Hi, Mark. That Vancouver Mounties Photo of Brooks is amazing. I have been looking for that one, too. Interesting story about that accident Brooks had with the fence...a few years ago I met Brooks and mentioned that collision with the fence and out of nowhere he pulled up part of his shirt and showed me the scar. I was a bit shocked but enjoyed listening to his account of the slide and collision with the fence. What a guy! Thanks for sharing your picture.

Day 336 (December 1, 2020 – 336)

This is an early BALTIMORE one sided flag that was made by Art Flag Company in Brooklyn NY. The flag is fairly large and displays rather nicely. Hey, if anyone has any idea on the year of production that would be neat to know.

Attachment 428693

Once again, Brooks is posed in his trademark stretched out pose with the ball in his outstretched glove and shown robbing Johnny Bench of a sure hit. Unsure if this figure was very popular with fans and collectors at the time or not, but I sure liked it. It’s relatively large (12”x4” or so) for a figure, or I guess you may call it a statue, but it has pretty good detail. Of course, like many figures, the face doesn’t look much like him and looks more like GI Joe (minus the cool looking scar). The 1984 Sculpture is mounted on a wood base is made by Brenn Very along with the companion piece. I believe Brenn Very made the limited number derived by Brooks’ fielding percentage which is .971 (/971).

Attachment 428694
Attachment 428695


Quote: “You have to have some ability, but desire and determination are really what makes you a winner” - Brooks Robinson

Mark:

I picked up one of those Brenn Very pieces as well when they came out...For the time period I think it was done well...

Here is a 1987 Chicago Sun Times press photo and when I got it I thought the very large white border on the bottom was perfect for the Ripken brothers & Carlton Fisk to sign:

https://i.imgur.com/T905JfR.jpg

Here's some love for some obscure Orioles players from 2004...Autographed locker nameplates of Geronimo Gil, Eric DuBose, Bruce Chen & Matt Riley:

https://i.imgur.com/1I1QS7X.jpg

Mark,

Here you go. A few more 15 minutes of fame guys and some early Dave McNally, Steve Barber and Dick Hall photos for you. More to follow :D

Mike Dimmel and Dick Drago

Attachment 428711 Attachment 428712


Luis Exposito and Dave Gallagher

Attachment 428713 Attachment 428714


Dave McNally

Attachment 428718 Attachment 428719


Steve Barber

Attachment 428709 Attachment 428710


Dick Hall

Attachment 428715 Attachment 428717

Bill and Mark,

I also picked up a Brenn Very statue back in the day and agree that it was well done. I don't know how many were sold, but mine is #290/971.

Cool name plates. Gotta have some photos....

Geronimo Gil and Eric DuBose

Attachment 428725 Attachment 428728


Matt Riley and Bruce Chen

Attachment 428726 Attachment 428727

Mine is 66/971....

Here is another locker nameplate. This one is for John Parrish who in his MLB debut in 2000 started a game vs. the Yankees at Camden Yards and the first three batters he faced he struck out (Knoblauch, Jeter & Bernie W.; how many guys can say that?)

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

JP pitched in over 150 games for the Orioles and lives nearby & is considered a freind....Here he is with my son at our Golf Event a couple years ago:

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

Alan,

It’s a great idea to picture all of these since the portrait shots are some of my favorites. Also, even though I mainly collect Brooks I’m an O’s fan at heart and enjoy seeing the players that were on my favorite team.

Day 337 (December 2, 2020 – 337)

Brooks played some minor league ball in 1956 and 1957 for the San Antonio Missions in the Texas League. The team signed baseball is from the 1st year Brooks was on the club.

1956 San Antonio Missions team signed baseball.

Attachment 428934
Attachment 428935
Attachment 428936

Mark,

Very nice looking ball. The autographs are strong for a ball that old. I see a couple names on the ball I have photos of, Willy Quintana, Bill Diemer and Chuck Oertel.

Willy Quintana and Bill Diemer

Attachment 428970 Attachment 428968

Chuck Oertel

Attachment 428969


Also seems like a good time to repost the 1956 & 1957 San Antonio Missions programs

Attachment 428966 Attachment 428967

Orioles 20-Game Winners
 

Mark you asked for photos, so here you go.

While I was growing up, 20-game winners were common place for the Orioles. Over the years, eleven pitchers combined for twenty four 20-game winning seasons. This included an incredible run, of 13 years (1968-1980), when the Orioles had at least one 20-game winner each season and 1971 when the Orioles produced four 20-game winners. Steve Barber was the first in 1963 and Mike Boddicker the last in 1984.

