Frank Robinson, one of the greatest players in MLB history, passed away on Thursday at the age of 83.
We mourn the loss of Hall of Famer and Orioles Legend Frank Robinson. #Frank20 pic.twitter.com/4yy4lV2U4N
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) February 7, 2019
Robinson’s playing career lasted from 1956-1976. His 586 career home runs are 10th on the all-time list. He was voted into the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
Robinson’s career accomplishments are quite impressive. He won the NL MVP for the Cincinnati Reds in 1961 and the AL MVP for the Baltimore Orioles in 1966. To date, nobody else has won the MVP in both leagues. But the achievements don’t stop there.
RIP to MLB legend Frank Robinson.
Legendary @baseballhall of fame member had some career:
14× All-Star
2× World Series champion
NL MVP (1961)
AL MVP (1966)
World Series MVP
Triple Crown (1966)
NL Rookie of the Year (1956)
Gold Glove Award (1958)
AL Manager of the Year (1989) pic.twitter.com/Dp74GnWYvS— uSTADIUM MLB (@uSTADIUMMLB) February 7, 2019
In 1975, Robinson became the first African-American manager in MLB when he was named player-manager of the Cleveland Indians. Robinson became manager of the San Francisco Giants in 1981, becoming the National League’s first African-American skipper. He later managed the Orioles as well as Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals franchise.
When news of his passing broke, many in the MLB world took to Twitter and paid tribute to Robinson.
Jim Palmer on Frank Robinson: "He changed baseball in Baltimore. There's no doubt about it." #orioles
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) February 7, 2019
Palmer: "Frank played the game the right way but he played it really hard. You were a middle infielder, he wasn't going to kick you or trip you or hook you. He was going to slide into 2nd base. And if you hovered around the base trying to turn a DP well, that’s your problem."
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) February 7, 2019
RIP Frank Robinson. A baseball legend.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 7, 2019
My first manager in MLB, and such a great man. He was a huge part of the beginning of my career and what I was able to achieve. God Bless The Robinson family. https://t.co/t0EAqFkYgO Rest in peace Skipper
— Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) February 7, 2019
Frank Robinson, who joined a good Orioles team before the 1966 season. and made them a perennial champion, has died at age 83. A pioneer. A Hall of Famer. And one of the toughest hombres that ever lived. pic.twitter.com/ag0yPRZxks
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) February 7, 2019
Passing of Frank Robinson great loss for MLB family. Talent & intensity legendary. HOF, only MVP of both leagues, 1st black MLB manager, fighter for civil rights. His #20 retired by 3 teams & his presence & impact on baseball will always be remembered. #RIPlegend
— Bob Scanlan (@heyscan) February 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/Starting9/status/1093598546467672064
Frank Robinson was a legend. 2-time MVP, triple crown, Hall of Fame player, first African-American manager in MLB. He did it all.
Was also a basketball teammate of Bill Russell in high school, and a baseball teammate of Bill Russell with the 1972 Dodgers.
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) February 7, 2019
Baseball lost a great one today. Rest in peace, Big Frank Robinson. What an amazing life! Huge impact on the game both in the batter's box and off the field. Opened doors for the next generation and vital to the game's diversity movement. #salute @Reds @Orioles @Indians
— Brandon Tierney (@BrandonTierney) February 7, 2019
I played for Frank Robinson for 3 weeks before being traded to the @astros
He was a fierce competitor & a blessing to the game of baseball. #RIPFrankRobinson— Blummer Bock (@blummer27) February 7, 2019
Few baseball players were ever tougher than Frank Robinson, less than a dozen were greater players. In the winter of '73-74 I spent a week w/him in San Juan as he prepared to be 1st A-A manager, and change history. A giant man then, ever.
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) February 7, 2019
Frank Robinson was a giant in MLB. Loved his passion as a player and his drive as a manager. He was willing to teach those willing – and smart enough – to want to learn. He's a legend, plain and simple. Rest in peace.
— Pete Kerzel (@masnPete) February 7, 2019