His talent on the diamond is just the beginning of Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson’s story. His work outside the game has a lot of value. Robinson a legend on and off the field.
Early Days
Born on May 18, 1937, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Robinson had baseball in his blood. His father, Brooks Sr., was a semi-professional second baseman, and his talent was clearly lost.
Coming out of high school, Robinson was a star basketball player, earning a full-ride scholarship from the University of Arkansas. However, Robinson loved the game of baseball and wanted to play in the Major leagues.
Through his connections and undeniable talent, Robinson has drawn interest from several MLB programs. He eventually decided to sign with the Baltimore Orioles, where he would spend his entire career.
MLB Career
Debuting for the Orioles in 1955 at age 18, Robinson had to overcome injuries and batting struggles early on.
Bouncing between the major and minor leagues, even spending some time in the Arkansas National Guard, it wasn’t until 1960 that Robinson was undoubtedly the Orioles’ third baseman. That year, Robinson earned his first of 18 consecutive all-star selections, and quickly gained recognition as one of baseball’s premier players.
He won his first AL MVP award in 1964 after improving his batting performance.
Robinson won his first of two World Series’ in 1966, sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in four games.
In the following years, Robinson remained a top player and class act, but the Orioles were unable to repeat the success of the World Series.
However, during the 1970s, Robinson marked his legacy in baseball history. Recording his 200th home run and 2000th hit, Robinson pushed the Orioles to the top of the AL East. Burning in the postseason, the Orioles eventually faced and conquered the Cincinnati Reds in the 1970 World Series. Robinson earned MVP honors as he turned in one of the greatest World Series performances in all of baseball, illustrated by this call from Curt Gowdy.
Robinsons game would slowly decline in the following years, despite still being one of the best defensive players. He held all-star status during the 1974 season, before injuries struck him.
Robinson announced the 1977 season, in which he had only sporadic playing time, would be his last. He was honored in an hour-long ceremony at the end of the year before a packed crowd.
Except for Diamond
While Robinson’s accomplishments on the field speak for themselves, his accomplishments off the field certainly don’t disappoint. For most of his career, Robinson served as a player representative for the Major League Baseball Players Associationwhich later led him to start and lead the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association: an organization that protects the benefits of retired players and helps raise money for charity. He also founded Brooks Robinson Sporting Goods, which has clothed and served the Baltimore community for many years.
He was truly classy outside of his playing days.
Brooks Robinson has shown great work on and off the diamond. The game of baseball lost a true legend with his passing.