Frank Robinson, hall of famer and MLB's first black manager, dies aged 83
Hall of famer Frank Robinson, the first black manager in Major League Baseball and the only player to win the MVP award in both leagues, has died. Robinson had recently been in hospice care at his home in Bel Air. MLB confirmed his death on Thursday afternoon, Robinson was 83.
An MVP with Cincinnati and Baltimore, Robinson cemented his legacy when he became Cleveland’s manager in 1975. The Reds, Orioles and Indians retired his No20 and honored him with statues at their stadiums.
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.
Robinson’s place in the game’s history extended far beyond his abundant playing skills. While still active, Robinson fulfilled his quest to become the first African American manager in the big leagues. In his first at-bat as a playermanager for Cleveland, he hit a home run.
Robinson also managed San Francisco, Baltimore and Montreal. He became the first manager of the Washington Nationals after the franchise moved from Montreal for the 2005 season he also was in the Nationals’ Ring of Honor. More than half the major league teams have had black managers since his debut in the Cleveland dugout.
Robinson later spent several years working as an executive for MLB and for a time oversaw the annual Civil Rights Game. He advocated for minorities throughout baseball and worked with former MLB commissioner Bud Selig to develop the Selig Rule, directing teams to interview at least one minority candidate before hiring a new manager. For his achievements on and off the field, Robinson was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George W Bush in 2005.