Day 182 (June 30, 2020 – 182)

On the last day of the month we need some snapshot photos for month end, quarter end and half year end. Let’s do a couple related to hitting. First, let’s do a relatively early batting cage B&W photo.

Attachment 407433

Next a color game snapshot. Man, looks like Brooksie got ahold of one…

Attachment 407434

Mark
Great job on running this thread and posting everyday! I start my day with checking what you posted for the day. Can’t wait to see what the second half of the year brings. Come September when I am back to work and have a scanner, I will post a couple gems from my collection .
Again, thanks for an amazing thread .
Scott

Louis Requena Photos
 

I echo Scott's comment. I enjoy each morning seeing what has been posted. It's made a very unusual start to 2020 much easier. I've seen plenty of items for the first time and even picked up some nice additions to my collection through new friends I've found on the site. Looking forward to the next 6 months.

Louis Requena was a legendary sports photographer. He passed away in 2013 after a 50 year career. Being based in New York, he is mostly associated with NY teams like the Yankees and Mets. He did take some very nice photos of players from other teams.

I have one photo of Brooks Robinson that has the Requena stamp on the back. It is 4x5 and from the early 60's. The autograph is quite light, but the photo quality is nice.

Attachment 407475 Attachment 407477


I don't know how many Orioles photos Louis Requena took, but here's a Ron Hansen that has the look of being taken by him. It's not stamped on the back, but was taken in Yankee Stadium.

Attachment 407476

Thanks for the nice comments. At times it has been a bit of a struggle, but so far we’ve made it through half a year. I sure appreciate you guys posting your collections and make this thread so much more interesting with your collections. Now, let’s see if I can reach my personal goal and make it to year end...

Day 183 (July 1, 2020 – 183)

Not too far into collecting Brooks I ran across a Brooks Robinson watch, no band just the wrist watch. I thought it was such a neat item I had to get a band for it so I could wear the thing. It’s been quite a number of years now, but a Tom Seaver collector had the same type of watch with Seaver pictured, but he had the original packaging for the watch which included a picture of Seaver included in the package. I’ve seen a few of these pictured now, in auctions, over the years to include Banks, Aaron, and Mays. I know I’ve seen an ad for them in a magazine as well.

A little detail about the watches. The Major League Super Star watches were manufactured by the American Time Co. in Detroit Michigan. The watches were licensed by the MLB Players Association and have a Copyright of 1968. They had a cheap black band originally and instead of using crystal to cover the face of the watch it’s made of plastic, but they do have Swiss made movement (they don’t keep accurate time at all; just an FYI). The photo cards in the original packaging are about 5” x 9” and the box just a tad larger than the photo; maybe 6” x 9”. If anyone has one, I’d love to see them pictured; such a nice item for a player or team collector. Here’s one other thing; I’ve seen them with a green face and a blue face. Were they made with both colors and/or is one faded? Hopefully you guys can get it solved.

I did find a checklist of the watches. Thought I’d include even though some of them I’ve never seen: Al Kaline, Brooks Robinson, Carl Yastrzemski, Ernie Banks, Ferguson Jenkins, Harmon Killebrew, Henry Aaron, Joe Torre, Tom Seaver and Willie Mays.

Over the years I picked up a couple of the Brooks watches and FINALLY last year picked up a watch with the original packaging. I’ll just show the watch and thin photo that came along for the ride…

1968 Major League SuperStar Watch

Attachment 407576
Attachment 407580
Attachment 407579

Attachment 407577


A photo of Ernie Banks holding Brooks’ Super Star watch packaging and
Brooks holding Ernie's Super Star watch package.

Attachment 407578

1968 Brooks Robinson Watch
 

Mark,

Those watches are so cool. I've never seen or heard of them before. Do you have any idea what they go for in auctions? I'll definitely have to "watch" for them in the future...

1985 Wichita Eagle-Beacon
 

Recently, Bill asked me if I also collected the Wichita Eagle-Beacon bubblegum-less cards. The answer is yes, but until a week ago, I hadn't found any that I was willing to bite on. This came in the mail yesterday. I couldn't resist the $15 tag on this example.

