MLB Legend Brooks Robinson Dead at 86 : Which Team Did Robinson Play for During His Career?

Brooks Robinson passed away at 86 (Credit: USA Today and X)

Under unfortunate circumstances, Baltimore Orioles legend Brooks Robinson passed away on September 26, 2023, at the age of 86. The legend was known as an 18-time MLB All-Star and brought in the World Series crowns for making the Orioles twice in 1966 and 1971.

Robinson has been awarded 16 consecutive American League Gold Gloves for being the top-fielding third baseman from 1960 to 1975. In 1983, with 92% of votes, Brooks Robinson was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. With heavy emotions, Robinson’s family shared the news of Brooks Robinson’s death in a joint statement with the Orioles.

The statement reads, “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 baseball”.

The legend’s death was sudden and unexpected, and his family preferred being discrete and having privacy during such a tough time for their family and friends. Robinson’s longtime friend and agent, Diane Hock, revealed the cause of death, which was coronary disease.

With growing age, Robinson suffered several health challenges in the latter stage of his life. In 2009, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which he recovered from for some time but returned in 2018. Moreover, a few years ago, he had an accident when he had an unfortunate fall at his house that caused a broken arm that later required surgery.

Tribute to Brooks Robinson the third baseman of the Orioles

The Orioles legend retired from the playing field after the 1977 season, and a few years later, in 1983, he was inaugurated into the Hall of Fame on his very first ballot.

Robinson was incorporated into Baseball’s All-Century team, which was meant to pay tribute to the best 25 players of the 20th century. Recognizing his contributions to the Orioles, they honored him by retiring his jersey number 5, showing that it will always belong to him.

After many years after his retirement, Robinson displayed his dazzling and the most extensive memorabilia collection in the auction, whose benefits he gave to the Constance and Brooks Robinson Foundation, for a worthy cause.

For his peace, a moment of silence was held before Tuesday’s home game against Washington, as the announcer read a tribute to Robinson’s remarkable 23 years of career. He said, “Brooks Robinson truly was ‘Mr. Oriole.’ Third basemen from all levels of the game will forever look to Brooks for inspiration”.

Robinson will forever be remembered for his incredible throw-outs at first base and the spectacular diving stops of line drives in baseball’s famous ‘hot corner,’ which also landed him the nickname ‘Human Vaccum Cleaner.’

His contribution to the Orioles ranks seventh highest all-time for a player who appeared in half of their total games at third base. And because of this, to date, Brook Robinson ranks second in the history of the Orioles franchise. Brooks Robinson’s death truly marks the end of an era in the sport of baseball, and his legacy will always be intertwined with baseball.