Those two bicentennial bats are awesome!

Welcome and great Robinson discs!

Charlie,

Those are two great Topps test issues. The 1967 disc is missing at least a couple colors, but I think on the 1968 all the colors are there. It doesn't really matter too much since they are all proofs anyway.

1976 Hostess Orioles cards
 

I really enjoy the Hostess cards from 1975-1979.

Orioles team sets are not that hard to complete, whether you collect the individual cards or prefer the 3 card panels. However, if you enjoy variations and a bit of a challenge, the 1976 Hostess set is for you.

Most of the Orioles in the 1976 set can be found with cropping differences and/or different color backs.

Here are examples of Jim Palmer (3 buttons or 2 buttons showing on his uniform) and Mike Torrez (common black printing on back and tougher brown back)

Attachment 411889 Attachment 411890 Attachment 411891

Brooks Robinson was one of the panels that was supposedly printed with only the black back. However, I found a Brooks Robinson with a brown back. I think it might be a proof. Notice the print markings between the cards.

Attachment 411892 Attachment 411893

Some of the cropping differences are fairly easy to spot on the Orioles, while others are very slight, but easier to see when panels are compared.

Don Baylor cropping difference in lower right

Attachment 411894

Gene Tenace and Bobby Murcer, compared to Mike Cuellar (creases in uniform compared to printed name)

Attachment 411895

If that's not enough, Hostess also printed some of the cards on their individual Twinkie packages. These usually have product stains and are thicker than the box cards. The Orioles included Bobby Grich, Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson

Attachment 411896 Attachment 411897

OTD in 1994 Cal Ripken Jr. became only the 2nd player in MLB history to play in 2,000 consecutive games.

A few days before the game I wrote a letter to the Twins official scorer (Tom Mee) and asked if he could please send me a copy the official press notes for the game. Not only did he send them to me, but he ALSO sent me the original scored pages from his personal score book.

My buddy worked at a radio station in MD and he saved for me the Associated Press teletype announcing the feat & I then purchased from the Minneapolis Star Tribune a copy of the photo of Cal which appeared on the front page of their paper the next day.

Finally took a signed ticket from the game and had them all professionally matted and framed as a group:

https://i.imgur.com/boe8S3m.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/4nw7BRp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YXFE4dw.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/5e0Qc27.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/gqG9ZIz.jpg

Interestingly, the Twins starting pitcher that evening was Pat Mahomes, father to star QB Patrick.

Those are some very nice items and the framed display make it look very professional.

Day 215 (August 2, 2020 – 215)

A photo from the 1983 Hall of Fame the year Brooks was inducted into Cooperstown. Sorry about the photo I couldn’t fit the whole picture in my scanner. The back has the listing of the players within the photograph.

1983 HOF photo

Attachment 412050
Attachment 412051

1983 Oriole Advocates photo

Attachment 412052

Wire photo of Brooks and Juan Marichal; two of the Hall of Fame inductees

Attachment 412053

couple of signed cachets related to the '83 HOF Induction:

https://i.imgur.com/f7zdaTk.jpg

Since Alston did not attend the ceremony and passed away about a year later, you don't see many items signed by all four.

1969 Brooks Robinson Transogram
 

Thought to show the 1969 Transogram featuring variations of Brooks Robinson to include the figurine. These were released in 1969 with 60 player boxes and figurines. There are many HOF's to include Brooks, Kaline, Aaron, Mays, Mantle and Clemente (others, too). This Box and cards are part of the Brooks PSA Master Set. The Master Set requires the Box, which is depicted (the box does not display nicely as the Bazookas do); the side panel (the smaller headshot), which is depicted; and the larger card on the back, which is shown. I am only aware of one box being graded, which is this one and the larger card with the yellow shown here is one of two graded at PSA 8 (none higher). The smaller card or side panel is hard to grade above a 5. Finding a nice box featuring Brooks is pretty hard but they appear on Ebay routinely. I hated to cut a box up but admittedly I did to get the side panel. The box was damaged so my sin should be forgivable. You can see my Brooks PSA Master on PSA. Search for Brooksie Master. Lots of items to see (over 262 items in the Master and growing). My set is ranked #2 but I actually have a higher percentage of items on hand (my quality is not as nice as the #1 set). I am constantly upgrading cards, photos, boxes, etc. so if you have anything extra, let me know. I am happy to help you as I have many extra items, if interested. Enjoy!

