By Ray Schulte, SchulteAuctions.com

As Orioles fans are painfully aware, it has been a long time since Baltimore's baseball team has basked in glory. Many fans aren't even old enough to remember the glory days of 1966-1983 including World Series championships in '66, '70 and '83.

(SchulteSports.com)

It's been 40 years since the Orioles, led by Brooks Robinson, Jim Palmer and Frank Robinson, won the 1970 World Series by defeating Cincinnati's "Big Red Machine" in five games. On June 26, the Baltimore Orioles will host an exclusive luncheon on the sixth floor of the Warehouse at Camden Yards to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1970 World Series.

Many players from that team are scheduled to attend including Brooks Robinson, Palmer, Frank Robinson, Earl Weaver, Paul Blair, Don Buford, Davey Johnson, Boog Powell, Andy Etchebarren, Bobby Grich, Dick Hall, Bobby Floyd, Merv Rettenmund, Pete Richert, Eddie Watt, Bill Hunter, Dave Leonhard and Fred Beene.

Open to the general public, the luncheon will give fans an opportunity to meet and greet some of Baltimore's real champions. All guests will receive an official MLB baseball signed by all the attending former Orioles as well as their photo taken with their favorite player posing next to the 1970 World Championship trophy.

The Orioles will also honor the 1970 team members prior to the June 26 game against the Washington Nationals.

(SchulteSports.com)

Fans and collectors get extra excited when milestone event anniversaries are celebrated. For the fan, it is simply about that special memory, but for the collector, it validates the worth associated with vintage memorabilia from that event. It usually leads to manufacturing new team and/or individual creative licensed collectibles which the former players autograph.

It has been a too long since Orioles fans had reason to celebrate and collectors had reason to collect. A team-signed baseball from the 1966 World Championship Baltimore Orioles, an original scorecard from the 1970 World Series or a game-used player jersey from the 1983 World Series will always be sought out by serious collectors.

Seating is limited to the first 100 fans so make your reservation early. Call 888-848-BIRD or visit www.orioles.com.

Baltimore Orioles Day At The National Convention

The National Sports Collectors Convention is pleased to join with the Baltimore Orioles in a series of promotions for the National to be held Aug. 4-8 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

The 31st National opens Aug. 4 with its traditional "Sneak Peek." Dealer and corporate booths will be set up and open for business. All attendees entering the show with a single-day general admission ticket for the Sneak Peek will also receive a ticket to that night's Orioles game against the Los Angeles Angels at Camden Yards.

Aug. 5 has been designated "Baltimore Orioles Day at the National." There will be special on-field ceremonies honoring the National's first appearance in Baltimore as well.

The Orioles will be promoting the National during their homestands during the month of July. In addition, flyers will be distributed at the fan assistance counters at Camden Yards.

Visit www.nsccshow.com to learn more about the 31st National Sports Collectors Convention.

Issue 150: June 2010