Brooks Robinson

Brooks Robinson (born May 18, 1937, Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.—died September 26, 2023) was an American professional baseball player who was widely considered the best defensive third baseman in the history of the sport. In 23 seasons (1955–77) with the Baltimore Orioles of the American League (AL), he won the Gold Glove Award 16 times and set career records for a third baseman of 2,870 games played, a .971 fielding average (since broken), 2,697 putouts, 6,205 assists, and participation in 618 double plays. Robinson was at his best in postseason games, having a .986 fielding average and a .303 batting average (.267 regular season).

From an early age Robinson, whose father had played semiprofessional baseball, dreamed of playing in the big leagues. After graduating from high school, he signed a contract with the Orioles. He became a full-time player on their major league team in 1958, though he spent part of the 1959 season in the minors. In 1964 he posted a career-high .317 batting average, led the AL with 118 runs batted in, and was named the AL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Robinson played in four World Series (1966 and 1970, won; 1969 and 1971, lost); he hit .583 in the play-offs preceding the 1970 series and .429 in the series itself, which earned him series MVP honors. He was a player-coach with the Orioles in 1977 and retired thereafter.

As a fielder, Robinson was superb on batted balls that were difficult, often seemingly impossible, to play. His outstanding fielding earned him the nickname “the Human Vacuum Cleaner.” Robinson credited his hand-eye coordination as well as an “instinct to be where the baseball was hit.” He also was known for his incredible work ethic. Off the field, Robinson earned praise for his modesty and graciousness.

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Robinson later did television commentary for Orioles games (1978–79). A 15-time All-Star, he became a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.