Here are team issued pics of all the Orioles 20-Game winners

20-Game Winners (1 season)

Steve Barber and Mike Boddicker

Attachment 428971 Attachment 428972

Pat Dobson and Mike Flanagan

Attachment 428974 Attachment 428975

Wayne Garland and Scott McGregor

Attachment 428976 Attachment 428977

Steve Stone and Mike Torrez

Attachment 428980 Attachment 428981


20-Game Winners (4 different seasons)

Mike Cuellar and Dave McNally

Attachment 428973 Attachment 428978


20-Game Winner (8 different seasons)

Jim Palmer

Attachment 428979

Day 338 (December 3, 2029 – 338)

An artist Micheal Ricker created a statue of Brooks entitled “The Legend Lives”. The statue is a pewter casting and is about 10” in height. Of course it has Brooks’ Golden Glove as a focal point.

Michael Ricker statue – Brooks Robinson “The Legend Lives”

Attachment 429206


(I copied a photo of one on-line. I have this thing packed away somewhere, but couldn’t locate it prior to posting; sorry about that…)

Alan,

Here's the other panels of the Texas League ball just in case an 8X10 photo is in your collection...

Attachment 429207
Attachment 429208
Attachment 429209

Mark,

Here you go. A few pics of guys on the ball, that I can identify.

Charley Locke and Carl Powis

Attachment 429231 Attachment 429232


Bob Caffery and Bobby Adams

Attachment 429233 Attachment 429234


Dick Luebke and Carl Scheib

Attachment 429235 Attachment 429236


I know I have a Babe Birrer photo somewhere, but must not have scanned it yet.

Thanks Alan; it's nice to put the faces with the names.

Day 339 (December 4, 2020 – 339)

On December 4, 1970 at the Baseball’s 1970 Awards Dinner in Los Angeles we have Johnny Bench the NL MVP, Bob Gibson the NL Cy Young award winner and Brooks Robinson the WS MVP.

1970 Snapshot photos – Johnny Bench, Bob Gibson and Brooks Robinson

Attachment 429391

Now this really isn’t a snapshot photo per se, or maybe it is I’m just not sure, but it’s a really small photo taken by George Brace (about the size of a normal snapshot photo). This is not like a normal snapshot due to the photo being crystal clear.

Attachment 429392

Misc Photos
 

To end the week. here are a few more photos of some guys you may or may not remember as Orioles.

Moe Drabowsky and Mike Fetters

Attachment 429429 Attachment 429430


Carlos Mendez and Kelly Paris

Attachment 429431 Attachment 429434


Justin Turner and Aurelio Rodriguez

Attachment 429436 Attachment 429435


Mike Moriarty and Ramon Nivar

Attachment 429432 Attachment 429433

Day 340 (December 5, 2020 – 340)

This Rawlings Trade Digest cover features the BIG 8 gloves of 8 great stars. The stars pictured are Mickey Mantle, Billy Williams, Warren Spahn, Dick Groat, Tommy Davis, Tom Tresh, Ken Boyer and Brooks Robinson. The features of the BIG 8 gloves were the Double-X Web, Flex-O-Matic Palm, L-Heel, “Deep Well” Pocket, Shearling Lines, Comfo-Lok Wrist Strap, Extended Finger Stalls, X-Laced Fingers, and Select Grade RT58 Leather. Now that’s a lot of features…

I’ve never owned the glove box, nor the individual cutout of Brooks, but maybe one day. I’ve never seen a high grade version of the box card since he’s pictured on the corner of the box. The Trade Digest I have was once in a 3-ring binder, but still looks good to me.

January 1964 Rawlings Trade Digest for Distributors of Rawlings Athletic Equipment

Attachment 429569

I’ve included a Sporting News ad for The Big 8:

Attachment 429570

Here's another ad:

Attachment 429571

This early photo was posted and I know you guys are WAY better than me identifying people. I got that's Brooks now the rest is up to you...

Attachment 429572


Also, if you know the year or round about that would be cool as well. My guess is late 50's.

Misc Photos
 

Here's a few more photos of some forgotten Orioles, the unsung heroes from my childhood O's.