From 1983-1985, the newspaper inserted these cards in their sports sections, in groups of three. Subjects included a variety of sports beyond baseball. This panel is from April 29, 1985.

1985 Wichita Eagle-Beacon Cal Ripken Jr

Attachment 407591


Additional Orioles included Rick Dempsey, Jim Palmer and Cal Ripken Jr in 1983. I don't believe there were any Orioles in 1984 and Cal Ripken was the only Oriole in 1985.

Westclox Orioles Clock
 

Mark,

Those watches and premium are great! They've been on my want list for a long time.

Here's another Orioles-related time piece from 1968. This one is an Orioles clock manufactured by Westclox, copyrighted 1968, still in the original packaging.

According to the side of the packing, several American and National League teams had Westclox Alarm Team Mate clocks created. A tag on the top contains an offer (for $1.00) for a hat with your favorite team's logo on it.

Attachment 407619

Attachment 407620

Attachment 407621

Attachment 407622

Attachment 407624

Attachment 407623

Linda Warehime
 

I showed my parents the part of the thread about Linda Warehime because they graduated Overlea High School with her in 1974. They said the amount of stuff the Orioles gave her to keep (particularly if a player left the team) was amazing. At one point she had a full Luis Aparicio uniform. I hope she held on to some of it!

Alan,

From my experience the watch wasn't that expensive to purchase; it's just finding one was the issue. I'm sure I can help you locate one in the future, but it may not have the fancy plastic band...

Very nice clock! I'm glad you have it because if I did it would already be out of the box telling time...:D

I really like the Orioles newspaper cutouts. I'd really like to one day work on the Orioles Scrapbook set; that would be fun to try to put together. I have quite a few, but know one of the years I don't have much if any.

Mark when I get a chance and run onto any Wichita Eagle cards I’ll send them your way if you want them. I know I have a bunch different but not sure if I have any Orioles.

Clint,

I was talking about the Orioles Scrapbook "cards" that were put in the Baltimore News-Press from in 1960 to 1963.

Day 184 (July 2, 2020 – 184)

This is another item from the Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods Company. It’s a small fold out pamphlet from the 70’s that advertises Brooks’ 1974 autobiography, as told to Jack Tobin, called, “Third Base is my Home”. You could mail in the form and get the book for $5.95. It’s a great read by the way. There’s a couple quotes included in the pamphlet and the cover reads, “They say that when he retires he’s going to take third base with him…” – Jim Murray, Los Angeles Times

Brooks Robinson Goods Co., Inc. pamphlet

Attachment 407701
Attachment 407702
Attachment 407703

I remember waiting on a “wait list ” at my elementary school to get that book! It It was the first book I read cover to cover ! I really like the book order form ! Never seen that before.
Scott

1959 Oklahoma Today Magazine
 

Here's an obscure set of cards that were included in an issue of Oklahoma Today Magazine in 1959. The set highlighted players from Oklahoma and included two Orioles, Jerry Adair and Jerry Walker. Jerry Adair was located in the bottom right corner, which makes him a little harder to find in nice shape compared to the Jerry Walker card.

This link has some nice info on the set including a picture of the magazine

https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.co...oma-today-set/



Attachment 407717

I had to dig a little but I found my watch (purchased at The National Convention in Baltimore back whenever)....It still runs!

https://i.imgur.com/UBlFnf9.jpg

Wichita Eagle-Beacon cards
 

Clint,

If you come across any Orioles from 1983 (Rick Dempsey, Jim Palmer or Cal Ripken Jr) and Mark doesn't want them, I'm interested. I would prefer them in the original panels of three, but would consider singles.

Bill,

NICE! They have to come in both green and blue faces.

Will do Alan. I have the whole paper, never cut them out.

