Brooks Robinson and the Baltimore Orioles

[Chstrite]

Hi, Alan. You have a lot in your post but I will try. Any member of the registry can request an item be added. PSA takes your request and makes a decision. There are clear rules on what is eligible. 8 months ago I had a bunch of WS Topps Cards with Brooks on them (1967 and 1971 Topps and O Pee Chee) but because they were not specifically about him they denied the request. I argued that his face was on the card but lost. Adding items can be very random. You can’t take 5 of the 12 player 69 Topps Stamp Panel with Brooks and send 5 in with Brooks with 6, 5,4, 3 and 2 player version stamps and expect to add each. You can only add the 12 and single. I tried to add the Clemente and Brooks 71 Dell dual stamp and was denied. They allow the single Brooks and 12 player panel. A lot of the team issued cards / photos are included but not all. I tried to add a few that were randomly denied. They are very random on test issues. Same with proofs.. I have a 10 player 61 Perforated Post sheet I would like to add but too big. I plan just submitted the 62 post cereal full panel for grading and once back, I will try to add. I am in search of the 61 post cereal full panel. The post cereal card variation is that the gray and white back? In terms of variations, that is a good question. For player masters, it is tough to do add variations that are not distinct as the peel offs. The Sportscaster with Italy variation I considered but have not followed through. I have a complete 1948 Leaf graded set on the registry and they do not permit many of the color variations out there except for the one hat color variation. Can’t explain it. Yes people do cut up Bazooka Boxes to add. Same with the Transogram boxes, action cartridge and milk duds. I cut up a damaged action cartridge but really struggled with it. The box was crappy on the back (really bad).. I have several Transogram and Bazooka boxes I would like to grade as boxes but like them raw for display. I hope this helps.

[roarfrom34]

Mark:

We were out of town last week so I didn't get the opportunity to thank you for not only starting this post a year ago but also for sharing your fantastic collection of Brooks Robinson cards/proofs & memorabilia..You absolutely made 2020 a bit more bearable for me...I also enjoyed seeing everyone else's collection and made a few new friends along the way...

Phil Niekro also passed away last week & it reminded me of this HOF laminated credential from 2011....They opened a new exhibit (which is still there today) named "One for the Books" and it is all about record breaking achievements in baseball's history..

I drove up up for the Grand Opening primarily because Cal Jr. was going to speak (along with Joe Morgan & Niekro). I spotted HOF staff members wearing these credentials & of course I wanted one for my collection so I wrote them a letter the following week & they generously sent me one:



Again Mark thank you so very much!

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

Hi, Alan. You have a lot in your post but I will try. Any member of the registry can request an item be added. PSA takes your request and makes a decision. There are clear rules on what is eligible. 8 months ago I had a bunch of WS Topps Cards with Brooks on them (1967 and 1971 Topps and O Pee Chee) but because they were not specifically about him they denied the request. I argued that his face was on the card but lost. Adding items can be very random. You can’t take 5 of the 12 player 69 Topps Stamp Panel with Brooks and send 5 in with Brooks with 6, 5,4, 3 and 2 player version stamps and expect to add each. You can only add the 12 and single. I tried to add the Clemente and Brooks 71 Dell dual stamp and was denied. They allow the single Brooks and 12 player panel. A lot of the team issued cards / photos are included but not all. I tried to add a few that were randomly denied. They are very random on test issues. Same with proofs.. I have a 10 player 61 Perforated Post sheet I would like to add but too big. I plan just submitted the 62 post cereal full panel for grading and once back, I will try to add. I am in search of the 61 post cereal full panel. The post cereal card variation is that the gray and white back? In terms of variations, that is a good question. For player masters, it is tough to do add variations that are not distinct as the peel offs. The Sportscaster with Italy variation I considered but have not followed through. I have a complete 1948 Leaf graded set on the registry and they do not permit many of the color variations out there except for the one hat color variation. Can’t explain it. Yes people do cut up Bazooka Boxes to add. Same with the Transogram boxes, action cartridge and milk duds. I cut up a damaged action cartridge but really struggled with it. The box was crappy on the back (really bad).. I have several Transogram and Bazooka boxes I would like to grade as boxes but like them raw for display. I hope this helps.

