Tragic news hit the world of baseball today as baseball pioneer and legendary player for the Baltimore Orioles and Cincinnati Reds (among others) Frank Robinson passed away at 83.
MASN reported that Frank Robinson, the Hall of fame outfielder and first African-American manager in MLB has passed away today at the age of 83 after his long battle with bone cancer. Robinson compiled a trailblazing career, being the only player to be named MVP in both the American and National league. Robinson’s 21-year career was a journey as he played for the Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Dodgers, Angles and the Indians.
By the time Frank Robinson retired in 1976, he had a legendary career with 14-All Star appearances Batting average of .294 with 1829 RBIs compiled 586 Homeruns, a tripple crown in 1966 and two Word Series’ championships from the ’66 and ’70 Orioles’ teams.
Managerial Career
Like his playing career, Frank Robinson’s time as a manager was full of impact and history. Frank Robinson continued to leave his mark on the game by becoming the first African-American to manage in Major League Baseball with the Cleveland Indians in the American League in 1975. Also, he gave his managerial gifts to the San Francisco Giants in 1981, becoming the first African-American manager for the National League.
From 1975 to 2006, Robinson managed 2,241 games with 1 tie, 1,065 wins, and 1,176 losses (.475) while winning the 1989 AL manager of the year award with the “Why Not?” Baltimore Orioles. In 2002, 2003, 2005, Robinson won manager of the year for his bouts in the National League with the Expos and the Nationals.
Involvement in the game
Aside from being one of the great home run hitters, Frank Robinson was ground-breaking in his involvement of the development of the youth aspect of the game.
By June of 2012, Robinson was hired by MLB as the vice president of player development. He managed to emphasize important aspects such as the Urban Youth Academy and the Futures Game, as well as the Civil Rights Game. He was given the special position to become Honorary President of the American league.
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Frank Robinson never hesitated to represent, understand, and give thanks to the Negro League players who came before him. His youth academy emphasized expressing to future generations the importance of the game outreach to urban areas to keep the youth in the game.
Legacy
Robinson’s number 20 was retired in by the Baltimore Orioles in 1972, the Reds in 1998, and the Indians in 2017. Frank was the student of the game and his fiery, no-nonsense attitude is what gave him perseverance through the turbulent times of 1950s and 60s segregated America.
From Kangaroo court to establishing bonds with some of Cooperstown greats, Robinson cared about the team. Frank Robinson never chased personal goals and never tapped into the primadonna mindset. He understood the nature of the game and perseverance that went with the method of greatness for both teams he played for and teams he managed.
Frank Robinson will be remembered for being a legend in the game of baseball. Most importantly, he will be remembered for being a man who gave 100% of his time and effort in all his adventures. RIP, Frank.