Day 185 (July 3, 2020 – 185)

The Orioles were visiting the Detroit Tigers at Tiger Stadium this day in 1971. The pitchers for the game were Pat Dobson for the Orioles and Les Cain for the Tigers. The picture below is from this game of Brooks hitting a single off of Cain. Anyone notice anything odd in the picture (besides his cut off batting helmet)?


Attachment 407915


If you saw it, Brooks is using a bat with the #8 on the knob. Just so you know Brooks really liked trying different player bats and styles of bat and loved using different player’s gloves and would trade out for a mitt he liked better than his current option.

Who was # 8 ? A very young Cal Ripken Jr??? LOL

1964 Topps Rookie Banquet cards
 

If you collect cards, you've probably noticed some cards with little trophies on them like the two examples below.

Attachment 407927 Attachment 407928

The trophy on the card identified the player as a member of the Topps Rookie All-Star teams. Each year Topps would have a special banquet to honor the players selected. In 1964, in addition to the regular program for the event, Topps produced a boxed set of cards. The cards mirrored the pages in the program. The card numbers corresponded to the page number of the program. Complete sets and even individual cards are still tough to find today.

Here's a nice link to a thread that discusses the set in more depth.

https://www.net54baseball.com/showth...hlight=banquet


Six cards in the set featured Orioles -

3 - Luis Aparicio & Sam Bowens
8 - 1959 Rookie team with Willie Tasby
9 - 1960 Rookie team with Jim Gentile, Ron Hansen and Chuck Estrada
11 - 1962 Rookie team with Boog Powell
32 - Bob Brown (Orioles PR Dept)
33 - Wally Bunker

I have three of the six, but a couple I still need are pricey.. I would like to pick up the 1960 team card, since it includes three Orioles.

Attachment 407926


Here are pics of the other three I need

Attachment 407933 Attachment 407931

Attachment 407932

About 30 years ago I met a collector who became a good friend of mine who lived on the MD Eastern Shore. He had been friends with one of the pioneers of the hobby who lived nearby named Crawford Foxwell:

https://www.dorchesterbanner.com/lei...nd-encouraged/

While I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Foxwell, as one could imagine his collection was tremendous and my buddy would tell me that it included a Brooks Robinson complete uniform.

What the uniform actually was a uniform that Brooks Robinson wore at an appearance at one of his "Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods" stores (grand opening, etc) from the early 1970's. The story Mr. Foxwell told my friend was at the event (being the collector he was) he asked Brooks if he could get one of those uniforms. Brooks told him that the one he was wearing was a little snug around the shoulders and that he could have THAT one & a deal was struck on the spot and Mr. Foxwell walked out of the store with it.

In 1991 Mr. Foxwell passed away & my buddy knowing what a huge Brooks fan I was approached his widow and asked if I could purchase it from her directly.

Here is that uniform (it even came with stirrups, which I didn't show) & I had Brooks sign it on the interior collar at a Crown Gas Station appearance a couple years later:

https://i.imgur.com/NMYm4BO.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/UqLlvBA.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/KyGajHJ.jpg

Alan,

I see those come up for sale once in a while, but the price tag is typically too much for my budget. The one's that you do have a very nice!

Bill,

LOVE IT! There was a fellow in MD that had a kids example, with Brooks' number that I tried to acquire years and years ago, but it just didn't work out. Now I guess I'll have to bug you...:D

Fourth of July
 

Day 186 (July 4, 2020 – 186)

Hope you all have a great Independence Day.

A few items that have the 4th of July feel to them...

Attachment 408072

Attachment 408073

Attachment 408074

Attachment 408075

Attachment 408076

1976 Pulaski Phillies and Bluefield Orioles
 

Happy 4th of July to everyone.

The Appalachian League is a short season rookie league that for over 50 years included an Orioles affiliate in Bluefield, West Virginia. In 1976, the Orioles also provided players to the Pulaski Phillies. The Phillies were located in Pulaski, Virginia and a co-op team between the Philadelphia Phillies and Orioles.

The 1976 Bluefield Orioles finished 42-28. The roster included a few future O's, but none that made big contributions. Kevin Kennedy, Mark Corey and Dallas Williams.

