Frank Robinson has passed away (RIP)

[daygloman]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2019/01/30/frank-robinson-hall-of-famer-poor-health/2720674002/

 

Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, a baseball pioneer and all-time great, in poor health

Bob Nightengale, USA TODAYPublished 11:34 a.m. ET Jan. 30, 2019 | Updated 3:34 p.m. ET Jan. 30, 2019

     

 

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Corrections and clarifications: In an earlier version of this story, an extra World Series championship was included among Frank Robinson's accomplishments. Robinson won two World Series, both with the Baltimore Orioles.

Hall of Fame outfielder Frank Robinson, who made major league baseball history as the first African-American manager, is in poor health, close friends of Robinson told USA TODAY Sports.

The friends were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly as the family has requested privacy.

Robinson, 83, has been in hospice care for several months in Southern California.  

Robinson, a 14-time All-Star, had a legendary career. He was the Rookie of the Year in 1956 when he hit a rookie-record 38 homers for the Cincinnati Reds, won the Triple Crown in 1966 with the Baltimore Orioles, and remains the only player to win an MVP award in each league -- with the Reds in 1961 and the Orioles in 1966. He also led his teams to two World Series titles, winning with  the Orioles in 1966, when he also was voted the World Series MVP, and 1970.

Robinson, who had his greatest years with the Reds and Orioles, played 21 years in the major leagues before retiring in 1976 with 586 home runs. It was the fourth-highest total in baseball at the time, trailing only Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays. The longest of those home runs came on May 8, 1966, when his 541-foot blast off Luis Tiant cleared Memorial Stadium in Baltimore.

Frank Robinson slugged 586 home runs before he retired in 1976, the fourth-highest total at the time. (Photo: Louis Requena, MLB Photos via Getty Images)

 

He continued to influence the game long after retirement, becoming the first African-American to manage in the major leagues, with the Cleveland Indians. He also managed the San Francisco Giants, becoming the National League’s first African-American manager, and later managed the Orioles, Montreal Expos and Washington Nationals. He compiled a 1065-1176 (.475) record over parts of 16 seasons, winning the 1989 AL Manager of the Year award with the Orioles.

He spent the last 12 years working for the Commissioner’s office mostly as a vice president, and later as a senior advisor to Commissioner Rob Manfred.

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[Angel Oracle]

Sending prayers out, will always remember the strong 1973 season that he had as the team's first main DH.  

[Catwhoshatinthehat]

If it's his time I hope he goes as peacefully and pain free as possible.  

[Slegnaac]

Opening Day 1973 hit a HR in his first AB as an Angel.  I really thought that was going to be THE year for the team.

Peace be with you Mr. Robinson.

[Vegas Halo Fan]

Always a class act, did things the right way.

[ten ocho recon scout]

As a younger guy, my only "witness" of him was the donnelly game. And that sucks.

As a student of history, im a huge fan of his career. Player accolades up there with the usual ones who are mentioned. Trail blazer in other aspects.

Even if you arent a baseball fan, you have to respect the hell out of this guy. His player years speak for themself, his after baseball years are something to admire.

[greginpsca]

23 hours ago, Slegnaac said:

Opening Day 1973 hit a HR in his first AB as an Angel.  I really thought that was going to be THE year for the team.

Peace be with you Mr. Robinson.

I was at that game.

[Stradling]

RIP

[mtangelsfan]

RIP Frank.

[UndertheHalo]

One of the games giants for sure.  I’m way too young to have had a chance to see him play but the numbers are what they are.  As is the era.  

So, it’s not quite the same as being around for one of his homers but one of my most memorable experiences at the Big A was when he and Donnelly had their blow up over Guillen.  It was a dumb thing, but as a fan in the stands it was wildly fun.  So, I appreciate his role in providing that entertainment to me. 

Anyway, RIP.

Edited February 7, 2019 by UndertheHalo

[eligrba]

RiP.

Eli needed a DH.

[Tank]

Was always a big fan of his. His legs always seemed about 5 feet tall just on their own. 