Terry Crowley and Clay Dalrymple

Attachment 429575 Attachment 429576


Pete Richert and Eddie Watt

Attachment 429577 Attachment 429579


Chico Salmon and Larry Haney

Attachment 429578 Attachment 429584


Fred Valentine and Marcelino Lopez

Attachment 429589 Attachment 429586


Curt Motton and Vic Roznovsky

Attachment 429587 Attachment 429588

Day 341 (December 6, 2020 – 341)

I used to love getting the small metal baseball coins growing up. Most of them are long gone and the few that I still have left from when I was young have rust, dings, scratches, etc. I probably have all the normal coins that were put out, but still trying to upgrade a few. Today is a coin that I don’t recall having growing up and that’s the 1965 Old London Coin. To me it’s the best looking coin of the bunch probably because the blue just pops and I really like the picture of Brooks used for the coin. The ’65 Old London Coins were made by Space Magic Ltd.; there were 40 unnumbered coins in the set. The coins arrived individually wrapped in cellophane and were packaged in Old London snacks. I don’t personally have one of Brooks that’s still in the cellophane, but I did get one that is entombed in plastic…

1965 Old London Coin

Attachment 429721

In regard to the Old London coins I do have the small progressive proofs used in making the 1965 Old London Brooks Robinson coin.

1965 Old London coin progressive proofs

Attachment 429722
Attachment 429723
Attachment 429724

Mark....

More fantastic Brooks proofs!

Here is a game used Brooks hat from 1976:

https://i.imgur.com/OlMzWJa.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/kRuazUB.jpg

Hi, everyone. Mark posted some pictures of the 1964 Rawlings Glove Box Big 8. I am fortunate to have the entire set of the hand cut cards. I love this set and enjoy showing it to folks. It escaped me for a few years so happy to share. I have this in the PSA Registry. The quality score is at 3.34, which is low but given the condition sensitivity of the set, it is pretty good. Mine is ranked #2 and the #1 set (707 Sports...he has a lot of stuff that is very, very expensive) is in the 7 range, which is amazing. The Brooks and Mantle are pretty nice relatively speaking and both pretty hard to find and expensive. I recently upgraded the Mantle and subsequently sold the lower graded Mantle to off set the cost. I would love to upgrade more if anyone has any "extra." Also, I included one of the two panels. Surprisingly, this is the highest graded PSA panel with Brooksie. I am looking for the Mantle panel but they are tough to find. Also, looking for the entire box. They are extremely rare but out there. Recently, i assembled 9 of the 10 1964-1966 Rawlings Premium Photographs that are identical to the Hand Cut Cards from the Big 8 Box. There are two variations. Brooks has a second picture with a Bird on Hat and Mantle with a black T-shirt. I sent these to PSA for grading. Once back, i hope to add to the Registry. Sorry if i used the word "I" too much. Thought folks would enjoy seeing these and some additional details.

P.S. for Mark...I included a pretty beat up extra Brooks Hand Cut Card if you want to trade for a certain "original" piece of Art!!!

Bill,

You really need to thin out that Brooksie stuff and focus of what you’re meant for; the Ripken family ;)

AKA - Love the cap!!

Charlie,

That’s just an awesome collection. Very tough to find the cutouts in nice shape. Are you #1 in any of the PSA registries?

I tell you what... throw in the panel with Brooks included, the graded Brooks example and I’ll let you keep the beat up version. What do you think? I know...I know... I’m giving you way too good of a deal.

Don't want to be a downer and rain on the parade, but the lack of his obligatory (southpaw) slant in that autograph would concern me, no? And the lines are real sharp, in contrast to his usual bubbly curviness (among other things, like the basic formation of the letters). You didn't happen to get it in person, did you? This all immediately jumps out at me, so I felt it was important to mention it. Hope I'm wrong.

These are my in-person signatures (from a long ass time ago)...
Attachment 429849

Darren,

Glad that you hope you’re wrong, since you’re wrong :D

Oh, and you can send those two old, outdated autographs my way...:eek:

You mean he signed/signs that way also? Wow. Who woulda thunk it? (Now you're going to point to a specific post in this thread that shows the same type of autograph. :D)

Day 342 (December 7, 2020 – 342)

While I’m not much of an autograph person I do like some items that are signed. Below is a nice signed 8x10 photo of the Orioles infield during the ‘70’s. Pictured you have Brooks, Mark Belanger, Davey Johnson and Boog Powell; what a great infield it was.

Attachment 429905

Quote: “Where I’d come from, that was a hit. Brooks was on it instantly, and without even looking, threw to second for a force. Then, there was a throw to first, double play, inning over, in half a second. I was sitting in the bullpen and my mouth fell open. I went, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me! I don’t believe what I just saw!'” – Elrod Hendricks

Attachment 429906

Ha! There's probably one in here "somewhere" that looks like the one on the cap, but I don't wanna look.