The Phillies didn't fare as well ending up 32-38. The Orioles provided 13 players to the team, but the only player I recognized was Jesus Alfaro, who played in the Orioles organization a few years and ended up being a coach for the Bluefield Orioles and Aberdeen Ironbirds in the middle 2000's. The Phillies did have a nice 4th of July themed program.

Attachment 408085


1976 Pulaski Phillies and Bluefield Orioles programs

Attachment 408083 Attachment 408084

Brian Roberts signed/inscribed locker nameplate from July 4th 2004:

https://i.imgur.com/0nEq3ct.jpg

Happy 4th everyone!

Happy 4Th everyone! Keep all the goodies coming. Love the bat Mark and the jersey Bill.

Day 187 (July 5, 2020 – 187)

1974 Topps Stamps

Attachment 408264

1974 Topps Stamps Vault photo

Attachment 408265

1974 Topps Stamp Album

Attachment 408266
Attachment 408267

Thanks Clint. Hope you had a great 4th!

1977 Orioles Programs
 

Most of you probably know that as Brooks Robinson was nearing the end of his playing career in 1977, the Orioles featured him on the cover of one of their programs that year. Some may not know that the program has two variations, the regular cover and one that was used Sept 18th for Thanks Brooks Day.

Attachment 408268

Attachment 408269

A "Gee Thanks Brooks" poster, reprinted from the iconic Norman Rockwell painting, was passed out to fans as part of the game on the 18th.

Attachment 408272




FYI, the other two regular seasons programs from 1977 featured Lee May and Mark Belanger

Attachment 408270

Attachment 408271

Day 188 (July 6, 2020 – 188)

Today I’m picturing a 1997 Topps contract accepted and agreed to by Brooks Robinson. Brooks was agreeing to autograph 1,000 reprints of his Topps Rookie card and of course allowing Topps to pretty much use the cards any way they please.

Attachment 408426

1955 Robert Gould Statues
 

In 1955, Robert Gould Company issued a set of All-Star statues. The company was located in New York, but I don't know much more about them. The series contained 28 player statues. The statues were made of hard white plastic. They measure up to 3 1/2" tall. They come with round bases and the player's names embossed on the front. The statues were sold attached by rubber band to a card that had a drawing of the player and stats. The cards seem to be much more difficult to find than the statues. There were several other sets of statues by Dairy Queen and Big League Stars in 1956, that have a similar look to the Robert Gould set, but I don't believe they included cards.

The only set to include an Oriole was the Robert Gould set.

1955 Robert Gould statue & card of Joe Coleman

Attachment 408432 Attachment 408430

Mark,

Very interesting and cool piece. It leads me to a couple questions. It looks like part of the deal was to give Brooks 100 cards for himself. Does that me he received 10% of the autographed cards back for his own use or did he receive cards that weren't autographed.

When I had my "Pro Debut" with Aberdeen in 2014, I asked the Topps representative at the game if I could have 20-25 of my cards, when they were printed, for family and friends. I got zero... :mad: I had to pick them up off dealers to pass out to people.

Value City Brooks Robinson
 

Good afternoon,

Here's a signed photo of Brooks, I'm guessing from a personal appearance at a Value City Furniture Store.

Attachment 408466

I really like the Gould statue. Would have been better if they added more Orioles. While I like the statue I like the card even better. Those have to be tough to find.

Good question. I would think it would be just the cards w/o the autograph. My reasoning is, why not just sent 900 back if you’re just going to get 100 right back.

You had to buy the 2014 Topps Alan Strout card that you gave me. I guess I owe you some compensation.

I would think so. Is it larger than an 8x10?

Hi Mark,

No, it is an 8 x 10.

Day 189 (July 7, 2020 – 189)

I haven’t had this poster framed yet and as you can see just took a quick photo of it (sorry about that). I would assume the poster is from 1976 since it pictures Reggie which, as you know, was his only year on the Orioles. The Orioles illustrated poster is by Jack Davis, of MAD Magazine fame, and measures around 18”x24”. The poster is an ad for Natty Boh and shows all the Oriole stars of the day. You can see Brooks is drawn with a vacuum cleaner for arms; love it!