Charlie,

You have some awesome items in the Brooks Master Registry; think you should be #1.

Really like the transogram card cutout and the box w/the figurine included. I really don’t understand within the registry to grade this box itself and the side picture panel. I get it on the Bazooka’s (sometimes), but not the transogram. Of course I don’t understand other stuff like photos either. As long you’re having fun go for it.

Mark, when I started with the registry I was confused, too. So many different things To chase. Recently they added Coke Caps and Matchbooks. It can be crazy and exhausting. I have learned a lot of “useless” stuff along the way. Thanks for commenting.

I have an extra Brooks plastic transogram figure looking for a home (empty box). Charlie I love the transogram s and glad to see you posting some of your great Brooks collection.
Thanks Scott

Day 216 (August 3, 2020 – 216)

1983 Brooks Robinson Hall of Fame mug

Attachment 412281
Attachment 412282

Lee’s Sports HOF ‘83 Brooks Robinson mini bat

Attachment 412283
Attachment 412284

Hall of Fame yellow plaque signed postcard

Attachment 412285

1996 Big League Chew cards
 

All the posts about the 1983 HOF inductions, that included Juan Marichal, reminded me of a small set of cards from 1996 that included Brooks Robinson, Billy Williams and Juan Marichal. Big League Chew bubble gum has been around for about 40 years and in 1996, Brooks appeared on the front of their packages, as part of an autographed card promotion.

Here's an interesting clip from their website about the history of Big League Chew.

https://www.bigleaguechew.com/about

There were three different flavors, original, strawberry and grape. I believe Brooks Robinson was only on the original. An offer on the back allowed you to order one autographed card of the player of your choice. Here's the packaging.

Attachment 412296 Attachment 412297

1996 Big League Chew card

Attachment 412298

Mark,

Very cool mug. I've never seen it before. I was at the 1983 HOF Induction weekend, but don't remember seeing any mugs. Was it available then or produced later?

1991 Toronto Sun Cal Ripken
 

Alan, my father didn't allow chewing gum in the house when I was growing up but made a one-time exception when Big League Chew came out with the Brooks pack so that I could get a package and a card.

Cal was the MVP of the AL in 1991 and was also the MVP of that year's All-Star Game, held in Toronto. Below is a full Toronto Sun paper from the day after the ASG.

Attachment 412312

Here is the retail point of sale ad piece from the Big League Chew promotion:

https://i.imgur.com/dlIzVA0.jpg

Alan,

I believe it was produced after the fact and don't think it was available at the time of induction (at least that I know of).

Day 217 (August 4, 2020 – 217)

HOF Coin

Attachment 412399
Attachment 412400

HOF Pin

Attachment 412401

HOF plate

Attachment 412402

Cal Bar Display
 

Good morning,

Bill, I love that Big League Chew display. I'll have to look for that one.

Here is the point of purchase Cal Bar display:

Attachment 412406

Cal Ripken Candy Bars
 

Mike,

Seems like the perfect time to post some Cal Bars...

Attachment 412407


Having your own candy bar was the rage for awhile. Not Orioles, but here are a few more candy bars of Wade Boggs, Ken Griffey Jr and Reggie Jackson.

Attachment 412408

A couple of variations to the quote, but here you go...

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

Alan...You're right...In the early 90's it seemed like a lot of guys had candy bars named after them.

During the heyday of the Cal Candy Bar, I took a trip to the Morley Candy Co.'s Millersville (MD) retail location to see if I could find anything unique....

This plastic sign was displayed in their storefront window and the manager told me that they'd save it for me once the promotion was over (and he kept that promise):

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

Day 218 (August 5, 2020 – 218)

On Friday night August 5, 1983 a large crowd arrives at Memorial Stadium for the “Brooks Robinson Hall of Fame Celebration Night” where the first place Orioles were taking on the AL West leading White Sox. The Orioles with 14 hits, all singles, come out on top with a 5-4 victory over the Sox. A commemorative print was produced and this one is signed by the newly inducted HOF third baseman.

1983 Brooks Robinson Hall of Fame Celebration Night foldout

Attachment 412538
Attachment 412539
Attachment 412540

B&W photo of the interior of the foldout by Baltimore’s own Morton Tadder

Attachment 412541

1959 Miami Marlins
 

1959 marked the return of the Orioles from Arizona to Florida for spring training. For the next 30 years, the Orioles would conduct spring training in Miami. It also began a long relationship with Miami as an Orioles minor league affiliate.

