From the time Brooks Robinson made his Major League debut in 1955 until he retired as a player in 1977, Brooks added a new dimension to the position he played. Known as “The Human Vacuum Cleaner”, it has been said that he was the best third baseman to ever play the game. During his tenure, the Baltimore Orioles had the best record in all of baseball. However it was far more than his playing ability that made Brooks Robinson stand out above the crowd.
Brooks Calbert Robinson was born on May 18, 1937 in Little Rock Arkansas. He started his professional career, fresh out of Arkansas, as a second baseman in York, PA in the Piedmont League. It was his manager at York, George Staller, who recommended that Brooks be moved to third base. Later that same year, he made his Orioles debut under Manager-General Manager Paul Richards. Richards ;INSERTed him into the lineup as a replacement for rookie Kal Segrist, who was scratched because of an injury. The date was September 17, 1955 and Brooks went 2-for-4 against the Senators while driving in a key run in the 8th inning. This was just the beginning of a long and successful career as the Baltimore Orioles third baseman.
Those who have lived in the Baltimore area have had the distinct opportunity to see him play for his only team, and to know him better through his community involvement. He has lived in the Baltimore area for over 45 years with his wife Connie. They have four children and eight grandchildren.
American and Major League Records
When he retired, Brooks held major league records for most hits (2,848), most games (2,871), most seasons (23), most chances (8,902), most putouts (2,697) most assists (6,205), most double plays (618), most seasons leading league in games (8), and most seasons leading league in assists (8) for third basemen. He held the American League record for most seasons leading in fielding percentage (11), most games season (163) twice, and most sacrifice flies (114).
All Star Play
Brooks played in 18 consecutive All-Star games from 1960 through 1974 (including 2 each in ’60, ’61, & ’62), and started in 11 of them. He had a .289 lifetime All-Star average and was selected MVP in the 1966 game at St. Louis. In 1971, he polled more votes than any other American League player.
Championship and World Series games
In the 1970 World Series vs. the Cincinnati Reds, Brooks was named the Most Valuable Player by acclamation. His defense was virtually flawless and he tied the record for most hits (9) in a five game series. He also contributed six RBI’s, two doubles and two home runs. In all, Brooks played in five Championships and four World Series. This added up to 39 games, of which the Orioles won 30 for a dynasty-like winning percentage of .769. Brooks batted an impressive .303 while driving in the game winning run, a club record 7 times.
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Brooks Robinson