1976 National Bohemian Poster

Attachment 408637

Hello all.

Please excuse today's post. I'll try and make it as Orioles related as possible.

You'll need a basic knowledge of Orioles uniform numbers to fully appreciate it.

Attachment 408641 Attachment 408642

Mark Belanger and Cal Ripken Sr both wore uniform #7

Attachment 408643 Attachment 408644

Jerry Adair wore uniform #7, while Brady Anderson wore #9.


On July 7, 1979 I married my high school sweetheart. She certainly deserves thanks for putting up with me all these years and my collection taking over a good part of her house.


Attachment 408646


Happy 41st Anniversary to the love of my life

Attachment 408645

Alan:

Happy Anniversary to you & your wife! I'll never forget your Anniversary because today is also my birthday :)

When I turned 50 a few years ago, I got this thoughtful gift from Cal Jr.:

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

I'll have to look it up (unless someone here knows it) but I believe Brooks hit a milestone HR (a walk off perhaps?) on this date too!

When I was a kid, I remember the only Oriole player I shared a birthday with was infielder Tim Nordbrook....I'm not sure if that's still the case but here is a mid 1970's signed game used bat of his (I told him we shared a birthday when he signed it at a FanFest years ago lol).

https://i.imgur.com/RRPw1K9.jpg

Thanks Bill.

Happy Birthday to you. That's a very cool baseball.

I know Brooks hit a grand slam in the 10th to beat the Yanks on this day in 1970.

Happy Birthday Bill! My sons birthday is tomorrow...

Alan,

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Hope you two have an awesome day!

Day 190 (July 8, 2020 – 190)

Today our small family is celebrating our son’s birthday. Brooks Comer was born on July 8th and was named after my hero. I don’t know how many people have named their son after Brooks, but it’s a lot; I’ve personally met quite a few. Brooks is married and has moved out of the house, but he’s a great young man and I’m very proud. He didn’t follow the baseball path but was extremely good in the martial arts and playing trumpet in the marching band when in school. I’m still giving away karate trophies from when he was competing in tournaments; he had over fifty 6-foot trophies…

"Brooks (Robinson) never asked anyone to name a candy bar after him. In Baltimore, people named their children after him." - Gordon Beard

On this day in 1958 the Orioles hosted the All-Star Game in Memorial Stadium. While I don’t have many pennants here’s two from the All-Star Game. The American League came out on top 4-3 after a great performance by left-hander Billy O’Dell put away nine straight National Leaguers to save the victory for the American League. Gus Triandos was the only other Oriole on the All-Star roster in 1958.

Attachment 408721
Attachment 408722

Brooks Robinson didn’t make the All-Star Game until 1960 so I’ll picture his 1958 Jays Publishing 5X7 photo which coincides with the same year as the ’58 AS game played at Memorial Stadium.

1958 Jays Publishing photo

Attachment 408723

Day 191 (July 9, 2020 – 191)

Were you a member of the Topps Sports Club? I wasn’t, but here’s a form for the mail in to join the new Topps Sports Club. What do you receive you may ask? Well, you receive three times a year newspaper, a sampling of the newly released sports cards and an autographed picture of a top sports figure (wonder if it was a facsimile) along with a membership certificate. Also, there were exciting premiums that I’ll let you read on your own.
It’s neat how they have a drawing of a young person with a Yankees hat holding the 1975 Topps Brooks card.

1975 Topps Sports Club membership application form

Attachment 408850

Here’s the Topps #50 “mini” version which I didn’t even know existed when I was young. The minis were sold in Michigan and on the West Coast and replicate the “regular” issue Topps card apart from their size.

1975 Topps #50 mini

Attachment 408851

1975 Topps #50 mini back

Attachment 408852

1964 Ed-U-Cards game
 

Ed-U-Cards , a company headquartered out of Long Island, NY manufactured baseball themed card games beginning around 1949. Most of the games were very similar, with only slight design changes to the packaging.

