Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[ripfan008]

Although I am too young to have seen Rick Dempsey play for the Orioles (I do remember seeing him play for the Dodgers at the end of his career), I always enjoyed the great stories people had about him and watching the videos of him sliding on the tarp during rain delays.

However, the one opportunity I had to meet Dempsey was during Orioles FanFest in 2003. When it was my turn to meet him, he turned to the table assistant and started screaming that he didn't have a cup of water on the table. He looked at her the entire time he was signing my ball. I could have been in a gorilla costume jumping up and down and he never would have noticed. It was such a disappointment.

But I did get to meet Paul Blair during the same FanFest. He may still be the nicest player I ever had the opportunity to meet.

I had every player sign the same ball during that day, so Rick Dempsey's and Paul Blair's signature are forever linked in my mind. (I display the Paul Blair side of the ball).

[roarfrom34]

Great Dempsey items Clint & Mike (i'm sorry your experience with him wasn't the best; I can assure you that it isn't typical)!

A few years back I won a small lot of 1986 Orioles worn mesh pre game tops (which included a Dempsey) in an auction. Coincidentally, I found a BP photo of Rick that I took myself that season. I subsequently had Rick sign his top after a game at his Camden Yards restaurant a couple years ago:

[roarfrom34]

The only other BP top from that auction lot that I've had signed (with help from his son) was Mike Boddicker's. Anyone who has met Mike knows he's always a class act!

[Mark70Z]

I’ve always liked team photos. Maybe I’m not too keen on the Topps team cards since you really can’t make out the players, but the regular team photos I’m a fan. I’m lovin’ the team photos being shown and appreciate you guys posting them for all to see; thank you!

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by ripfan008

Although I am too young to have seen Rick Dempsey play for the Orioles (I do remember seeing him play for the Dodgers at the end of his career), I always enjoyed the great stories people had about him and watching the videos of him sliding on the tarp during rain delays.

However, the one opportunity I had to meet Dempsey was during Orioles FanFest in 2003. When it was my turn to meet him, he turned to the table assistant and started screaming that he didn't have a cup of water on the table. He looked at her the entire time he was signing my ball. I could have been in a gorilla costume jumping up and down and he never would have noticed. It was such a disappointment.

But I did get to meet Paul Blair during the same FanFest. He may still be the nicest player I ever had the opportunity to meet.

I had every player sign the same ball during that day, so Rick Dempsey's and Paul Blair's signature are forever linked in my mind. (I display the Paul Blair side of the ball).

Mike,

I was worried about meeting Brooks the first time in the 80’s even though I heard about him being so nice. He was my hero growing up and if something like that happened I guarantee I wouldn’t be collecting him today. Thankfully that wasn’t the case, but it is disappointing to hear your experience with Dempsey.

[ksfarmboy]

Bill what years were those orange batting practice tops used?

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by ksfarmboy

Bill what years were those orange batting practice tops used?

1986

I have a Tony Arnold and Al Pardo if you have any interest....

[ksfarmboy]

Bill, yes I’d be interested in one for my style collection. Send me a pm where I can send PayPal or a check. Either player would do. Thanks!