he laughed when I told him the story, he remembered it however he said he used it to house his batting gloves while on road trips (which made much more sense)....For me that's a much better story!

<a href="https://imgur.com/2F4C5id"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/2F4C5id.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

1956 Topps Pins
 

I tried to find this photo earlier to attach to my post, but couldn't. Here's the set of 1956 Topps pins I regret selling...

Display courtesy of my wife :D

Attachment 403086

Now we can get a visual why you regret selling them...