Circa 1967-73 Baltimore Orioles Basketball Jersey?

[commando]

I have an interesting basketball jersey here. It features the "Orioles" team name across the front, with the number "55" on the front and back (I thought this number was kinda high for an older basketball jersey).

Well, it looks like several members of the Baltimore Orioles formed their own basketball team in the late 1960s, to help stay in shape and raise money for charity. According to this newspaper article from 1969, the members at that time were Brooks Robinson, Paul Blair, Jim Palmer, Dave McNally, Dick Hall, Eddie Watt, Pete Richert, Bobby Floyd and third base coach Billy Hunter.

Come to find out that Billy Hunter wore the number 55 with the Orioles, and the King O'Shea tagging found on this jersey is the style that was used in the late 1960s. Unfortunately, I have been unable to locate any photos of players wearing their basketball uniforms.

Any ideas or comments?

[ironmanfan]

Re: Circa 1967-73 Baltimore Orioles Basketball Jersey?

Here is a team photograph from 1974. I've seen pictures of earlier ones and they don't resemble the one you depict unfortunately (I'll see what I can find):

[commando]

Re: Circa 1967-73 Baltimore Orioles Basketball Jersey?

Here is a team photograph from 1974. I've seen pictures of earlier ones and they don't resemble the one you depict unfortunately (I'll see what I can find):

That's awesome info! I appreciate the legwork. I know there were probably high school basketball teams with the same name, so finding a photo from 1969-70ish would be great. I've never seen the photo you have here... Very cool.

[ironmanfan]

Re: Circa 1967-73 Baltimore Orioles Basketball Jersey?

I'm thinking that the team issued yearbooks from the 1970 era had some pictures of the basketball team (I'll have to check). What's cool about the above picture was that the late Jim Spencer (who I believe was with the White Sox at the time) played on this Orioles hoop team since he was from the Baltimore area.

[ironmanfan]

Re: Circa 1967-73 Baltimore Orioles Basketball Jersey?

Not related to the original topic, but here is a picture of Cal Jr. playing with the team in 1981...The team eventually disbanded when Mike Flanagan got hurt in one of the games and missed playing time once the season started.