Here's a screen grab that looks similar, or at least I can tell (maybe not you :eek:) It seems when Brooks signs GU items he sometimes will just use the line for the B and the R; probably to not get the area messed up with the roll in the B and R. In Bill's cap example you can see that and likely didn't want his signature within the "5" under the bill.

In the early days the slant was in the opposite direction typically going from down to up.

Attachment 429907

Elrod Hendricks
 

Mark's quote from Elrod Hendricks reminded me that I haven't given Ellie much love during the year. Brooks Robinson is considered "Mr Oriole". In my opinion, second place should go to Elrod Hendricks. For 37 years, 9 as a player and 28 as a coach, Elrod wore the Orioles uniform. He was truly an ambassador for the Orioles and baseball. He was great with fans, always taking time to interact with them, giving autographs and smiling. I can't believe it's been 15 years since he passed away. He is truly missed each year at spring training.

Here are some Elrod Hendricks items

2005 Program from his funeral

Attachment 429936


1976 English Chicken Lid

Attachment 429937


Team Issued 8x10 photos as player and coach

Attachment 429938 Attachment 429939

Attachment 429940 Attachment 429941

Attachment 429942 Attachment 429943

Attachment 429944 Attachment 429945

I rec'd this autograph and a couple others from Brooks in-person about 5-6 years ago when I was helping out at a MAB show in MD....I think because of what he was signing (underneath the bill of a hat) and the way he had to hold it, he didn't use any slants....

Alan....Thanks for remembering Elrod...So many kids in Baltimore (and elsewhere) got their very first autograph from him!

Bill I was at a KC game against the Orioles in KC and Elrod was a bench coach. I’m the only guy in KC with an Orioles jersey on and probably the only one who knew who he was. I asked for his auto after the game and got snubbed. I didn’t hold it against him but come on man show a little love.��

Great hat by the way!

Alan,

Thanks for posting the Elrod items; really liked him as both a player and coach.

Day 343 (December 8, 2020 – 343)

Brooks looks so happy in The Sporting News 1962 Topps American League All Star card #468. Love the look of this card.


Attachment 430092
Attachment 430093

This is a 1962 Topps AS #468 blank back proof version. This example is a bit different since it has the black on the card but notice it doesn’t have the black 3 base on the bottom of the card.

Attachment 430094
Attachment 430095

To go along with the above we’ll need a signed version of the ’62 AS card.

Attachment 430096

Ok; then we’ll need at least one progressive proof of the 1962 Topps All Star (which is all I have...).

Attachment 430097

AND last but not least a 1962 Topps All Star #468 printing plate. That’ll be enough for one day…

Attachment 430098

It was nice of the Orioles to memoralize Elrod by placing his #44 on the sleeve of their jerseys in 2006:


https://i.imgur.com/cUIiY79.jpg

Orioles Photos
 

For some reason, I enjoy portrait photos much more than action shots. I love the simplicity of the older B&W head shots.

Here are a few more from the 1950's. Some should be familiar, a couple may not.


Hoot Evers and Tito Francona

Attachment 430127 Attachment 430128


Billy Hunter and Lou Kretlow

Attachment 430129 Attachment 430130


Bob Kuzava and Don Lenhardt

Attachment 430131 Attachment 430132


Dick Littlefield and Gus Triandos

Attachment 430133 Attachment 430134

Day 344 (December 9, 2020 – 344)

On May 18, 1975 the Orioles played the California Angels at home. Nolan Ryan was the pitcher for the Angels this day and pitched 8.2 innings and gave up 2 hits and 1 ER. Ryan also picked off Al Bumbry at 2nd base during the game. Mike Torrez was the O’s picture and did a pretty good job even though the home team came up short.

Here’s the daily parking pass from the Orioles vs. Angels game.

Attachment 430216

I’ve had this rack pack as long as I can remember. It was a tad yellowed when I purchased likely from being displayed, but the cards still look nice. Brooks is sharing the front with Ron Cey and Vida Blue; some pretty good company.

1975 Topps Rack Pack

Attachment 430217

Super Proof
 

A nice Super Proof of the all time best 3rd baseman to play the game !

Is that proof thinner than a regular card?

I have a couple and they are not as thick as a regular “Super ”.

Yes mine is on a thinner card stock then the regular issue.

