1. George Herman “Babe” Ruth, 1914 International League Orioles
Ruth launched his pro career with the minor league Orioles in 1914 as a left-handed pitcher. His 14-6 mark led Dunn’s Orioles to a .681 winning percentage in early July, but the Baltimore Terrapins of the new Federal League drove down gate receipts, forcing Dunn to sell his star players. Ruth was sold to the Red Sox on July 4, and the hometown hero was off to Boston and on his way to becoming the greatest player in MLB history. This is the first baseball card to depict Ruth.
On loan.
2. George Twombly, 1914 International League Orioles
Another of Dunn’s early-July selloffs was George Twombly, a power hitting outfielder who was selected by the Cincinnati Reds over the Orioles star left-hander, George Ruth. In 1914, “Silent” George batted a quiet .268.
3. Albert Davidson, 1914 International League Orioles
Davidson’s lone season in pro ball was 1914, when he appeared in 26 games for the Orioles, 22 as a pitcher. He ended the year with an 8-7 record but batted only .193.
4. Birdie Cree, 1914 International League Orioles
The diminutive (5’6”) outfielder had a solid Big League career with the NY Highlanders/Yankees from 1908-15, with a lifetime batting mark of .292. In 1914 he was picked up by the minor league Orioles and then sold back to the Yankees in early July to help steer Dunn’s Orioles away from bankruptcy.
On loan.
5. George Herman “Babe” Ruth, 1922 New York Americans
1921 marked the first year two New York teams, the Yankees and Giants, met in the World Series. To commemorate the first “Subway Series,” Koester Bread Company in Baltimore issued a 52-card set of Yankees and Giants players. Each card featured an image of the player, the player’s name and position, and the league their NY team played in. Thus, George Ruth, LF, NY American.
On loan.
6. Jim “Cakes” Palmer, 1970 Baltimore Orioles
“Cakes” Jim Palmer devoured a stack of pancakes before taking the mound as a starter for the Orioles. His 20-year career generated 268 wins, a lifetime 2.86 ERA, six All-Star appearances, three Cy Young awards, four Gold Gloves and a 1990 induction into the Baseball HOF. He is one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history.
7. Frank Robinson, 1970 Baltimore Orioles
The Cincinnati Reds deemed Frank “an old 30” and traded him to Baltimore before the 1966 season. Frank won the triple crown that year, leading his new team to its first world title. His six years in Baltimore led to four World Series appearances and two championships. Frank was inducted into the baseball HOF in 1982.
8. Brooks Robinson, 1970 Baltimore Orioles
Nicknamed the “Human Vacuum Cleaner,” Brooks is generally regarded as the greatest fielding third baseman in MLB history. His HOF career was punctuated by 16 Gold Gloves, 18 All Star appearances, an AL MVP (1964) and WS MVP (1970).
9. Cal Ripken, Jr., 1990 Baltimore Orioles
Baseball’s “Iron Man” is best known for breaking Lou Gehrig’s 2-1-3-0 consecutive games streak, appearing in game 2-1-3-1 on September 6, 1995. In his 21-season career with the Orioles, he appeared in 19 All Star games, was AL MVP twice, AL Rookie of the Year, winner of two Gold Gloves and eight Silver Slugger awards. Cal was inducted into the Baseball HOF in 2007.
10. Jehosie “Jay” Heard, 1954 Baltimore Orioles
In 1954 the St. Louis Browns moved to Baltimore to become the modern-day Baltimore Orioles. One of those early birds was Jehosie “Jay” Heard, a pitcher who spent six years in the Negro Leagues before becoming the first African American to play for the Orioles.
11. Mickey Mantle, 1952 Yankees
Printed late in the season and in very small quantities, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card is extremely rare. Just as Babe Ruth’s popularity soared during the early days of radio so did Mantle’s with the advent of television. Mantle’s 12 WS appearances, 7 WS wins, and incredible athletic prowess made him one of the most popular players of his era.
On loan.
12. George Herman “Babe” Ruth, 1950 Japanese Menko Card
Menko is a Japanese card game dating from the 17th century. Cards are placed face-down on a flat surface and players attempt to flip them over to win the cards. The earliest known baseball menko featured generic baseball players but they would evolve to depict popular professional players. This 1950 menko card depicts Babe Ruth, whose 1934 All-Star Tour helped spread baseball in Japan.
On loan from Leon Hsieh.
13. Guy Zinn, 1914 Federal League Terrapins
This rare baseball card (the only one known to exist) features Guy Zinn, a member of the 1914 Federal League Baltimore Terrapins. Zinn was not a star player, but he made history on April 20, 1912 in Fenway Park’s inaugural game. As a New York Highlander, Zinn christened the brand-new ballpark by being the first to bat, the first to reach base, and the first to score a run.
On loan from Sharon and Dan McKee.
14. Michael “Mickey” Doolin, 1914 Federal League Terrapins
The Federal League, which promised high salaries, attracted shortstop Mickey Doolin to the Terrapins with $6,000 offer – a 70% increase from his previous pay with the Phillies. Doolin only played one season with the Terrapins before he was sold, but would go on to play and coach for a variety of minor and major league teams, before retiring in 1932 to become a dentist.
On loan.
15. Jack Dunn, 1914 International League Orioles
Jack Dunn was the owner/manager of the International League Orioles from 1907-1928. In addition to discovering George “Babe” Ruth in 1914, Dunn’s Birds won seven consecutive I.L. pennants from 1919-1925, the longest stretch in the history of professional sports.
On loan.