1959 Orioles Spring Training Program and Marlins Roster

Attachment 412548 Attachment 412546


In 1959 and 1960, the Miami Marlins were a AAA affiliate of the Orioles. After a short break, Miami would return as an Orioles A affiliate from 1966-1981. Miami also served as a co-op team in 1982 and 1987.

The Marlins finished 71-83 in 1959 and a quick look through the roster shows about 15 players that appeared for the Orioles and one point or another. the most recognizable players included Jack Fisher, Wes Stock, Fred Valentine and George Zuverink.

1959 Miami Marlins program

Attachment 412547

Attachment 412555 Attachment 412553 Attachment 412554 Attachment 412551

Here is an OMLB signed by Curt Blefary and every other Oriole Rookie of the Year (with inscription)..Obviously the key is Blefary who unfortunately passed away in 2001:



https://i.imgur.com/cCd77xV.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/69irg6a.jpg

Robinson oddballs
 

Attached are Robinson items looking for a new home. Prefer to trade for other Orioles items I do not have.

1973 Topps Comics Brooks
 

One of my favorite Brooks rarities in my PC. (I just noticed I screwed up the scan on this one somehow - sorry)

Rich, that 73 Comics is a hard one to find. It looks perfect. Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

1973 Comics
 

I believe that this one was never issued with gum. There is no evidence of any adhesive on it and no fold marks. Sorry the scan does not do it justice.

Rich

Love the Brooks Night foldout! I was there that night with my dad, as a 9 year old fan.

Day 219 (August 6, 2020 – 219)

In 1979 the Orioles found themselves in a rematch of the 1971 World Series with the Pittsburg Pirates. You must give it to Willie Stargell and his “Family” for, once again in a seven-game series, coming out on top in 1979.

Below is an Orioles 1979 bright orange cardboard directional sign that was posted on the route to Memorial Stadium for the Series.

1979 Orioles cardboard sign

Attachment 412697

Common 1979 Coral Lee postcard #13 of Brooks wearing the orange Orioles jersey with the white panel front O’s cap. Brooks is looking happy in this picture; I like it.

Attachment 412698
Attachment 412699

Good looking Brooks Comic!

Bill,

Very nice looking ROY ball. Especially like the Blefary on the SS which makes it even better IMV.

Upper Deck Limited Edition Sheets
 

I came across these again over the weekend and forgot how many of these Upper Deck sheets featured Brooks Robinson.

For a few years, Upper Deck printed Limited Edition sheets (although most of them aren't very limited) for various events. Many of the sheets are very colorful and well done. Most of them are individually numbered.

The first sheet that I'm aware of was printed in 1989 for the National Candy Wholesalers Assn convention to promote their new cards. It featured Cal Ripken.

Attachment 412701

Over the next couple of years, Brooks Robinson appeared on a bunch of different sheets.

Sheets from 1991

Attachment 412702 Attachment 412703


Sheets from 1992

Attachment 412704 Attachment 412705
Attachment 412706


Sheet from 1993

Attachment 412707

Here is another one of those Upper Deck sheets which featured Brooks from 1994, signed by all the players:

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

Bill,

Nice. I have a few other sheets that feature Orioles, just not Brooks, but I've never noticed that one before. It looks real good with all the old-timers autographs (that you can read). Today's players scribbles would ruin it in my opinion.

Wow; thanks for the reminder. Forgot about those. I’m sure I have them tucked away somewhere. I don’t think any of mine are signed.

Day 220 (August 7, 2020 – 220)

An Oriole Scorecard and Review from 1963. This particular game was played on August 7, 1963 between the Orioles and the Cleveland Indians. Brooks is pictured in B&W batting in a home game on the right side of the scorecard.

Attachment 412826

In the same year, but this game was played on April 8 is a UPI photo of Jim Gentile, Luis Aparicio and Brooks prior to the game.

Attachment 412827

1963 Programs
 

Mark,

Just in case you were interested, the 1963 program comes with three different cover variations. Brooks pictured in gray, orange and darker orange. I don't believe any variation is harder than the another.

Attachment 412840 Attachment 412841

Attachment 412842

Ha! Of course I'm interested. I didn't realize there were different versions; thanks for the heads up.