Charlie,

Thanks for the attempt to answer my questions. I really appreciate it. I guess random is the best description. I find it hard to understand why PSA includes team cards, with the pic of Brooks so small, yet rejected the World Series cards where he is clearly the main subject.

The past few years, I've tried to complete some "master" Orioles team sets to include known variations. It's been a fun way to continue to enjoy some sets I thought I had long ago completed. I guess my definition of master is a bit different than PSA. I can understand the concept that one example of each card should be enough for the PSA registry, with perhaps bonus points given for having the additional variations.

Most if not all the 1962 Post Cereal cards have slight variations. I believe it was based upon which cereal they were on. You can see from my two cards that the Brooks Robinson photo is cropped differently. Those are the type of variations I was referencing.

1962 Post Cereal Brooks Robinson variations

1962 Post Cereal #1 - Copy.JPG


I seems to me that if members of the registry are the ones submitting additions, that some of the tougher Brooks Robinson items could easily be omitted.

Here are a couple examples of some very tough Brooks cards/photos

1958 Jays Publishing photo and 1976 English Chicken Lid

1958 Jays 11 - Copy.jpg 1976 Englsh Lids (SmallBrooks Robinson) - Copy.JPG


1964 Martin Family Night and 1970 Pictures of Champions cards

1964 Martin Family Night #4 - Copy.jpg 1970 Pictures of Champions #1 - Copy.jpg


Thanks again. Looking forward to your continued posts.

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Mark:

We were out of town last week so I didn't get the opportunity to thank you for not only starting this post a year ago but also for sharing your fantastic collection of Brooks Robinson cards/proofs & memorabilia..You absolutely made 2020 a bit more bearable for me...I also enjoyed seeing everyone else's collection and made a few new friends along the way...

Bill,

You’re welcome! I was thankful that we were able to share our collections, learn new things (especially me...), and just share our common interests. Really neat to view others collections and the way they display their items.

[roarfrom34]

Was going through some things & found this Rawlings booklet from 1964 showing both Ken Boyer & Brooks...

Anyone interested in this for $20 ppd?

DM me if intereted:

[Chstrite]

Hi, Alan. They are great cards you posted. I appreciate the feedback. The team cards surprised me, too. I bet I have 2 team cards from each year to include the OPC, Vene, And 70s hand cut sheets. I have not seen the Family Night pic. I have the believe I have that post variation. I have upgraded so many post cards...crazy. I am looking for the 61 panel. Love them though. I found the Champion Card Set at a show and about passed out. Love that orange. I found the Chicken Lid about 2 weeks ago and sent to PSA. That lid is amazing. No chicken brooks lids are graded. I thought I had all the Jay Pubs but routinely find another. As I post in future, chime in with items that are variants. Thanks!

[Chstrite]

Hi, everyone. As promised, here is the 1958 Brooks Robinson PSA Master discussion for this week.

There are not a lot of items in the master for 1958. Technically, there are only 4 items but I included a 5th as I am working with PSA to resolve. The first three cards are from Topps. You have the alpha and numeric Baltimore Orioles Checklist. Interesting that they had two different ones for 1958. That is a discussion we could have separately. The other card is the Brooks regular Topps issue I love. This photo gets people talking with his "facial expression." I love this set and the Brooks card. It is graded pretty high (PSA 8.5). I would love a PSA 9 but the cost difference is probably $5,000 and I think folks are being speculative (last year a PSA 9 was under $3,000). The three "portraits" are from Jay Publishing dated 1958-1961, Type 1 Photos. The fielding one is in awesome condition while the other two are not where I would like them. They for whatever reason do not grade well. The Portrait with Brooks in the middle without a glove or bat is a separate authorization in the Master while the pose at chest level and the pose with the bat at chest level are considered interchangeable. I do not understand this and asked PSA to clarify or add a new authorization with the bat portrait. If you notice, both the middle Jay Pub and right Jay Pub say Portrait/Chest. I hope to resolve this soon. I will later show some 1962-1965 Jay Pub photos but is anyone aware of any other Jay Pubs between 1958-1962 I am not showing here. Similarly, is anyone tracking a Brooks item you think PSA would grade or not grade that fits nicely in 1958?

