Brooks Robinson, the legendary third baseman and Hall of Famer affectionately known as "Mr. Oriole" for spending his entire 23-year big league career in Baltimore, has died at 86.
Rob Manfred said in a statement. "Brooks stood among the greatest defensive players who have ever lived. He was a two-time World Series Champion, the 1964 American League MVP, and the winner of 16 consecutive Gold Gloves at third base. He was a model of excellence, durability, loyalty and winning baseball for the Orioles. After his playing career, he continued to make contributions to the game by working with the MLB Players Alumni Association.
On the field, he was tremendous during his 23-year career. He won 16 Gold Gloves, most ever among position players. He won the American League Most Valuable Player award in 1964 after hitting .317 with a league-leading 118 RBIs and finished in the top four in the MVP voting in four other seasons. He made 18 All-Star teams. He collected 2,848 hits. He is one of the best clutch hitters of all time: He holds the major league record for the most games -- 10 -- driving in the only run in a 1-0 victory. He was also so durable: He led the AL in games played four years in a row, playing at least 161 games in each.
His defense was beyond magnificent. Before games, he used to take ground balls on his knees and practiced taking balls off his chest. His body was never in a hurry; he was always calm, a trait critical for a third baseman. He had great feet in part because he started his professional career as a second baseman, moving to third base only once he got to the major leagues in 1955. And then he played 2,870 games there, the most games in baseball history at third. Robinson had great, soft hands. He was ambidextrous. He ate and wrote with his left hand.
Brooks Robinson, whose deft glovework and folksy manner made him one of the most beloved and accomplished athletes in Baltimore history, has died. He was 86.
The Orioles announced his death in a joint statement with Robinson's family Tuesday. The statement did not say how Robinson died.
Coming of age before the free agent era, Robinson spent his entire 23-year career with the Orioles. He almost single-handedly helped Baltimore defeat Cincinnati in the 1970 World Series and homered in Game 1 of the Orioles' 1966 sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers for their first crown.
"There's not a man who knows him who wouldn't swear for his integrity and honesty and give testimony to his consideration of others,” said John Steadman of The Baltimore News American. “He's an extraordinary human being, which is important, and the world's greatest third baseman of all time, which is incidental."
Robinson was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1983.
Read more
Alexandra Grant talks about Keanu Reeves as ‘inspirational’ Google's 25th birthday how it starts.
 Sarah H
Also on site :