Day 221 (August 8, 2020 – 221)

Back in April I mentioned The Orioles Advocates and one of the organizations they formed was the Junior Orioles. The name was changed along the line and currently it is called the O’s Dugout Club. This is a membership card for the Orioles1968 season.

First is an envelope sent in 1968 to Timmy, in Baltimore MD, with his membership packet.

Attachment 412998

Included in the envelope was a May 1968 issue of the Junior Orioles Bird Call.

Attachment 412999

1968 Baltimore Orioles Junior Orioles Membership card – signed and unsigned

Attachment 413000
Attachment 413001

Also, included in the 1968 packet was a charter member of the Babe Ruth Shrine – signed and unsigned.

Attachment 413002
Attachment 413003

Of course, in 1968 kids would have been collecting the 1968 Topps baseball cards, but some would be playing baseball related board games, one of them being a Milton Bradley game called, Win-A-Card that came with 100 cards which were produced by Topps. The Milton Bradley set of cards contained baseball, football, and hot-rod cards. Here’s the Brooks example…

1968 Topps Milton Bradley #20

Attachment 413004
Attachment 413005

Oh, and if you were a baseball card fan in Canada in 1968 you were collecting the O-Pee-Chee cards.

1968 OPC Brooks Robinson #20

Attachment 413006
Attachment 413007

Mark,

Even though I was never a Junior Oriole, I love that type of stuff. Here's a Junior Oriole kit from 1987 as well as a few more Bird Calls from 1966-1969.

Attachment 413009

Attachment 413010 Attachment 413011

Attachment 413012 Attachment 413013



Very nice Milton Bradley card. I've found centering to be an issue with them. Mark Belanger is the other Oriole in the set.

I have a near complete run of OPC team sets from 1965 up, missing a few cards. I think OPC cards are under appreciated.

Futures at Fenway Game
 

11 years ago today, I had the best seats at Fenway Park in Boston, that I have ever had or expect to have. I was sitting right beside the visitors dugout. I don't have much love for the Sox, but this was a good day.

I'm not sure if they still do it, but for a few years the Red Sox hosted Futures games with two of their minor league affiliates playing against another team's affiliates. In 2009, the Bowie BaySox and Norfolk Tides played at Fenway. The tickets were only about $5. No assigned seats. You could sit wherever you wanted and see both games. Concession prices were also reduced.

Program from the game.

Attachment 413014

Game Used First Base from the second game of the Red Sox/Orioles double header on 10/05/01 which was not the only the 2nd to last game in Cal Ripken Jr.'s career but his 3000th career game as well....

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

Brooks Bazooka
 

Good morning. I am sharing my run of Brooks Bazooka Cards, Panels, Stamps, and Complete Boxes. This is the complete list of Bazookas required for the Brooks PSA Master. I believe the Master requires 22 but I have the 68 Tip from Topps in a Panel and single picture version without the panel written details (these two are considered the same). I include all the pictures and then some close ups. Some of these are easier than others. I found the singles were easier to find than the Complete Boxes. The 1966/67 Single Picture of Brooks, 1967 Panel, and 1968 Tips from Topps Single are the highest pop meaning none graded higher. The 1963 is impeccable but missing the flap. On anther box, it too is without tabs but they graded much higher with a caveat (i.e., missing tabs). The 1964 box had the 10 Bazooka Stamps affixed to it and PSA would not grade. I worked on it for a few hours with a blow dryer and my finger nail and the stamps came off with some paper loss but it graded as a two. Both boxes are limited (I think the population is 2 each). I would love to upgrade a lot of these to include the 1967 Complete Box. I have a few extras available for trading. There has to be a 1965 Bazooka Complete Box out there with Brooks but I am not sure one is graded. If anyone has any questions or interested in discussing a trade, please let me know. Enjoy!!!

Charlie- Thise Bazooka look great ! Is that a 71 numbered panel ? That’s a tough piece!
What grade is your 68 box and 68 panel ? Good looking stuff !
Scott

Charlie,

Great Bazooka items! You have some awesome Brooksie stuff.

Those Brookszookas are awesome!

Mark what’s the tell on the 1968 MB’s? Color?

Scott, yes...that is a 1971 Numbered Panel.

The 1968 Bazooka Box Panel Hand Cut is a PSA 8 and I have a PSA 7, too. The Single Card counts as a Panel and that is a PSA 10. The 1968 Complete Box is a PSA 5 and I have a PSA1.

