Brooks Calbert Robinson Jr. was an American third baseman. He used to play in Major League Baseball and represented Baltimore Orioles from 1955 to 1977. Unfortunately, he died on September 26, 2023, due to prostate cancer.
Nicknamed “the Human Vacuum Cleaner”, “Mr. Hoover”, and “Mr. Oriole”, he is generally considered to have been the greatest defensive third baseman in major league history. An 18-time All-Star, he won 16 consecutive Gold Glove Awards, setting a record later tied by Jim Kaat and broken by Greg Maddux. His 2,870 career games at third base not only exceeded the closest player by nearly 700 games when he retired, but also remain the most games by any player in major league history at a single position. His 23 seasons spent with a single team set a major league record since matched only by Carl Yastrzemski.
Joining the Orioles less than two years after the franchise relocated from St. Louis, Robinson played a major role in rejuvenating what had been one of the weakest major league clubs. He became the centerpiece of the team as they posted the best record in the major leagues during the decade from 1965 to 1974, capturing four American League (AL) pennants and two World Series titles.
Awards & Achievements
He was named the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1964. In 1966 he finished second in the MVP voting behind teammate Frank Robinson after again posting 100 RBIs as the Orioles won the pennant, then swept the Los Angeles Dodgers for the team’s first Series title. In 1971 he became one of just 12 players to earn over $100,000 annually.
He still holds major league records for career putouts (2,697), assists (6,205), total chances (9,165), and double plays (618) at third base, with each total being between 13% and 20% higher than the closest player.
Robinson was widely respected and admired for his humble and gracious personality, as well as his sportsmanship and integrity. He was involved in various charitable and community causes, such as the Brooks Robinson Foundation, which supports children’s health and education programs. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to baseball and society, such as the Roberto Clemente Award in 1972, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1984, and the Babe Ruth Award in 2005.