Maine-ahs
 

I grew up in Maine and have been an Orioles fan since 1964. Major League players from the state of Maine aren't that plentiful. Cold weather and even snow in the spring make it difficult for most youth to compete with the players from the south. Maine has produced a few players over the years, most notable are Billy Swift, Danny Coombs, John Cumberland, Bob Stanley, Carlton Willey, Bert Roberge, Pete Ladd and Matt Kinney. If most of these names are unfamiliar to you, they are well known by baseball fans in Maine. All of these guys are pitchers. It's very tough for a position player to develop enough to reach the majors.

In recent years, the Orioles have had a good Maine connection in their organization. Surprisingly, all position players.

Mike Bordick was the first Oriole from Maine when he joined the O's, as Cal Ripken Jr transitioned to 3B. Mike grew up a short distance from me. I coached high school baseball for many years and Mike's dad would umpire many of our games. Mike is a great guy. He stills works the Orioles as a spring training coach and broadcaster.

Ryan Flaherty was an Orioles Rule 5 pick from the Cubs. Buck Showalter loved Ryan's versatility and he was the O's super utility during Buck's tenure. In 2004, Ryan's American legion team from Portland, ME won the national championship. Unheard of for a team from Maine.

Ryan McKenna is a current Orioles prospect that is moving quickly through the O's system and could make his Orioles debut soon.

Gary Thorne is the Orioles broadcaster. Gary was a lawyer by trade, but made a name for himself doing University of Maine hockey broadcasts. That led to doing NHL games and finally MLB games.

Mike Bordick and Ryan Flaherty

Attachment 430239 Attachment 430241


Ryan McKenna and Gary Thorne

Attachment 430240 Attachment 430238


Footnote: Two other players from Maine include Louis Sockalexis and Clyde Sukeforth. Anyone know their significance to baseball history??

Scott,

Is yours a blank back or regular back?

Blank back

Rule 5 Orioles
 

In recent years, the Orioles have been very active in the annual MLB rule 5 draft and and are expected to pick at least one player again today.

Held each December, the Rule 5 Draft allows clubs without a full 40-man roster to select certain non-40-man roster players from other clubs. ... Players signed at age 18 or younger need to be added to their club's 40-Man roster within five seasons or they become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft.

Last year the Orioles selected Michael Rucker and Brandon Bailey, but sent both back to their original clubs during spring training. I wonder if the Orioles had known the season would have been shortened, with expanded rosters, if they would have tried to keep one or both. I thought both pitchers looked good in spring training.

Brandon Bailey (2019) and Michael Rucker (2019)

Attachment 430405 Attachment 430406


Here are the most recent Orioles Rule 5 picks that stuck with the Orioles.
Some longer than others......

Richie Martin (2018) and Drew Jackson (2018)

Attachment 430412 Attachment 430411


Pedro Araujo (2017) and Nestor Cortes Jr (2017)

Attachment 430407 Attachment 430408


Anthony Santander (2016) and Joey Rickard (2015)

Attachment 430415 Attachment 430414


Jason Garcia (2014) and Logan Verritt (2014)

Attachment 430410 Attachment 430416


T.J. McFarland (2012) and Ryan Flaherty (2011)

Attachment 430413 Attachment 430409

Day 345 (December 10, 2020 – 345)

I believe this National Beer advertising piece is from 1967 following the sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1966 World Series. A similar sign was posted earlier in the thread (#377) which is from the 1960’s with the same saying, “A team a man can call his own!”. These signs have plastic fronts, which are prone to cracking, with an easel back for display purposes.

1967 National Beer Advertising Sign

Attachment 430506

I really like this photo of Brooks on the steps in the dugout from May 16, 1967 taken by a Boston Globe photographer Danny Goshtigian.

Attachment 430507

Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays
 

The Orioles used to send me a Christmas card each year as a spring training season ticket holder. I haven't received one for a while, but here are a few from years past.

Happy Holidays to you and your families..

Attachment 430545

Attachment 430546

Attachment 430544

This is the second day in a row that Net54 was down when trying to post in the morning. Let's see if they can make a turkey (bowling reference if you're unaware).

Day 346 (December 11, 2020 – 346)

1963 Baltimore Orioles The Savings Bank of Baltimore with facsimile autographs. The plastic ball is on the base very tight (or possibly secured) and I don’t want to crack the plastic because it is somewhat delicate, so it’s pictured the bank the way I purchased it.

Attachment 430632

Late 60’s early 70’s ceramic baseball cap (ball head) bank. I think this Orioles baseball cap bank is from 1969 but could be off on the date. This example, as you can see, has “Baltimore Orioles” on the base while others advertised local companies.