Thanks

MB
 

Clint,

The easiest way is the back of the cards. The regular Topps have a dark yellow or orangish backing. The MB backs are a relatively bright yellow color; definitely a noticeable difference when you have them side by side.

Day 222 (August 9, 2020 – 222)

Cal Ripken Sr. was the Orioles manager for 1987 as they went to a final record of 67-95 to finish 6th place in the AL East. There were a few Orioles that had a good year, but overall, the team didn’t put it all together. If you remember Henry Peters, the General Manager, was out of a job.

Today here’s a 1987 American League annual pass to all parks for Brooks and Party.

Attachment 413112
Attachment 413113

I don’t see this art print come up for sale that often; it’s a print from 1987 by artist Rockstad. I didn’t take it out of the wrapping so may look a little bit weird in the picture.

Attachment 413114

1988 Starting LineUp Talking Baseball Game
 

Most of us remember the Starting LineUp figures that came out in 1988. They lasted until around 2001 and we probably have some in our collections. You may not be familiar with the Starting LineUp electronic baseball game, that also debuted in 1988. It was fairly expensive at the time and only lasted one year. The game did include baseball cards.

Here's a video of someone demonstrating the game. It's a little long, but you'll get the idea of the game quickly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NZIvC8Ff2w

While I didn't pickup the game, I did add the two Orioles team sets to my collection.

The original game came with American & National League All-Stars cards. Here's the three All-Star Orioles.


Attachment 413115

You could purchase additional game cartridges of the other 1988 teams. The Orioles cartridge included the Yankees & Red Sox. I did buy the cartridge for the cards. Different cards were packaged with the cartridges.

1988 Starting LineUp Orioles Cartridge & Team Set

Attachment 413120

Attachment 413116 Attachment 413117
Attachment 413118

Mark...nice items from 1987.....Alan, I've always loved those '88 Starting Lineup cards

One of the most significant moments from that Orioles '87 season happened on 09/14 at old Exhibition Stadium in Toronto...

With the Orioles trailing 17-3 entering the top of the 8th, Cal Ripken Jr. batted however manager Ripken Sr. replaced him at SS with future MLB manager Ron Washington in the bottom of the frame....It was the FIRST time that Cal Jr. had missed an INNING since being pinch hit for back on 06/04/82 spanning 8,264 consecutive innings (a major league record).

The Blue Jays also set a MLB record that night by hitting 10 home runs, drubbing the Orioles 18-3.

The next day I wrote the Blue Jays a letter requesting a ticket to the game & they generously responded by sending both a game program & ticket:

https://i.imgur.com/sQFKl6j.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/JRvdNKd.jpg

About 20 years ago I was able to then add the jersey that Washington wore that game as well:

https://i.imgur.com/vZ4b8a5.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/JyOPpea.jpg

Bill,

Great story that deserves a couple of Ron Washington pics.

1987 Team Issued Postcard and 8x10 Photo

Attachment 413136

Attachment 413135

Thanks Alan!

I sent that postcard to Washington in ST of 2019 (c/o of the Braves) and I haven't gotten it back yet (fingers crossed!).

Day 223 (August 10, 2020 – 223)

While I don’t necessarily collect cachets, I do pick them up now and then. A cachet of course is just a message or design on an envelope and marked with postal stamp. The following related to Brooks’ Hall of Fame induction.

Attachment 413243
Attachment 413244
Attachment 413245

Nice cachets Mark.....I enjoy collecting collecting these because I think they look cool signed and they don't take up a lot of space...

There was a short lived period in the mid 1980's where The Sporting News issued a publication geared toward "Young America."

In April of '84 they did a nice article on the Ripken family and put the entire clan on the cover....

https://i.imgur.com/97u7Zxm.jpg

Bill,

That is very cool. I have a nice clean copy that hasn't been written all over if you want to swap. :D

1994 Orioles Program Cards
 

In 1994, had a great idea to combine baseball cards with their Orioles Magazine programs. I only wish the Orioles had continued in future years. A sheet of 9 cards was inserted inside each program. The sheets were in a plastic bag, so they didn't need to be torn out of the program. The cards themselves are perforated. Not only did the Orioles do cards of their 40 man roster, but also included most of the minor league players in their system. A total of 12 sheets (108 players) make up the set.

Here are a few examples of the sheets.