Hope you enjoyed this update. I will post a 1959 discussion next Sunday.

[BaltOrioles]

Charlie,

More nice items. I think I can help a little with the Jay Publishing photos. I've done a lot of research on the Orioles photos and posted the Brooks Robinson photos in post #1149.

You don't actually have the 1958 Brooks Robinson photo. I pictured it a few posts ago. The ones you have pictured from left to right are 1961, 1959-60 (I can't tell the difference between the two years, if there is even a difference) and 1962. You will notice the printed name is different on the 1962. It's the font that determines whether it's type 1 or type 2. Checklists usually lump the sets into 1959-1961 and 1962-1965, but with a little work the years can be broken down. I picked up most of my photos in original envelopes.

Jays Publishing didn't print Baltimore Orioles, only Orioles, on their 1957 and 1958 sets.


Here are a couple more early team issued Brooks items, you might find of interest. They are generally considered 1957-59. The exact year is hard to determine.

1957-59 Team Issued Postcards

195759 Postcards 14 - Copy.JPG


1957-59 Team Issued B&W 8x10 Photos

Robinson, Brooks 1 - Copy.jpg Robinson, Brooks 2 - Copy.jpg

[Chstrite]

Thank you, Alan. I agree on them not being 1958. PSA grades them as 1958-1961. I figured I would include them with the 1958 but see your point.

Thanks for showing the other ones. I have not had much luck with those but continue to look.

Did you see my email to you? Please respond.

Thanks for the feedback and sharing.

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

Did you see my email to you? Please respond.

Charlie,

I haven't seen any email yet. alanstrout@aol.com

[ripfan008]

Of all the Orioles players featured on this thread, I don't think a photo of Larry Doby has been posted yet.

He was briefly in the Orioles organization from Dec. 1957 - Apr. 1958, when he was traded to the Indians at the end of Spring Training. He never played a regular season game for the O's but I still think given his importance as a player, it's worth picturing his time with the organization here.

1958 Larry Doby photo.jpg

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Charlie,

More nice items. I think I can help a little with the Jay Publishing photos. I've done a lot of research on the Orioles photos and posted the Brooks Robinson photos in post #1149.

You don't actually have the 1958 Brooks Robinson photo. I pictured it a few posts ago. The ones you have pictured from left to right are 1961, 1959-60 (I can't tell the difference between the two years, if there is even a difference) and 1962. You will notice the printed name is different on the 1962. It's the font that determines whether it's type 1 or type 2. Checklists usually lump the sets into 1959-1961 and 1962-1965, but with a little work the years can be broken down. I picked up most of my photos in original envelopes.

Jays Publishing didn't print Baltimore Orioles, only Orioles, on their 1957 and 1958 sets.

Here are a couple more early team issued Brooks items, you might find of interest. They are generally considered 1957-59. The exact year is hard to determine.

1957-59 Team Issued Postcards

1957-59 Team Issued B&W 8x10 Photos

Attachment 434844

Alan,

Please send the Team Issued 8x10, with the rookie pose, to my attention when you have the chance.

Thanks in advance,

Mark

[roarfrom34]

Learned today that infielder Don Leppert who played for the Orioles in 1955, passed away on January 5th at the age of 90. Shown is a wirephoto that Don signed for me probably 20 years ago or so:

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Learned today that infielder Don Leppert who played for the Orioles in 1955, passed away on January 5th at the age of 90.

Bill,

Thanks for the update. Here are a few more Don Leppert items


Team Issued 8x10 Photos

Leppert, Don 1 - Copy.jpg Leppert, Don 2 - Copy.jpg


Team Issued Postcard

195455 Postcards 09 - Copy.JPG

[portcitysbr]

Any more rare Sam Bowens cards, photos, or stories?

