Fifty years ago, on September 8, 1963, the Baltimore Orioles held a Fan Camera Day promotion. Prior to the game, fans were allowed to come down to the infield railing. Players would come out, like horses passing in a paddock, and fans would be allowed to take photos. My Dad, not really a camera buff, nonetheless jumped at the chance, and here are the results. Above, John `Boog” Powell, the team’s young slugging star. Below: Hall of Famers Luis Aparicio, right in his prime, and Robin Roberts, getting by on guile. Powell, supposedly so big, would seem small next to Big Papi and other sluggers. (How did Dad miss Brooks Robinson, the team’s star?)
Above, reliable relive Dick Hall, who once retired 27 batters without yielding a hit, prompting one sportswriter to campaign for crediting Hall with a no-hitter; and hard-charging outfielder Russ Snyder, both of whom made big contributions to the 1966 team that won the World Series; below, utility iielder Bob Saverine, who once set a league record by making 12 outs in a doubleheader; and outfielder Sam Bowens, or Fred Valentine, or most likely Al Smith, because his nickname was–no kidding–“Fuzzy.”
Below, manager Billy Hitchcock, who guided the team to an 86-76 record, good enough for fourth place in the American League 18.5 games behind the Yankees. Hitchcock was replaced by Hank Bauer, who eventually led the O’s to a World Championship in 1966. At right, some linguine-armed right-hander whose name has been lost to history.
Great memories! Thanks for this trip down memory lane.