Brooks Robinson Baseball Cards: Rookie Cards Checklist and Autograph Buying Guide
Overview
Brooks Robinson, also known as the Human Vacuum Cleaner, is widely regarded as the best defensive third baseman to ever take up the position. Earning a record 16 Gold Glove Awards over his 23-year career with the Baltimore Orioles, Robinson was the mold by which all other teams, to this day, look to emulate. Robinson was a player gifted with a rare combination of skills that enabled him to hit for average, display modest power, and exercise stunning defense. To this day, Brooks Robinson cards and memorabilia continue to have a devoted following.
Robinson's all-around talents earned him 18 All-Star selections, as well as being named league MVP, All-Star MVP and World Series MVP. He anchored a team that won World Series titles in 1966 and 1970. Robinson was later named to Major League Baseball's All-Century team and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.
A regular guest at autograph signings, Robinson has always been a gracious and pleasant person to interact with, according to his thousands of fans who have had the pleasure of meeting him. Because of his longevity in the sport, having played his entire career for a single team and winning numerous awards and championships, Brooks Robinson collectibles are highly sought after despite being readily available.
Brooks Robinson Rookie Card
1957 Topps Brooks Robinson RC #328
A vintage favorite, the 1957 Topps Brooks Robinson is his only rookie card. The smiling and exuberant head shot that takes up the full frame of the card accurately depicts the good-natured persona for which Robinson is known. The plain font and white borders add to the simplicity of the card's design. Because of its age, the borders are very prone to yellowing, which impacts the card's ability to achieve high grade points and results in drastic fluctuations in market price.
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Autograph Guide
Brooks Robinson Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find examples of what an authentic Brooks Robinson autograph looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company. Some of the trusted sources within the sports memorabilia market include the following companies: PSA, JSA, Steiner, Tristar, Schwartz Sports and Mounted Memories. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.
Brooks Robinson Cut Signature Exemplar
Brooks Robinson Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Brooks Robinson signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features:
- An over-sized letter "B" with closed bubble-like loops and small closed horizontal loop at the bottom used to connect to the next letter.
- The letters "r-o-o" are small but discernible.
- The letter "k" is larger that the previous three letters.
- The pen lifts to start an over-sized letter "R."
- The letters "o-b-i-n" are distinct, legible and small.
- The remaining letters are unique and not entirely discernible.
- The last three letters appear to be out of order "o--s-n."
- The signature mark to his autograph is the almost printed, over-sized letter "S" which flows into a large letter "n" with the letter "o" apparently implied.
Signed Baseballs
Active Listings for Brooks Robinson Signed Baseballs
Signed Bats
Active Listings for Brooks Robinson Signed Bat