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by portcitysbr

Any more rare Sam Bowens cards, photos, or stories?

Welcome. Here are a few Sam Bowens photos and postcards from his time in the Orioles organization. A few picture Bowens with the Rochester Red Wings.

Bowens, Sam (1963 Rochester Red Wings) - Copy.jpg Bowens, Sam - Copy.JPG

Bowens, Sam 1 - Copy.jpg Bowens, Sam 2 - Copy.jpg

Bowens, Sam 4 - Copy.jpg Bowens, Sam 5 - Copy.jpg

1966 Team 1 - Copy.JPG 196769 Postcards 06 - Copy.jpg

1964 Postcards 03 - Copy.jpg 1963 Scheible Press #2 - Copy.JPG

[roarfrom34]

Similar to the Dayton Daily News Bubblegumless cards issue, this Charlotte Observer set was issued in 1982 (one player a week for 16 weeks):



A collector friend of mine shared these with me

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Similar to the Dayton Daily News Bubblegumless cards issue, this Charlotte Observer set was issued in 1982 (one player a week for 16 weeks):



A collector friend of mine shared these with me

WOW !!! I've never seen those before, but I love them. Thanks for sharing. Anyone have any old 1982 Charlotte Observers they don't want?

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Similar to the Dayton Daily News Bubblegumless cards issue, this Charlotte Observer set was issued in 1982 (one player a week for 16 weeks):



A collector friend of mine shared these with me

Well those are VERY COOL. I’ve never seen those before either.

[Chstrite]

Greetings. Today, I will share the 1959 PSA Master Set items for Brooks. 1959 has three entries. First, you have the 1959 Topps Card. This is tied as the highest graded card with PSA. There are no PSA 10s. Not a terribly expensive card and PSA 9s seem to be available all the time on ebay. The Orioles Team card from Topps is nothing special by way of grade. I am looking for a higher graded card but this one presents well and I love the "orange." The Venezuelan Orioles Team is rare but you can find them out there. Too bad they did not make a 1959 card of Brooks in Venezuela. The Venezuela cards are grade sensitive for many reasons. There are 7 graded higher than this Orioles team card. Anytime I find a nice Vene, I buy it. Things will start picking with many entries as we get into the 1960s. See you next week. Enjoy.

[Chstrite]

In 1979 my uncle took my late cousin and I to game 6 of the 1979 WS in Baltimore. My uncle was a big personality in our community and knew a lot of guys. He was friends with one of the Orioles Grounds Crew members and he helped get us tickets for the game. We had hoped to see the Orioles win the game / series but the Pirates had other things in mind. After the game, my uncle's friend gave my cousin a Belanger cracked bat and a ball from the game and he gave me a grounds crew shirt along with a ball. I am not sure but I think I cried all the way home that evening. I am not sure if it was because the Orioles lost or because my cousin got a bat from the Blade and I got a shirt from the guy raking the field. My uncle told me to stop crying and said, "clearly Belanger did not need his bat (meaning he could not hit) so he gave it to my cousin and my retort was, "what about the grounds crewmen, did he not need his shirt (meaning, what in the world was I going to do with that thing)." My cousin and I had a great time that evening despite the loss and he sure seemed to enjoy getting the bat and laughing at my "shirt." I pulled the shirt out recently and researched it a little. It appears the Orioles Grounds Crew wore white shirts during the 79 WS and could not find any pictures of this shirt. The shirt is in perfect shape and is at least 41 years old. On the inside of the shirt there is a label that has the #9 as it does on the pocket, the company that was on contract cleaning the shirt appears to be Rentex Services Corp, with what appears to be the name Garris. My cousin and uncle have both departed this life; not sure what happened to my cousin's Belanger bat, but if anyone knows Mr. Garris, please let him know he can have his shirt back. Enjoy the picture but not the story.

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

It appears the Orioles Grounds Crew wore white shirts during the 79 WS and could not find any pictures of this shirt. The shirt is in perfect shape and is at least 41 years old. On the inside of the shirt there is a label that has the #9 as it does on the pocket, the company that was on contract cleaning the shirt appears to be Rentex Services Corp, with what appears to be the name Garris. My cousin and uncle have both departed this life; not sure what happened to my cousin's Belanger bat, but if anyone knows Mr. Garris, please let him know he can have his shirt back. Enjoy the picture but not the story.

