#M-3 Baltimore Orioles

Even though I eventually found a connection from Friday's card to Saturday’s, I’m going to consider the streak over anyway. Monday, the beginning of the traditional work week is natural starting point and with a fresh start, I thought I’d change things up a bit. As long as I can keep adding them to my collection, the next bunch of Mondays will be “Mascot Monday” and feature cards from 2014 Topps Opening Day's Mascot insert set. Since they share the same front design aside from the added Opening Day logo, I don’t think this is too much of a stretch to include them in my ultimate set.

#M-3 Baltimore Orioles

First impression of what’s going on: These cards have been debated pretty much since their inception and this card is a prime example. Some cards in the set actually have the name of the mascot, while others, like this one, just have the team name. Any fan of the team, and probably millions of others could tell you the name of the Baltimore Orioles is simply The Oriole Bird.

As for the picture, Mr. Bird is standing atop a dugout. He could be taunting an opposing player or just up to some general tomfoolery with a member of the Orioles or ballpark staff. One thing I do find amusing is all of the fans that have their phones/cameras pointed at the mascot’s backside. Maybe he had just turned around, or they were waiting for him to turn back around, but it’s still funny. Also of note, I don’t detect a single kid in that crowd. Aside from the luxury suites, these are the priciest seats in the ballpark so the kids have been priced out of front row shenanigans.

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 04: The Baltimore Orioles mascot performs in the seventh inning of the game against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 4, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

The Reality of the Photo: The caption says this came during the 7^th inning stretch which likes prime mascot time. But there’s no mention of how the Orioles fared against the visiting Mariners so let’s check out the BOXSCORE.

So the Orioles took a 2-1 in the 6th but the a rally by the Mariners probably took some steam out of the crowd. Who to call to get a little home team advantage back on your side? Queue the mascot!

Unfortunately, the Orioles went 9 up, 9 down the rest of the game.

I do see a kid in the uncropped photo and looking back at the card, you can see half his torso on the left side of the card.

On to the back:

There’s no Rookie Fact on these as it has been replaced by the Identifying Feature.

Identifying Feature: Giant Orange Beak

Hatched in 1979, this will be the Oriole Bird’s 35^th year as the mascot although a cartoon head first appeared on the Orioles caps in 1966.

Image courtesy of Chris Creamer's Sportslogos.net

The writeup on the back is good for a chuckle and great for the kids with some fun facts and good breakdown of his antics.

Here's an interesting article about being the Bird. Don’t tell the kids!

And an indication of the state of today’s journalism, an article about a tweet about the Orioles mascot from the 1950’s.

Information I’ll be tracking:

Card Number: #M-3

Player Name: Baltimore Orioles (The Oriole Bird)

Team: Baltimore Orioles

Position: Mascot

Game Date: August 4, 2013

Opponent: Seattle Mariners

Stadium: Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Division: American League East

Home/Away: Home

Outcome of the game: 3-2, Mariners over the Orioles

Alternate/Throwback Jersey: N/A

Bats/Throws: With both wings! (According to the website)

Birthdate: Hatched: 4/6/1979

Birthplace: Baltimore

Cameos by: N/A

Photographer: G Fiume

Niche collections this card could fit into: High Socks/Stirrups, Mascots

My Grade: While fitting into a whole bunch of niches, this is a pretty good looking card. No missing appendages, although this is one of the few that could have been brought in a little tighter. Maybe crop him at the waist?

I’ll give this card an B+ as the only detractor for me is the lack of mascot name.