[GrittyVeterans]

RIP to one of the great ones.

[Angelsjunky]

He was an interesting player historically because while he was truly great, a top 15 outfielder all-time, he was overshadowed by three greater contemporaries. Mantle had a higher peak, Aaron was similar in peak but greater longevity, and Mays had a higher peak and greater longevity. But Robinson was great in his prime, and for quite a long time. Among outfielders in the last 40 years, only Rickey Henderson and Barry Bonds compare to these four.

Mays: 2992 games, 149.9 fWAR, 154 wRC+

Mantle: 2401 games, 112.3 fWAR, 170 wRC+

Aaron: 3298 games, 136.3 fWAR, 153 wRC+

Robinson: 2808 games, 104.0 fWAR, 153 wRC+

[eligrba4ever]

Rest n peace, Frank. I watched you provide the Angels with some pop (20 bombs) during your 129 late-career games under the Halo. And then you were off to Cleveland.

You were never shy about sharing your opinions. And you were usually right.

[Fish Oil]

Had the opportunity to watch him play a few times. Always one of my favorites. Thanks for the memories Frank.

RIP

[Redondo]

RIP Frank

[Revad]

I remember going to a game when Robinson was still an Oriole and my Dad telling me what he loved about Frank was his easy swing.  We got there for batting practice and in those days it was easy to get close. So smooth and the ball would just jump!  RIP.

[yk9001]

The Donnelly game doesn't seem that long ago.

 

Just my opinion but I get sick of the Jackie Robinson this and Jackie Robinson that gets all the pub.  And the Lary Dobys and the Frank Robinsons just kind of fade away.

Neil Armstrong/Buzz Aldrin syndrome, I guess.

[yk9001]

In order to honor Frank Robinson, major league baseball is going to add another Jackie Robinson night to the schedule.

[jsnpritchett]

You know who the most similar player to Mike Trout is through his age 26 season?  Frank Robinson.

 

Similar Batters through 26

1. Frank Robinson (955.4) *
2. Ken Griffey Jr. (940.0) *
3. Mickey Mantle (935.5) *
4. Hank Aaron (909.7) *
5. Miguel Cabrera (896.6)
6. Orlando Cepeda (877.8) *
7. Mel Ott (877.3) *
8. Eddie Mathews (866.2) *
9. Andruw Jones (863.5)
10. Albert Pujols (858.8)

* - Signifies Hall of Famer

[Docwaukee]

6 hours ago, yk9001 said:

In order to honor Frank Robinson, major league baseball is going to add another Jackie Robinson night to the schedule.

nope.  

patches for everyone.  

[ten ocho recon scout]

11 hours ago, yk9001 said:

The Donnelly game doesn't seem that long ago.

 

Just my opinion but I get sick of the Jackie Robinson this and Jackie Robinson that gets all the pub.  And the Lary Dobys and the Frank Robinsons just kind of fade away.

Neil Armstrong/Buzz Aldrin syndrome, I guess.

Jackie Robinson. Lary Doby. Frank Robinson. Amrstrong. Buzz. The only thing they all have in common is none walked on the moon.

-Vladdy

 

[ten ocho recon scout]

5 hours ago, jsnpritchett said:

You know who the most similar player to Mike Trout is through his age 26 season?  Frank Robinson.

 

Similar Batters through 26

1. Frank Robinson (955.4) *
2. Ken Griffey Jr. (940.0) *
3. Mickey Mantle (935.5) *
4. Hank Aaron (909.7) *
5. Miguel Cabrera (896.6)
6. Orlando Cepeda (877.8) *
7. Mel Ott (877.3) *
8. Eddie Mathews (866.2) *
9. Andruw Jones (863.5)
10. Albert Pujols (858.8)

* - Signifies Hall of Famer

That list is crazy. Griffey faded, so its suprising to see how good he was early on. (Not that I dont remember him being that good, but Im surprised the guys who lasted longer arent ahead of him on there).

Even moreso with Andruw Jones.