Attachment 430633

Sweet Orioles head bank! Looks in great condition.

Day 347 (December 12, 2020 – 347)

Ok; here’s a 1965 Brooks Robinson premium photo likely advertising something. Hopefully you guys can help me find out what that something is. Is it the sneakers Brooks is wearing? I’m sure you wouldn’t wear sneakers taking grounders at spring training. That First Federal sign is predominant; maybe advertising the bank? It’s possibly something else entirely, but I don’t know what it is; is it even advertising?

I personally would rather have this photo unsigned, but this is the way it was purchased.

Attachment 430740

1964 Topps Venezuelan Set
 

We have discussed and shown some Venezuelan cards in previous posts, but mail day brought me the final piece to my 1964 Venezuelan set (Norm Siebern).

I'm close to completing several other Orioles Venezuelan team sets, but 1964 is the first one I've completed. The cards aren't mint, but still fairly nice for Venezuelan cards. The Brooks Robinson is one of the nicer cards, while the Robin Roberts should be upgraded someday.

1964 Topps Venezuelan Orioles team set

Attachment 430914 Attachment 430915

Attachment 430916 Attachment 430917

Alan,

That's quite an accomplishment. The Venz cards are in extremely nice shape for what they are. Man, that Brooks looks like one of the best one's I've seen and FAR better than my example. Congrats on the completion of the '64 examples.

Day 348 (December 13, 2020 – 348)

Cardboard Orioles directional sign for the 1966 World Series. This signed was displayed AFTER the Orioles won the Series and has the “World Champs” added to the sign. I’ve seen this same addition to the 1970 and the 1983 cardboard directional signs as well, but don’t have either example.

1966 Orioles World Series cardboard directional sign – World Champs

Attachment 430921

I think the 1966 Topps Brooks Robinson #390 looks nice. Below is a blank backed example of the 1966 Brooks card.

Attachment 430922
Attachment 430923

A common 1966 pennant from the 1966 World Series.


Attachment 430924


Quote: "He was the best defensive player at any position. I used to stand in the outfield like a fan and watch him make play after play. I used to think WOW, I can't believe this." - Frank Robinson

It's been reported that former Oriole Chico Fernandez who was struck by a car outside his grandson's home on Thanksgiving, unfortunately succumbed to his injuries last week.

While Fernandez played in 24 games with the Orioles in 1968 he is probably best known for surviving a near fatal beaning he took to the head while playing for Cal Ripken Sr. and the Rochester Red Wings:

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

Bill,

Thanks for the update. Sad to see another Oriole from my childhood is gone. Nice looking autograph. That can't be an easy one to get.

Crown used many of Mort Tadder's photos in their set. Unfortunately, the team issued 8x10 photo and postcard used the same pose.

Chico Fernandez Team Issued 8x10 Photo & Postcard

Attachment 430961 Attachment 430962

Rawlings Photos
 

Hi, everyone. I have posted the Rawlings Photos in the past but recently added the 1965 Rawlings MVP Premiums Brooks Robinson to my Brooks Robinson PSA Master Set. I do not know a lot about this one but it is a nice addition.

Enjoy the photos.

Charlie,

ALL look GREAT! They will make a nice display as well as a nice addition to the Brooks registry.

Day 349 (December 14, 2020 – 349)

I think it’s time for the last snapshot photos of the year. Again, I mentioned it before, but LOVE snapshots (and a lot of other Orioles items…).

Here’s an early B&W snapshot that’s in a small frame. I can’t take it out due to part of it being stuck on the glass. Didn’t want to try to remove and damage the picture even though it’s not in the greatest shape anyway. Think this is just a great casual photo of Brooks. Notice the lady in the background with the cigarette checking them out.

Attachment 431063

Next up is a color snapshot of Brooks from June of 1967 on picture day.

Attachment 431064

Finally, a signed B&W snapshot taken in Memorial Stadium on October 13, 1970.

Attachment 431065
Attachment 431066

Sad to hear. I was 12 years old and at the game when Chico got beaned. I can still remember the silence in the stands as he lay on the ground.

Day 350 (December 15, 2020 – 350)

Today pictured is a 1962 Baltimore Orioles Black Face Nodder made in Japan. These Nodders (Bobbleheads) make for a very nice display pieces.

Attachment 431226

The 1962 Post Cereal Canadian set contained 200 cards. The player information printed is in both English and French. Of course, the Canadian version is harder to come by due to the distribution in the Great White North.

