Danielle Solzman
It was announced this evening that former Baltimore Orioles third baseman Brooks Robinson passed away at the age of 86. The Human Vacuum Cleaner was the greatest third baseman to have ever lived.
The Little Rock native was Mr. Oriole and The Human Vacuum Cleaner for his defensive skills at third base. He played in 18 All-Star Games, won the 1964 American League MVP Award, and won two World Series with the Orioles in 1966 and 1970. Robinson was also named MVP for the 1970 series. His 16 Gold Gloves at third base were the most for any player who wasn’t a pitcher. He became the first third baseman to be inducted on the first ballot when he was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1983.
He attended the Little Rock Central High School—yes, the same one that would became a National Historic Site—and signed with the Orioles in 1955, making his debut during the same year. He would retire in 1977 not too long after turning 40.
For those who are interested in reading more about Robinson’s life, the first complete biography, Brooks: The Biography of Brooks Robinson, was written by SABR member Doug Wilson and published in 2014. You can find the Dugout Dirt review of the biography by clicking here.
May his memory be a blessing.
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