Baseball Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson, who died this week at the age of 86, developed an affinity for Cooperstown early in his career.
Standing on historic Doubleday Field during the 1961 Hall of Fame Game, the Baltimore Orioles third baseman heard the public address announcer interrupt the game to announce the birth of his first son, Brooks David.
They would both be in Cooperstown in 1983 for the induction of arguably the game’s best defensive third baseman.
Robinson was 24 when the first of his four children was born and was just beginning to display the skills that would bring him fame. That season was already the seventh of his 23 in the majors – he debuted as an 18-year-old in 1955 – and all with the Orioles.
The Orioles organization announced Robinson’s death on Tuesday.
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“We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Brooks Robinson,” the club said in a statement before holding a moment of silence prior to Tuesday night’s game at Camden Yards. “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.”
Said Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred: “Brooks stood among the greatest defensive players who have ever lived. He was a two-time World Series Champion, the 1964 American League MVP, and the winner of 16 consecutive Gold Gloves at third base. He was a model of…