1962 Post Cereal – Canadian

Attachment 431227

Brooks Robinson Bobblehead
 

Mark,

That is a very nice looking bobblehead and an extremely tough one to find. It reminds me that I need to update some information I just picked up on a Brooks Robinson Bobblehead from post #85.


From Post #85

Here is my contribution for today, but I'm afraid I need some help identifying this bobblehead. I picked it up 10-15 years ago, but haven't found anyone that has seen it before. I'm guessing it's from the 90's and it is fairly heavy. Some people I've talked to believe it's a custom, which is quite possible. However, both the Orioles on the shirt and Brooks Robinson on the base are raised up and not just painted on. Cool bobblehead that Brooks autographed before I got it. Anyone with any info is appreciated. Someday, maybe I can ask Brooks himself if he knows anything about it. There is nothing to identify either the manufacturer or a sponsor. Bobblehead collectors HELP!!!

Attachment 431264

There is currently one on eBay and the seller says the bobblehead is from a 2006 Los Angeles Dodgers Fantasy Camp in Vero Beach, FL. Based upon the time frame I picked the bobblehead up, that is feasible. I'm not sure why Brooks would have been at a Dodgers Fantasy Camp. The seller doesn't know how many were produced, but this is the only other one I've seen. I think he had two, but the one on eBay is the last one he has. Interested in what it goes for..

One other thing about the Canadian Post cards is the photos seem sharper and there are slight cropping differences compared to the US cards

1962 Post Cereal Orioles
 

I really like the 1962 Canadian Post Cereal cards too. It is much harder to complete the Canadian Orioles set, compared to the US version. I've been looking for the Canadian #32 Dick Williams and #36 Chuck Estrada cards for years and can't seem to find them.

In addition to the cropping differences between the US and Canadian cards, the US cards have cropping differences of their own. I discussed some of them in post #1807. Since then, I been able to confirm cropping differences in all the 1962 Post Cereal Orioles, except #31 Jackie Brandt. I assume there is probably a Brandt variation also. It looks like the variations are a result from the brand of cereal they were printed on.

Here are a couple more in addition to the ones shown in post #1807.

Dick Williams #32

Attachment 431363

Hoyt Wilhelm #35

Attachment 431364

Day 351 (December 16, 2020 – 351)

The last regular issued Brooks card Topps produced was the 1978 #4 Record Breaker. Below is the Record Breaker card on top of a cello pack.

Attachment 431395

I try to post the unusual or unique items of Brooks and this is a ’78 Record Breaker #4, but this example is blank backed.

Attachment 431396
Attachment 431397

Then there’s a few proofs of the ’78 Topps #4 as well...

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Mark...

I know I've said it before but I love the proofs and unopened packs (from 40 plus years ago no less!)...

Over the past year I've posted some neat hand painted locker nameplates that originated from Milwaukee's County Stadium....About 15 years ago or so, I purchased (via auction) a lot of 20 or so of these because a nice portion of that grouping were Oriole players...

Here is a wire photo of the Orioles clinching the A.L. East in 1972 (in Milwaukee) and a couple of these nameplates can be seen in the background:

https://i.imgur.com/K7MANWy.jpg

and here is my favorite nameplate from that lot:

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

Mark those 78’s are awesome! Bill, love the nameplate.

My favorite as well...

Day 352 (December 17, 2020 – 352)

You gotta love early photos and today here’s a couple of 1957 photos of Brooks. The first is a picture of Brooks is from January 9th showing him reading The Sporting News with a picture of George Kell on the wall posted in the background. Pretty cool that Brooks is wearing his high school ring which is predominant in the shot (at least it sticks out to me…).

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The next up are the same photos only cropped a bit differently, but one in good condition from April 11, 1957 and the other from April 15, 1957 (and other dates) beat up from being used so often. Both pictures have the same caption on the back, but as you can see the later has the attachment covered with use from being used again and again.

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Day 353 (December 18, 2020 – 353)

A 1965 photo taken at the Rawlings Sporting Goods Fair. Pictures both 1964 MVP winners, Brooks Robinson and Ken Boyer, along with a couple of individuals from the event. The booklet is signed by both Brooks and Boyer.

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Hopefully you can see the clip that Ken Boyer is wearing on his sport jacket. Brooks is wearing one as well; you just can’t see the front. It’s a plastic Rawlings clip that’s pictured below which has a rendering of Brooks and Boyer, facsimile signature, and includes the Rawlings slogan, “The Finest in the Field” If you want to see a better example of the clip Mike (ripfan008) has a pristine example in post (#1734)

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Gee Mark that piece looks familiar!

