MLB Hall of Famer Robinson dies at 83

Frank Robinson, a trailblazer within Major League Baseball and Hall of Fame slugger, died Thursday. He was 83.

According to Joe Trezza, the Baltimore Orioles beat writer for Mlb.com, Robinson's family has requested, in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory be made to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, or the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

The Beaumont, Texas, native played for five teams and won a pair of World Series championships during his 21-year playing career. He became the first black manager in MLB history in 1975, when the Cleveland Indians named him player-manager.

Fearsome and fearless in the batter’s box, Robinson hit 586 home runs — he was fourth on the career list behind only Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays when he retired and now ranks 10th. He won the Triple Crown while leading the Orioles to their first World Series championship in 1966.

An All-star outfielder in 12 seasons and a first-ballot selection to Cooperstown, Robinson also was a Rookie of the Year and picked up a Gold Glove.

Robinson’s place in the game’s history extended far beyond his abundant playing skills.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.