Attachment 413255 Attachment 413256
Attachment 413257 Attachment 413258

Day 224 (August 11, 2020 – 224)

I really like the oversized, 3 3/8” by 5 3/8”, 1947-66 Exhibits which were manufactured and distributed by the Exhibit Supply Company of Chicago, Ill. As you know they are black and white with relatively heavy cardboard stock, unnumbered and blank backed.

1947-66 Exhibits

Attachment 413402

1947-66 Exhibits signed

Attachment 413403

Back on the 1st of the month I shared my scorecards/framed display from Cal's 2000th consecutive game in Minneapolis...

Cal had another memorable event happen in Minneapolis which was back in April of 2000, when he got his 3,000th career hit (and I was very fortunate to be there).

About 10 years ago, I saw this Metrodome commemorative OMLB at the HOF gift shop and had the idea of having Cal Jr. sign it with both dates BUT when a friend got me this Metrodome used seatback (#8 no less) just a couple years ago, I had the idea of getting that signed with those accomplishments as well!

https://i.imgur.com/IdVTkGD.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/WLSSGqS.jpg

1965 Team Issued Postcards
 

I thought I would get back to my roots today, by posting the Orioles 1965 team issued postcards. The postcards are B&W and 3.25' x 5.5". The set contains 33 cards and a few HOF players, including the first postcard of Jim Palmer. However, the key postcards to complete the set are Darold Knowles and Carl Warwick. These two were printed later in the season and are a quarter inch shorter than the others.

Attachment 413408 Attachment 413409
Attachment 413410 Attachment 413411
Attachment 413412 Attachment 413413
Attachment 413414 Attachment 413415
Attachment 413416

Bill,

Very nice items. They reminded me of a decal I picked up years ago that commemorated Cal's 3000 hits, but I can't remember the story behind it. Was this given out by the Orioles or some other source?

Attachment 413419

Alan:

The first home stand back from Minneapolis, the Orioles had a pre-game ceremony for Cal & I believe these decals were given out with a program purchase (I know they really wanted him to get that hit at Camden Yards).

Bill

Day 225 (August 12, 2020 – 225)

I think SPORT magazine had some great looking cover shots over the years. This publication has been shown before, but it has one of the best-looking cover shots of Brooks in my view.

1972 SPORT June issue

Attachment 413488

This is another SPORT magazine with Jerry West of the Lakers featured on the cover along with a feature article on Brooks. I was a Baltimore Bullets fan growing up and while a bit farther back than I can recall, but read that Jerry West had the Bullets number in the 1965 Western Division Finals. West averaged 46.3 points per game to beat the Bullets in six games.

1965 SPORT March issue

Attachment 413489

From my experience the '65 team issue postcards are tough to find. I have a Brooks example, but it was pasted in a scrapbook and it has the paper on the back. Maybe one day I'll find one in better condition.

so cool!

Orioles Kids Magazine
 

2010 launched the beginning of a publication entitled Orioles Kids. Printed four times a year, the magazine targeted young fans with player stories, puzzles and games. Nick Markakis was on the cover of the first edition. Eventually, an Orioles Kids subscription became part of the Junior Orioles program. It was also sold at the gift shops inside Oriole Park.

I'm not sure why, but Orioles Kids ended in 2018, after 35 issues. Brooks Robinson was on the last cover of the magazine and the only retired player to be featured. Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Manny Machado and Zach Britton all appeared on three different covers.

First Issue of Orioles Kids magazine in 2010

Attachment 413499


Last issue in 2018 with Brooks Robinson

Attachment 413500

I only have the Brooks example, but really like the format and photos used on these publications.

Day 226 (August 13, 2020 – 226)

The 1971 Topps coins had 153 coins in the set and were issued in three series with different backs colored backs in each series. There were several different front patterns and the Brooks coin has a blue rim with the red inner boarder.

1971 Topps Coin #114

Attachment 413624

1971 Topps Coin #114 proof

Attachment 413625

Spring Training Programs in Norfolk
 

The Orioles moved their AAA affiliate to Norfolk, VA in 2007. Since that time, the Orioles have played several exhibition games in Norfolk at the end of spring training, especially when the O's opened the regular season in Baltimore.

Exhibition Programs in Norfolk from 2007-2018

Attachment 413626

Attachment 413627

Attachment 413628

Attachment 413629

Attachment 413630


However, 2007 wasn't the first time the Orioles ended spring training in the Norfolk area. The Orioles played the NY Mets a couple of times during Brooks Robinson's career.