Yep... some generous person years ago was kind enough to part with a Brooksie item from their extensive Brooks Robinson collection. I “think” they went a slightly different route with the collection and focused on a different avenue of collecting.

I've had this book for years. I believe it's part of a series of baseball books. Written by William Mead. Nice picture of Brooks on the front.

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Found this picture of some of the other books in the set

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I came across a Brooks Robinson sighting in the 1965 Maryland Official Highway map. The caption under Brooks' picture mentions his 1964 MVP and talks about the Birds playing at Memorial Stadium. In addition, there is a picture Memorial Stadium's other team - the Colts featuring Johnny Unitas.

Really like the picture that they used of Brooks in the BLOCK letter uniform; I don't think I've ever seen this particular shot before. I can't quite make out the helmet; does he have the BIRD or the "B" on the helmet?

Day 354 (December 19, 2020 – 354)

One of my all-time favorite baseball cards of Brooks is his 1973 Topps #90. Even though it’s a pretty cool shot of Brooks at 3rd one of the reasons I like the card so much is that during his playing days Topps only pictured him fielding on this particular card. I guess you could possibly make a case for a few different cards like the ’71 Greatest Moments #9, or the 1971 Topps #331, but really for me his 1973 card, pictured at the hot corner, just has the aesthetics I like in a baseball card. I think Topps did a very nice job with the general card setup in 1974 and Brooks is pictured how I remember him at third.

Reminds me of a quote by one of the Birds, “Before every pitch for years and years, he was on his toes, ready to move, instantly alert. He always got ready as if he knew the ball was coming to him. Whenever a new guy would join the bullpen, he’d watch Brooks for a game or two and say, ‘Holy cow! He’s as good as they say!’ We’d say, ‘Just watch him. He treats every pitch like there are two outs in the ninth.’ – Dick Hall

1973 Topps #90

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1973 Topps #90 Match Print photo

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I would agree that the 1973 Brooks card is also one of my top favorites. I still remember the day I first saw it. It was sometime in the late 70's when I was at a friend's house and he was showing me his cards. I had never seen the 1973 card before (I started collecting in 1976), and when I saw that card I was blown away. All I was familiar with were the 1976 card where you can barely even see his eyes because of the shadow from his cap and the 1977 & 1978 cards where he looked much older.

Seeing an action shot of him at 3rd base was amazing! Fortunately my friend had an extra one which he gave me. It wasn't in the greatest shape, but I've still held on to it (even as I've gotten an upgrade for my 1973 set) as I still remember my reaction to seeing this card for the first time.

I'm almost certain the picture on the card was taken on May 28, 1972 against the Indians, along with the large number of other action shots of Orioles in the 1973 set. Here is my look at those cards (along with a few Indians cards) which helped me figure out the date:

https://fleersticker.blogspot.com/20...tographer.html

That was a very cool read!!! The wide variety of action shots really made up for the boringly white appearance of the 1973 cards. I especially like how you pointed out the ill-placed 'NY' on Nettles' jersey. (It's always made me laugh.) The Brohamer, Grich, Belanger and Duffy cards are each very cool on their own, mainly because they aren't traditional shots, and do a fantastic job of really pulling you into the action, as if you had a seat in the bleachers that day. Love it! Good work!

Thanks for the kind words. The 1973 set sometimes gets a bad rap for the unusual action photography, but I actually really like it for the reasons you point out.

Day 355 (December 20, 2020 – 355)

Millers Falls Company was a hand and power tool manufacturer out of Massachusetts. This is a large postcard sent out to dealers who sold their tools. The postcard features the sportscaster Chris Schenkel and pictures football center Mike Pyle of the Chicago Bears and Brooks Robinson. I have seen a large postcard with Brooks featured on the postcard, using the same photo, to advertise their tools, but do not have that example.

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While the exact details of this piece are sketchy, here is a 12" ceramic Brooks Robinson liquor decanter issued in 1983...I remember this piece as one of the very first pieces of memorabilia I purchased when I moved into my first apartment in early 1984 (remember paying $50 for it)...

The story was that some liquor company was going going to sell these (there was a John Unitas one as well) with some sort of whiskey in them but for whatever reason they were not given permission...

If anyone has more detail, I would love to hear it:

http://i.imgur.com/pHro6Ng.jpg