1981 - Baltimore Orioles

1981 Baltimore Orioles

The defending AL champion Orioles won 100 games in 1980, but that was not good enough to win the division crown.  It seemed that it was always the Orioles, Yankees and Red Sox battling for the crown during this time.  34 different players suited up for the Orioles (22 position players and 12 pitchers).  Lets see each of the card companies did in featuring cards of the players.  Any players shown with other teams will count in the team % as they are considered checklisted.

Topps

23 Different player cards + "Future Stars" of Mike Bodiker, Mark Corey, and Floyd Rayford for a total of 26 players.  Also include Dave Skaggs who was sold to the Angels on 5/13 (79%)

Player selection was very good.  All 3 of the Rookies saw time with the big club in 80.  Of the players not represented in the set, only Lee May and Pat kelly were players that saw significant time with the team that did not have a Topps card.  They were both granted Free Agency on 10/23.

Fleer

25 Player cards, with 2 Doug DeCinces and a card of Earl Weaver.  Dave Skaggs is not in the set  (74%)

Fleer had almost all of the same players as Topps, including Mark Corey.  Rayford only played in 8 games, so was probably not photographed.  Fleer did have a card of Pat Kelly.

Donruss

24 players, plus the manager, 2 Jim Palmers, and 2 Steve Stones.  Again, no Dave Skaggs (71%)

No major ommisions, but they do have a card of Lee May.

Good job of player selection by all 3 companies.  Topps does not inclued 2 players who were granted Free Agency after the season, normal if Topps felt they would not sign with anyone. 

Player selection grade:  Topps - A; Fleer - A; Donruss - A


Rankings by Team

Topps

Yankees (87%)
Orioles (79%)

Fleer

Yankees (85%)
Orioles (74%)

Donruss

Orioles (71%)
Yankees (64%)