Brooks Robinson, the long-time third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, passed away yesterday at the age of 86. Robinson, widely regarded as the greatest defensive third baseman in the history of Major League Baseball, was an 18-time American League All-Star and won 16 Gold Gloves, all in consecutive seasons from 1960-75. The Orioles and Robinson’s family, in a joint statement, did not say how Robinson died.
Robinson, affectionately known as the “Human Vacuum Cleaner” for his fielding brilliance at the hot corner, was one of the cornerstone members of the Baltimore Orioles dynasty that appeared in the playoffs six times in a nine-year stretch (1966-74). The Orioles won four pennants, five A.L. East titles, and two World Series championships in those nine seasons.
“Mr. Oriole” was the A.L. MVP in 1966 and the World Series MVP in 1970 when he dominated both at the plate and in the field. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on the first ballot (with 92.0% of the vote) in 1983.
Robinson’s longtime teammate in Baltimore, Hall of Famer Jim Palmer was emotional in remembering his dear friend:
“Great player, great guy on the field, great guy off. 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, Robinson’s teammate (1965-74), espn.com (9/26/23)
“I’m just sad. Another great one is called to heaven. He was really nice to me when I was a rookie with the Braves. We used to barnstorm with him all the time and he was a real gentleman. … I never heard anything negative about him, ever. And he was on a team that with the Orioles had a number of African-American players. I think they had 10 or 12. They all loved him. That’s saying a lot. Especially back in that day.”
— Dusty Baker, Houston Astros Manager, espn.com (9/26/23)
Brooks is the second Orioles legend named Robinson to pass away in the last four years. Frank Robinson died on February 7, 2019.
Cooperstown Cred: Brooks Robinson (3B)
- Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983 (with 92.0% of the vote)
- Baltimore Orioles (1955-77)
- Career: .267 BA, .322 OBP, .401 SLG, 2,848 Hits, 268 HR, 1,357 RBI
- Career: 105 OPS+, 78.4 WAR (Wins Above Replacement)
- 1964 A.L. MVP (.317 BA, 28 HR, 118 RBI, 8.1 WAR)
- 18-time All-Star (in 15 different seasons)
- 16-time Gold Glove Award Winner (most ever for non-pitcher)
- Led A.L. 3rd basemen in fielding percentage 11 times
- Member of 1966 & 1970 World Champion Baltimore Orioles
- 1970 World Series MVP: .429 BA, .810 SLG, 2 HR, 6 RBI
- Career postseason: .303 BA, 5 HR, 22 RBI in 39 Games
(cover photo: CBS Sports)
Brooks Robinson: early years
Brooks Calbert Robinson was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on May 18, 1937. As a child, he had a paper route of 150 customers that included Hall of Fame catcher Bill Dickey. Robinson played football, basketball, and baseball in high school but was clearly best on the diamond.
After graduating from Central High School in 1955, Robinson signed for $4,000 with the Baltimore Orioles, who had recently relocated from St. Louis, where they were known as the Browns. Robinson started his professional baseball career in York, Pennsylvania (the Piedmont League). The Orioles of that era were at the bottom of the American League standings, affording the 18-year-old third-sacker his first cup of coffee with the big club in Baltimore in September.
Robinson spent most of 1956 and ’57 in Double-A San Antonio (the Texas League) but also spent time with the big club in both seasons. The Orioles had George Kell, a future Hall of Fame third baseman, in 1956 and ’57, but Kell retired after the ’57 season, giving the 21-year-old Robinson the full-time job in 1958. In 507 plate appearances, Robinson hit .238 with 3 HR and 32 RBI. He also showed the American League his fielding prowess by securing the most putouts for any third baseman in the league, while finishing second in assists.
Robinson struggled early in 1959 (hitting .200 with no RBI in his first 13 games) and was sent back to the minors (AAA Vancouver) for two months. He returned to the big leagues for good in July and finished the season with a .284 average in 88 games.
Now 23, Robinson became a star in 1960. He hit .294 with 14 HR and 88 RBI while leading the A.L. in putouts and assists. He was rewarded with his first of 16 consecutive Gold Gloves. He was selected twice to appear in the All-Star Game (there were two games per year from 1959-62) and finished 3rd in the A.L. MVP voting, behind only Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle.
