Legendary Baltimore Orioles player Brooks Robinson died on Tuesday at the age of 86.
The Maryland organization made the announcement that evening, joining several former major league players and other teams in the Manfred circuit who mourned the death of the man considered the league’s best third baseman.
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The Hall of Famer won 16 Gold Gloves throughout his career. This is a record for his position. The Arkansas native also appeared in every All-Star Game between 1960 and 1974.
“Brooks was truly Mr. Oriole,” the organization wrote in a press release. He played with a childlike spirit for 23 years and earned the title of best player in the American League, All-Star Game and World Series. Third basemen of all levels will forever be inspired by Brooks, especially for his performance in the infield during the 1970 World Series, which cemented his entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
“Off the field, there was no one kinder and more generous, who loved the Baltimore community and gave his time and energy to support causes large and small [comme lui].”
Robinson led Baltimore to two championships, 1966 and 1970. A statue of him was erected at Camden Yards Stadium, where fans gathered to pay tribute to him. A minute’s silence was also observed before the game against the Washington Nationals.
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He finished his 2,896-game career with 268 home runs and 1,357 RBIs.
“Brooks is one of the best defensive players who ever lived. He is a role model of excellence, resilience, loyalty and winning baseball for the Orioles, commissioner Rob Manfred said in a written statement. […] I will always remember Brooks as a true gentleman who represented our sport in an extraordinary way on and off the field.”