Expert: Tony Hutchens - 2/28/2006

Question
I have a baseball from an Oriole game.  I know NOTHING about the players.  Just want to identify the names on the ball.  My persistent child keeps asking!!!!!  Some names that appear are Bob Reynolds, Al Bumbry, Curt ?, Frank Baker, ? Alexander, Jim Frey, Earl Weaver,Hal ?,  Can't read the rest.  I need to put a story to this baseball for my child other than it was a fun date!  Can you tell me where I can find a player roster for the period 1972-1984?  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Cindy,

   It appears that the baseball in question comes from the 1973 Baltimore Orioles. That is the only year in which these players were all together. The only question mark in my mind is this "Hal" because I can't find any record of a "Hal" playing for the Orioles during that time period. Is it possible that the name in question is "Al" instead of "Hal"? Because the Orioles did have a player by the name of Al Bumbry in 1973. You can find a player roster for the year 1973 here:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/stats/alltime/rosters/orioles/1973...

If you want to look at other years, simply change the 1973 in your address bar to 1974 or any other year of your choice and you'll have it. Good luck.

                                              Tony