Robinson remained a perennial All-Star (being named to 18 squads over 15 seasons) and displayed remarkable durability as well. He appeared in all but one game played by the Orioles from 1961-64. The Human Vacuum Cleaner was quickly gaining a reputation as a defensive stalwart but, in 1964, he upped his offensive game as well. In what was his age 27 season, Robinson set career highs (which he would never match) in batting average (.317), OBP (.368), SLG (.521), HR (28), RBI (118), and hits (194). For this, he was named the A.L. MVP, easily besting Mantle in the voting. The O’s came close to dethroning the New York Yankees in the A.L. that year; they were leading the league as late as September 15th before finishing 2.5 games back.
1966 World Series Champions
Brooks Robinson had another strong campaign in 1965, hitting .297 with 18 HR and 80 RBI. It was good enough to put him 3rd in the MVP vote behind a pair of Minnesota Twins, Zolio Versalles and Tony Oliva, who was just inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.
With another Robinson (Hall of Famer Frank Robinson) joining the squad, everything came together for the Orioles in 1966, when the team won its first pennant since the 1944 St. Louis Browns. Brooks and Frank were both All-Stars, with Brooks the MVP of the game by going 3 for 4 with a triple.
For the entire season, Frank won the Triple Crown (.316 BA, 49 HR, 122) while becoming the first player to win the MVP in both leagues (he won the N.L. MVP with the Cincinnati Reds in 1961). Meanwhile, Brooks had another strong campaign, hitting .269 with 23 HR and 100 RBI; he finished 2nd in the voting, while first baseman Boog Powell (34 HR, 109 RBI) finished 3rd.
The ’66 Orioles, under manager Hank Bauer, won 97 games to easily win the pennant. Besides the Robinsons and Powell, the O’s had two other defensive stalwarts in shortstop Luis Aparicio (another future Hall of Famer) and 22-year-old center fielder Paul Blair.
In the Fall Classic, the Birds were matched up against the defending World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Although the Dodgers had two future Hall of Fame starters (Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale), the O’s completed a four-game sweep behind 20-year-old Jim Palmer (also a Hall of Famer), Wally Bunker, Dave McNally, and Moe Drabowsky, who gave up a combined two runs in all four games. The two Robinsons set the pace in Game 1, each hitting a solo home run in the top of the 1st off of Drysdale.
Thanks to injuries to Palmer and McNally and some off-years from a few hitters, the Orioles sagged in 1967 (winning only 76 games). After the first 80 games of 1967, the O’s were 10.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers, and General Manager Harry Dalton replaced manager Bauer with future Hall of Famer Earl Weaver.
Although the 91-win team would finish the season far behind the 103-win Tigers in the A.L., the building blocks were in place for the Orioles dynasty. It was the first of four consecutive seasons with six core regulars. Besides outfielders Frank Robinson and Blair, the infield quartet of Powell, 2nd baseman Davey Johnson, slick-fielding shortstop Mark Belanger, and Brooks Robinson would be a cornerstone of the glory years to come.
Brooks Robinson and the Orioles Dynasty
Weaver’s 1969 Baltimore Orioles were a super-team, finishing with 109 regular season wins, which was tied for the 3rd most in the history of the American League. Brooks Robinson had an off-year with the bat (hitting just .234 with 23 HR and 84 RBI) but Powell and Frank Robinson had big years offensively. Brooks, Belanger, Johnson, and Blair all won Gold Gloves, while veteran lefthander Mike Cuellar (a 23-game winner) was the co-Cy Young winner with Detroit’s Denny McLain.
With four expansion teams debuting in 1969, this was the first year that the leagues were split into two divisions. The Orioles easily won the A.L. East and then dispatched the A.L. West winners (the Twins) in a three-game sweep in the first-ever American League Championship Series. The Human Vacuum Cleaner hit. 500 in the 3-game sweep. The World Series, alas, did not go as well for the O’s. Although heavily favored, they fell to the Miracle New York Mets in 5 games.
In 1970, Brooks rebounded with the bat (hitting .276 with 18 HR and 94 RBI) while winning his 11th straight Gold Glove. The O’s dominated the regular season again, winning 108 regular-season games (Powell was the A.L. MVP) and swept the Twins again in the ALCS, with Robinson hitting .583 with a pair of RBI.
It was in the World Series, however, that Brooks Robinson probably clinched his place in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. The Orioles faced off with Sparky Anderson’s Cincinnati Reds, who were at the beginning of a six-year dynasty of their own. The Big Red Machine, however, was no match for Weaver’s Orioles. The Human Vacuum Cleaner had arguably the greatest overall defensive performance in the history of the Fall Classic but he was the O’s hitting star as well.
In Game 1, Robinson broke a 3-3 tie in the 7th inning at Riverfront Stadium with a solo home run off Gary Nolan. He also made the first of his many brilliant plays in the bottom of the 6th on a ground ball by first baseman Lee May. The Reds went on to win 4-3
The Orioles took Game 2 as well, with Brooks delivering a game-tying RBI single in the top of the 5th off Milt Wilcox.