In 1964, Ed-U-Cards produced sets for individual teams. I'm not sure if all teams were done, but the Orioles were included. I've seen sets of an additional 10-12 teams. I see them occasionally listed on eBay.

It was a simple game, that involved drawing cards until each batter made an out or reached base. There are 36 cards in the deck and include a game board.

1964 Orioles game box

Attachment 408875

Game board

Attachment 408876

Sample game cards

Attachment 408877

Mark,

Nice looking pennants.

That 1958 Brooks Robinson Jay's photo was short printed and very tough to find. There were two different Orioles photo packs in 1958 and Brooks was only included in one of them.

My wife drew the line at naming one of our sons Brooks, but did allow me to name our first cat Brooks. :D Over the years, we also had pets named Cal and Brady. In Maine, everyone just assumes it was after Tom Brady. :confused:

Mark:

Happy Birthday to your son, Brooks!

I wasn't able to pull off Brooks as a first name, but I was able to get it as a middle name for my youngest son!

https://i.imgur.com/shKhoZ7.jpg

Alan,

Is the box the cards are contained in really small?

Mark,

The box is approximately 4" x 5" and the cards are the same size as regular playing cards.
The box is fairly thin with two rows of 18 cards fitting inside. The rules and playing field came folded up.

Day 192 (July 10, 2020 – 192)

The Orioles were back in the World Series in 1971, but ultimately lost to the Pirates in seven games. I have and envelope which contained the 1971 World Series credentials for an employee at the Providence Bulletin.

Attachment 409080

Within the envelope was an Orioles 1971 World Series Press Notes.

Attachment 409081

There may have been more items within the credential packet, but the last item was the orange Clubhouse – Field Pass for the 1971 World Series games.

Attachment 409082

Below is the Orioles press pin for the 1971 World Series.

Attachment 409083

Back in October of 2009, Brooks was honored with an "Evening" at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, which also served as a fundraiser for the Babe Ruth Museum....

It was a great event indeed with Brooks sitting up on the stage with friends, Orioles alum (Hansen, Cal, Palmer, etc.) & family sharing stories about him and his career.

Printed on the admission tickets was "no autographs" and people that walked in with bats, photos, pennants, etc. were told to take them back to their car.

When the event was over, the organizers were trying to have Brooks immediately exit back stage, but in typical Brooks fashion he ended up signing the event program for anyone that stood in line (including me and my son)...

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

[QUOTE=roarfrom34;1997700]Back in October of 2009, Brooks was honored with an "Evening" at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, which also served as a fundraiser for the Babe Ruth Museum....

It was a great event indeed with Brooks sitting up on the stage with friends, Orioles alum (Hansen, Cal, Palmer, etc.) & family sharing stories about him and his career.

Printed on the admission tickets was "no autographs" and people that walked in with bats, photos, pennants, etc. were told to take them back to their car.

When the event was over, the organizers were trying to have Brooks immediately exit back stage, but in typical Brooks fashion he ended up signing the event program for anyone that stood in line (including me and my son)...

Hi Bill,

What a great story and program! I love hearing about Brooks doing things like that. I remember I was unable to attend that event because it was a Monday and I couldn't come down from Pennsylvania.

The 2018 'Dinner with the 1983 Orioles' was the same story, since it was on a Wednesday. Were you and your son able to attend that event?

[QUOTE=ripfan008;1997739]Mike:

Unfortunately I was out of the area on business the night of the '83 Gala and I missed it.

At the Orioles Fan Fest the following January, the Babe Ruth Museum had a table set up and were selling programs and posters they had left over from the event.

I bought them both and here is the program and I'll post the poster (which is really cool) at a later date:

https://i.imgur.com/GdC7Bqt.jpg

Day 193 (July 11, 2020 – 193)

First up today is a letter, with The Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods Company letterhead, from Brooks to Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Wagman who are from York, PA where Brooks got his start as a minor leaguer with the York White Roses. An interesting piece of the letter discusses the possibility of soon opening a sporting goods store in the Queensgate Shopping Mall. It would make sense that this somehow relates to the plastic disc that Alan (BaltOrioles) pictured from Post #210. Would be neat to find out how the disc was used.

