Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson, the man nicknamed “The Human Vacuum Cleaner” who set the standard for playing third base, has died at age 86, after having become a legendary beloved figure in Baltimore.
A Statement from the Robinson Family and the Orioles:
“We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Brooks Robinson. An integral part of our Orioles Family since 1955, he will continue to leave a lasting impact on our club, our community, and the sport of…
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 26, 2023
Robinson, who played for the Baltimore Orioles his entire career (1955-1977) won an astonishing 16 consecutive Gold Gloves (1960-75) during his career; he played his entire career for the Baltimore Orioles and became a local hero in the town. He helped the Orioles win the World Series in 1966 and 1970.
Robinson won the 1964 American League MVP after batting .317 with 118 RBIs. He also won the MVP in the 1970 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds, hitting .429 with two home runs. He ended his career just shy of 3,000 hits, with 2,848 hits, a .267 batting average, 268 home runs and 1,357 RBIs. He appeared in 18 All-Star Games.
But it was his defense that made him legendary, as can be seen here.
After the five-game 1970 World Series against the Reds, where Robinson made one dazzling play after another, he statedwith typical humility, “I just happened to be in the right spot in that series. I tell people that I played 23 seasons and I never did have five games in a row like I did in that World Series. It was a once in a lifetime five-game series for me and it just happened to be in a World Series.”
Robinson once told writers that his defense was never brought up when he was negotiating a contract with the Orioles. General Manager Harry Dalton explained why, as Doug Wilson wrote in “Brooks: The Biography of Brooks Robinson”: “Perhaps his glove wasn’t brought up by me because I think you can understand that I would have everything to lose by bringing up his defense. How could I bring up defense? How could I debate perfection?”
In addition, Robinson was beloved as a human being for his graciousness and humility. “Great player, great guy on the field, great guy off,” fellow Orioles Hall of Famer Jim Palmer recalled. “Respectful, kind. And you don’t meet too many guys like that. Brooks was a genuine person. There was no acting. Brooks was just a genuine person.”
Jim Palmer reflects on the legacy of Brooks Robinson. pic.twitter.com/2UlvMt5gBd
— Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) September 26, 2023
Robinson was such a beloved figure in Baltimore that when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in July 1983, the crowd was estimated at 12,000 people, 4,000 more than any previous induction ceremony. Wilson noted, “56 buses, 14 planes and countless individual cars made the 250-mile ‘trip of pride’ sponsored by the business community of Baltimore.” Bill Tanton, sports editor of the Baltimore Sun, said, “When Brooks went in, it was like a member of your family going in.”
Robinson reacted humbly, “I can’t believe it. It was just unbelievable for all these people to make this hike up from Baltimore to see me go into the Hall of Fame. If I’m making them happy in any way, then that makes me happy.”
Remembering Mr. Oriole 🧡 pic.twitter.com/vibCuUWybB
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 26, 2023
"Brooks Robinson is iconic – not just in the game of baseball, but in Baltimore as a whole.
Few people captured the hearts of a community like Brooks. His charm, kindness and class truly made him one of a kind.”
Steve Bisciotti on the passing of @Orioles legend Brooks… pic.twitter.com/VNBF1auf9I
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 26, 2023
The memories we all share of Brooks will live on. My thoughts are with Connie and the Robinson family. We lost a great man but were so fortunate to have had him in our lives." – CRJ
— Cal Ripken, Jr. (@CalRipkenJr) September 26, 2023
When I was a little kid, I couldn’t imagine anyone ever being cooler than Brooks Robinson.
I still can’t.
RIP pic.twitter.com/7PpHWTwBoB
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) September 26, 2023
Words can’t express how I feel right now. A sad day for our Hall of Fame family with passing of Brooks Robinson. One of the most kindest and sincere individual I have ever met. Brooks you will be dearly missed my friend RIP 🙏
— Wade Boggs (@ChickenMan3010) September 26, 2023