1962 spring Training program

Attachment 413631

1971 Spring Training program

Attachment 413632

Mark & Alan...Great pieces as always (love the coin proof especially!).

As Alan showed, it was common back in the day for MLB clubs to play their minor league affiliates in exhibition games...

Here is a signed program from May of 1998 when the Orioles played their Class A Level Delmarva Shorebirds....Ironically both Cal Ripken Jr. & Ryan Minor are pictured on the cover and just four months later, Minor would play third base in a game that ended Cal's consecutive game streak:

https://i.imgur.com/vHErYK3.jpg

Bill

I love that program, but if I'm not mistaken, the game was actually in Bowie and the Orioles played an All-Star team from all their affiliates. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Alan...you are absolutely correct! The photo with Minor in a Shorebirds uniform threw me off!

Thanks

Day 227 (August 14, 2020 – 227)

This 1962 Brooks Robinson Topps card looks a bit rough. This was the middle card, which of course has been cut out, on a 1962 Topps Salesman Sample three-card advertising panel. I’ve seen some complete three-card salesman sample panels for the 1962 Topps cards, but not a sample with this Brooks card included.

1962 Topps Salesman Sample – cutout

Attachment 413736
Attachment 413737

I probably need an upgrade to my '62 Topps Brooks signed card, but might as well picture the thing...

1962 Topps #45 - signed

Attachment 413738

1962/1963 Orioles Team Photos
 

In addition to the Orioles team issued 8x10 B&W head shot photos, that I've posted numerous times, the Orioles also had some nice team photos. Most of these are 11x14. Here are a couple photos from 1962 & 63. I love the 1963 photo with the block letter uniforms.

1962 Team Photo

Attachment 413751

1963 Team Photo

Attachment 413753

Day 228 (August 15, 2020 – 228)

Today seems like a good day for a couple Brooks photos with his lumber.
A 1971 photograph by Tadder of Brooks at home in Memorial Stadium waiting on-deck with some eye black, B. Robinson on his back, BR on the knob, and his signature short brim helmet with the cut ear flap, just reading the pitcher. That looks like a H&B bat, but it’s has the circle like Adirondack; which is it?

Attachment 413900

Color photo taken by George Brace of Gene Woodling, Brooks Robinson and Gus Triandos in their away uniforms ready for some batting practice.

Attachment 413901

Baltimore Sun wire photo of 15-year-old Brooks in his backyard with a clothesline in the background taking a swing for the camera.

Attachment 413902

Love the 15 year old Brooks. I think that’s the earliest picture I have ever seen of him playing baseball. Great stuff. Keep it coming Mark .

Bowie BaySox - Prince George's Stadium
 

In 1993, the Orioles moved their AA affiliate from Hagerstown, MD to Bowie, MD. Bowie is still the Orioles AA affiliate.

However, Prince George's Stadium, the home of the BaySox, wasn't ready for the 1993 season. While the stadium was being finished, the Baysox played one full season (1993) at Memorial Stadium and a few series in 1994 at fields belonging to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, and the University of Maryland, College Park, as well as the minor league stadiums of the Frederick Keys and Wilmington Blue Rocks.

1993 BaySox Program from Memorial Stadium

Attachment 413915


Prince George's Stadium opened June 16, 1994. Its capacity for baseball is listed at 10,000, but when the Double-A All-Star Game was held there in 2000, the attendance was about 14,000. Until a couple weeks ago, I was only aware of one 1994 BaySox program. You can imagine my excitement when I found a program from the opening weekend at the stadium.

1994 BaySox Program

Attachment 413916


1994 BaySox Program from the opening of Prince George's Stadium

Attachment 413917

Mark:

It wasn't uncommon for players who had contracts with Adirondack to apply dark tape half way up H&B bats to make it look from afar (and on TV) that they were indeed using their bats.

When Cal Ripken Jr. announced he was retiring back in June of 2001, people quickly looked at the Orioles schedule and noted that the last game of the season was slated for September 30th at Yankee Stadium.

Rawlings began producing commemorative baseballs that were going to be used in that game.

The tragic events of 09/11, pushed back the season for awhile and as it turned out the Orioles closed out the '01 season on October 6th at home vs. Boston therefore rendering these Rawlings baseballs obsolete:

https://i.imgur.com/6an5YkF.jpg