Attachment 408878

I picked up this sweater just for the Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods tag. I know the sporting goods store made Oriole jerseys; would be nice to have one of the jerseys they made with the Brooks tag.

Attachment 408879
Attachment 408880

Lastly, a t-shirt from the sporting goods store. Could I have ironed it? Yes.
Did I iron it? no.

Attachment 408881

Problems - NET54
 

I know the site is having issues; hopefully the pictures will ultimately come back into view...

Day 194 (July 12, 2020 – 194)

The 1964 Topps Coins set consisted of 164 metal coins inserted into the Topps wax packs. There were 120 regular coins and 44 All Star coins. The Brooks coin pictured today is the regular coin from the 1964 set. I really like the photo Topps used for this ’64 coin.

1964 Topps Coin #18

Attachment 408882

While it’s not the best of proofs, since it’s the yellow version, it’s the only front proof I have in my collection.

1964 Topps Coin proof #18

Attachment 408883

Pictured below is a proof of the back of the 1964 Brooks coin.

1964 Topps Coin back proof #18

Attachment 408884

1954 Wilson Franks
 

Esskay Hot Dogs have long been associated with the Baltimore Orioles. Over the years, Esskay has sponsored a variety of items including baseball cards on the packages in 1954-1955.

One player not included in the Esskay card sets was Vern Stephens. I can only assume that's because Stephens was part of another hot dog set.

In 1954, Wilson Franks, a hot dog company based out of Chicago, produced a 20 card set that was distributed in the midwest. The set included big names like Ted Williams, Bob Feller Gil Hodges and Roy Campanella. The only Oriole representative was Vern Stephens.

I really like the look of the cards, but condition is always an issue since the cards were packaged with hot dogs.

1954 Wilson Franks

Attachment 408900

Here is that poster that I referred to the other day which was a companion piece to the 1983 Gala Evening event program that was held in November of 2019:

https://i.imgur.com/78ibnMz.jpg

Mark...I love those Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods items...very unique!

Alan...Nice Stephens Wilson Franks card! Do you have any of the Esskay cards from that era?

Here is an cool Esskay Holiday greeting card from 1995:

https://i.imgur.com/pot13hd.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/vtFxF3B.jpg

1954-55 Esskay Hot Dogs
 

Bill,

I've picked away at the 1954 Esskay set over the years when I find examples in the price range and condition I'm happy with.

I have 21 from the 1954 set, but haven't picked up any from 1955. I don't expect to ever finish either set, but would like to eventually pick up some of the 1955 cards not in the 1954 set.

1954 Esskay Hot Dogs

Attachment 408910 Attachment 408911

Attachment 408912

Love it Bill! I wanted to go to this event so bad, but I had the job thing going and I just couldn’t make it work out (also the travel from FL). I definitely need to pick up “anything” from this awesome event.

Mark that shirt and letterhead is outstanding.

Thanks! Alan has a Queensgate Disc that I’m sure relates some way to the location they were going to have another sporting goods store.

Day 195 (July 13, 2020 – 195)

Bill (roarfrom34) has shown these credit cards before in post #1135, but I already had them scanned for today so here you go. Crown Central Petroleum Corporation 1990’s credit cards, one used and one unused.

Crown Credit Card – used

Attachment 409098

Crown Credit Card – unused

Attachment 409099

Common Crown print – signed

Attachment 409100

A couple of AIU Insurance promotional Japanese posters featuring Cal Ripken Jr. (1997):

https://i.imgur.com/52y6MWH.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/lAcWR6I.jpg

1994 Info Baseball Card Game
 

Information Games, based in Montague MA, produced a baseball playing card game in 1994. I found this brief description of the game online.

"The classic card game that provides fast paced enjoyment for the whole family, from the first card played until the last."