Back in Baltimore for Game 3, the Orioles third baseman got the offense going in the bottom of the first inning with a two-run single off Reds’ starter Tony Cloninger. Most notably, however, the Human Vacuum Cleaner made two brilliant plays at the hot corner on hard-hit balls by future Hall of Famers Tony Perez and Johnny Bench. The O’s easily won the game 9-3.
In Game 4, Brooks had another huge game with the bat, going 4 for 4 with a 2nd-inning solo home run and an RBI single. The Reds, however, staved off a four-game sweep with a 6-5 win.
The O’s All-Star third sacker went just 1 for 5 in the team’s 9-3 series-clinching win but received a standing ovation from the Memorial Stadium crowd after striking out in the 8th inning, a tribute from the fans for his brilliance throughout the series. He was, of course, the World Series MVP thanks to his .429 BA and defensive brilliance.
In 1971, the Orioles won 101 games to capture their third straight A.L. East title. Brooks Robinson had another strong campaign (.272 BA, 20 HR, 92 RBI) which, in conjunction with his Gold Glove work, earned him a 4th place finish in the MVP voting. That season was also famous for the O’s because the team had four pitchers who won 20 games or more: Palmer, McNally, Cuellar, and Pat Dobson.
The O’s swept the Oakland A’s in the ’71 ALCS, with Brooks hitting .364 with a home run and 3 RBI. In the World Series, the Birds fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 7 games, with Roberto Clemente providing defensive moments as memorable as Robinson’s in 1970. The O’s third sacker hit .318 with 5 RBI in the losing effort.
Frank Robinson was traded in the off-season, helping result in an off-year for the Orioles in 1972 (80 team wins). Brooks had a weak offensive campaign (.250 BA, 8 HR, 64 RBI) but still won his 13th straight Gold Glove. With another slick fielder who could hit with authority (Bobby Grich) replacing Davey Johnson at 2nd base, the O’s rebounded to win the A.L. East in both 1973 and ’74 but fell to the A’s in the ALCS in both years.
In 1975, at the age of 38, Brooks Robinson had an awful year at the plate, hitting just .201 with 6 HR and 53 RBI. He won his 16th and final Gold Glove while missing the All-Star Game for the first time since 1959. He was a .200 hitter in a part-time role in his final two seasons.
The Legacy of Brooks Robinson
Brook Robinson retired towards the end of the 1977 campaign and became a broadcaster for the team in 1978, remaining in that role until 1993 when he and his wife retired to Southern California. Robinson was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983 in his first year on the ballot. He received his plaque in Cooperstown in the same year as his predecessor at third base with the Orioles, George Kell, who he credited for “teaching me everything he knew about playing third.”
In his 22 MLB campaigns, Robinson played for a Hall of Fame manager (Weaver) and with eight other Cooperstown-enshrined players: Kell, Frank Robinson, Aparicio, Palmer, Robin Roberts, Hoyt Wilhelm, Reggie Jackson, and Eddie Murray. (Jackson was with the O’s in 1976, while Murray was a rookie in 1977).
Robinson is widely regarded as the greatest defensive third baseman in the history of Major League Baseball. He has the most career assists (6,205) putouts (2,697), and double plays turned (618) for any third-sacker in history.
Additionally, besides making more plays than any other 3B ever, he had a remarkable .971 career fielding percentage, the 5th best ever. The only players with a higher career fielding percentage at the hot corner (Placido Polanco, Mike Lowell, Matt Chapman, and Nolan Arenado) all have played dramatically less than Robinson’s career 25,035 innings at the third base. (Arenado has the most of the quartet with 12,751 innings played).
Today, of course, we have defensive analytics that go far beyond assists, putouts, DPs turned, and fielding percentage. In the case of Brooks Robinson, the metrics match his reputation. He has the highest defensive WAR for any 3rd baseman ever and the most-ever “Total Zone Runs.”
Robinson’s overall WAR (Wins Above Replacement), which includes hitting and baserunning, is the 7th best for all of the third basemen in MLB history. He’s behind only Mike Schmidt, Eddie Mathews, Adrian Beltre, Wade Boggs, George Brett, and Chipper Jones.
His 16 Gold Gloves are the most ever for a third baseman and also the most all-time for a non-pitcher.
Final Tributes to Brooks Robinson
During my 12-year career at ESPN, I met Brooks Robinson once. It was in Baltimore in 1998, when we took the Up Close show on the road to the ESPN Zone sports bar in Baltimore. Mr. Oriole was the consummate gentleman.
