“Frank Robinson’s resume in our game is without parallel, a trailblazer in every sense, whose impact spanned generations,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “He was one of the greatest players in the history of our game, but that was just the beginning of a multifaceted baseball career.” Rob Manfred, Commissioner – Major League Baseball
Baseball legend Frank Robinson passed today at 83. The announcement was made today by Major League Baseball. For the past several weeks he was in hospice and while his passing does not come as a surprise, it rekindles the greatness he displayed as a player and all-around talent in major league baseball.
Following in the footsteps of Jackie Robinson, in 1956 Frank broke in with the Cincinnati Reds. The rest is history. He was known for his fierce competitive spirit; as a player, a manager and executive within the league. Robinson shunned fraternization which is prevalent in today’s game. Perhaps, because players lack the same team loyalty that once was common-place among teams during Robinson’ era. They move around within the thirty teams at a more frequent pace as putting in more than five years with a team might be considered rare.
During Robinson’s era once the players hit the dugout to prepare for the game, it was unheard of for players to greet those from the opposition or even share a positive nod, let alone embrace them…..even though they may have been lifelong friends.
While Jackie is known for the player to break the color-barrier in MLB, Frank goes down as the manager who did the same.
“Frank use to tell us, we don’t talk to the other team…..we just beat them!! Former Oriole teammate and Hall of Famer Jim Palmer
Key moments from Robinson’s career – click HERE
Tributes and condolences have started pouring in to acknowledge a life well-lived. RIP Frank Robinson
Thomas Reports 