The Orioles Edition consists of 120 cards, each representing an Orioles player's batting or pitching record in his best year. Players from throughout the team's history are included [1954 - 1993]. You select players from your hand according to their strengths and weaknesses, and score points by playing a card with the best value in a particular category (i.e. most home runs) of all the cards played."

This game is a baseball themed trick-taking card game with two suits - pitchers and batters. A player leads with a pitcher or batter and declares which of the 5 stats will be compared (ERA, RBI, etc). The card with the best stat takes the trick. Optional rules for a trivia element of gameplay.

With 120 cards included, the game contains a fairly large mix of star and fringe players. The set includes cards of Brooks Robinson as well as Cal & Billy "Ripkin". No player photos, but still an interesting game to play.

Game Box and Player Cards

Attachment 409109

Attachment 409110

Game Instructions

Attachment 409111 Attachment 409112

Mark, the Letterhead is amazing. Would like to find a ream of it! Thanks for sharing.

Day 196 (July 14, 2020 – 196)

Brooks was the 1970 World Series MVP and one of the gifts was a new Dodge Charger. Shortly after the Series Brooks made a visit to Brenner on October 22, 1970 and did a bit of advertising and a signing for the customers. Below is one of the 8X10 Brooks signed:

1970 Brenner – signed

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Alan...I knew you wouldn't let us down with the Esskay cards! Thanks

Mark....Great photo...Is Brenner a car dealership in MD?

I was remiss in that yesterday was the 29th anniversary of four Oriole pitchers contributing to a No Hitter in Oakland (their last no hitter).

After the game I wrote the A's ticket manager and asked if he could send me a ticket from the game then I had all four participants sign it (this very well may be the only complete signed ticket out there):

https://i.imgur.com/iICkah4.jpg

Orioles No-Hitters
 

Bill,

I'm guessing you are correct. That's an awesome ticket and great heads up to contact the A's.

My favorite O's no-hitter is by far the 1968 gem by Tom Phoebus. I hated the Red Sox as a kid and haven't gotten any kinder as an adult.


Here is the complete list of Orioles No-Hitters with the player's team issued photo from that year.

Hoyt Wilhelm (Sept 20, 1958 vs NY Yankees) 1-0

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Steve Barber & Stu Miller (April 30, 1967 vs Detroit Tigers) Lost 2-1

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Tom Phoebus (April 27, 1968 vs Boston Red Sox) 6-0

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Jim Palmer (Aug 13, 1969 vs Oakland A's) 8-0

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Bob Milacki, Mike Flanagan, Mark Williamson & Gregg Olson (July 13, 1991 vs Oakland A's) 2-0

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It's amazing to realize that Nolan Ryan had seven no-hitters himself.

If I’m not mistaken they had a family of dealerships in Pennsylvania.

Man, that ticket is off the charts cool...

Day 197 (July 15, 2020 – 197)

Avalon Hill is a game company that started in 1954 and the name of the company was influenced by the city where the first games were sold which was Avalon, Maryland. While the company was more known for war type board games, they did make some which were sports related. The company was sold to Hasbro in 1998. Here’s a few items that relate to Avalon Hill.

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Good morning,

Mark- I've never seen that 8 x 10 Brenner Brooks photo before. Very nice.

I recently purchased several magazines featuring Cal Ripken from a gentleman selling his collection. Included were some oddball ones, including Fit Pregnancy Magazine and a 1999 Miami Heat Magazine.

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However, also included was an issue of Wax Pack Magazine that had an article where Bill listed his Top 10 Rarest Cal Items.

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Bill, do you still have that Stroh's photoball? I've certainly never seen one before.

Team Issued Photos
 

Until around 1999, the Orioles produced glossy 8x10 photos of most of their players. The vast majority of those photos were head shots. I've previously posted examples, including a few yesterday.

Occasionally the Orioles used full length photos, instead of head shots. These type of photos show up much less often than the traditional head shots.

Here are a few examples from the 1960-1963 era, including Brooks Robinson

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