Charlie,

Let me know if you want to let it go. I might be interested.

[roarfrom34]

Great top Charlie, I know I've posted this before, although I didn't get Belanger's bat either from the Series I did get his jersey (directly from the fan that The Blade tossed it to after the parade the next day):

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

Greetings. Today, I will share the 1959 PSA Master Set items for Brooks. 1959 has three entries. First, you have the 1959 Topps Card. This is tied as the highest graded card with PSA. There are no PSA 10s. Not a terribly expensive card and PSA 9s seem to be available all the time on ebay. The Orioles Team card from Topps is nothing special by way of grade. I am looking for a higher graded card but this one presents well and I love the "orange." The Venezuelan Orioles Team is rare but you can find them out there. Too bad they did not make a 1959 card of Brooks in Venezuela. The Venezuela cards are grade sensitive for many reasons. There are 7 graded higher than this Orioles team card. Anytime I find a nice Vene, I buy it. Things will start picking with many entries as we get into the 1960s. See you next week. Enjoy.

Charlie,

Awesome cards. While I’m usually not much into the team cards I really like the ‘59 Topps and Venz examples. Like you the orange background is super nice.

[Chstrite]

Bill, that is a great jersey. Did someone catch it and give it to you? Awesome. He was one of a kind. Saw him in the mid 80s at a Pny Leafue game (13-14) year olds with I think Dennis or Tippy Martinez. There boys were on the same team and he was really into it. If not mistaken, he had a cigarette in his hand, which surprised me. Anyway, he was the best. Thanks for sharing.

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by Chstrite

Bill, that is a great jersey. Did someone catch it and give it to you? Awesome. He was one of a kind. Saw him in the mid 80s at a Pny Leafue game (13-14) year olds with I think Dennis or Tippy Martinez. There boys were on the same team and he was really into it. If not mistaken, he had a cigarette in his hand, which surprised me. Anyway, he was the best. Thanks for sharing.

The parade made its way to City Hall (or somewhere near that) and all the players & coaches were on a stage & at the conclusion, Belanger pulled his jersey off and tossed it directly to a young female fan who kept it for years before selling it to me a few years ago...

Unfortunately, I'm actually not surprised that Belanger had a cigarette in his hand at that game because we all know he died of lung cancer and in a documentary about him it was mentioned how much his family had been bothered by his smoking and had tried to get him to quit for years (unfortunately when he did, it was too late).

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

Unfortunately, I'm actually not surprised that Belanger had a cigarette in his hand at that game because we all know he died of lung cancer and in a documentary about him it was mentioned how much his family had been bothered by his smoking and had tried to get him to quit for years (unfortunately when he did, it was too late).

My understanding was that Belanger was a heavy smoker. I think we might be surprised how many players from our childhoods were smokers.

Belanger was from Pittsfield, Mass and when I was in high school (around 1973-74), he was a guest at a baseball camp I attended at Colby College in Waterville, ME. He was giving tips on fielding, not hitting. He was the first Oriole I ever met in person.

Here are a few Mark Belanger items through the years

B&W 8x10 Photos

Belanger, Mark 1 - Copy.jpg Belanger, Mark 5 - Copy.jpg

Belanger, Mark 9 - Copy.jpg Belanger, Mark 13 - Copy.jpg

Belanger, Mark 1.jpg


1963 Baltimore News-Post Scrapbook card & 1971 Baltimore Sun Poster

1963 Baltimore News-Post Scrapbook (Belanger, Mark) - Copy.jpg 1971 Baltimore Sun Newspaper Poster #8 (Mark Belanger) - Copy.jpg


1976 English Chicken Lid & Rawlings Sporting Goods Premium

1976 Englsh Lids (SmallMark Belanger) - Copy.JPG Belanger, Mark (Rawlings Sporting Goods) - Copy.jpg