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.
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| #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 7th 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 35th
year as the mascot although a cartoon head first appeared on the Orioles caps
in 1966.
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| 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)
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.