And so, finally, allow me to share a few more quotes from over the years about Brooks Robinson the baseball player and the man, from those who knew him best.
“When fans ask Brooks Robinson for his autograph, he complied while finding out how many kids you have, what your dad does, where you live, how old you are, and if you have a dog. … His only failing is that when the game ended, if Brooks belonged to its story – usually he did – you better leave the booth at the end of the eighth inning. … By the time the press got [to the clubhouse] Brooks was in the parking lot signing autographs on his way home.”
— Chuck Thompson, Orioles play-by-play announcer (1949-2000), from Robinson’s SABR Bio
“He was the best defensive player at any position. I used to stand in the outfield like a fan and watch him make play after play. I used to think WOW, I can’t believe this.”
— Hall of Famer Frank Robinson (Orioles teammate from 1966-71)
“Brooks was maybe the last guy to get into the clubhouse the day of the game, but he would be the first guy on the field. He’d be taking his groundballs, and we’d all go, ‘Why does Brooks have to take any groundballs?”
— Hall of Famer Earl Weaver (managed Robinson from 1968-77)
“I’m beginning to see Brooks in my sleep. If I dropped a paper plate, he’d pick it up on one hop and throw me out at first.”
— Hall of Famer Sparky Anderson (managed against Robinson in the 1970 World Series)
“You know it’s a crime for anybody to have as much fun as Robby’s having.. and making money for it.”
— Hall of Famer Robin Roberts (Orioles teammate 1965)
The Orioles held a moment of silence last night at Camden Yards in honor of their all-time great.
RIP, Brooks.
I only started watching him in 1970. He was everything above and more.
A life well lived. RIP Brooks.
Apparently, he was a great teammate, but he was over-rated. A 105 OPS+ and a .328 OBP doesn’t scream HALL OF FAME. Graig Nettles also played 22 years, was known to have a fantastic glove, but had a 1110 ERA+ and a .329 OBP
“He did stuff like that [his 1970 World Series plays], and he did better stuff over the course of the year. I’ve always maintained that if Brooks Robinson had been playing at Yankee Stadium in New York, I think he could have run for President. He was that special.” – Boog Powell
“He did stuff like that [his 1970 World Series plays], and he did better stuff over the course of the year. I’ve always maintained that if Brooks Robinson had been playing at Yankee Stadium in New York, I think he could have run for President. He was that special.” – Boog Powell
Ron Santo was a much better player, but took generations to get into the hall. Ken Boyer had a 116 ERA+ and a .349 OBP. And a great glove rep. Therewere Ron Cey and Darell Evans also…..
Nettles had a lifetime .248 average, twenty points below Robinson. He was a very good defensive third baseman but he wasn’t even close to Brooks Robinson good. Santo was a better hitter than Brooks, but much less of a player than even Nettles was defensively. Same thing with Boyer. None of those guys were even in the same ballpark (pun intended) as Robinson defensively.
So instead of taking a dump on the man’s grave before he’s even buried, do a little research next time. And have some respect.
“He [Brooks Robinson] has to be the greatest third baseman of all time. I just enjoy watching him play. He’s in the right place every time.” – Tony Perez
I dispute the idea of Brooks Robinson being “Mr Oriole.” Cal Ripken,Jr I believe is more deserving of the honor of “Mr Oriole.” I followed the careers of both Ripken,Jr and Brooks Robinson. Robinson was better defensively than Cal, but Ripken was a much better hitter. Cal had 3,184 career hits and a .276 lifetime batting average, compared to Robinson’s .267 lifetime BA and 2848 hits. Cal had 431 home runs, to Brooks Robinson’s 268. Ripken, Jr. scored 415 more runs than Robinson in his career, 1647 to 1232. Cal Ripken was A.L. Most. Valuable Player twice, in 1983 and 1991. Robinson was MVP in the AL only once, in 1964. And, most notably of all, Cal Ripken Jr. passed Lou Gehrig’s record for consecutive games played. Cal’s record of 2632 consecutive games played, which was 502 more than Gebrig’s 2130 consecutive games played, I doubt it will ever be broken. Cal Ripken, Jr is the REAL “Mr Oriole.”
I was lucky enough to meet Brooks at a trade show. He signed autographs left-handed while shaking your hand with his right. He looked you right in the eye and said it was nice to meet you. He came across as GENUINE. My younger brother was there with me. He could care less about baseball and even he was impressed with Brooks. I was a Met fan but had a Brooks Robinson glove.