Admittedly I am not much of a baseball fan these days, even after Little League, Pony League and a run at high school baseball. That baseball was very elusive when I was at the plate.
But the recent death of Frank Robinson revived some really great memories about the Robinson Boys - Frank and Brooks - and the rest of the Baltimore Orioles cast during their heyday(s).
At least in my memory, they were a talented defensive team anchored by the incomparable Brooks Robinson at third, Luis Aparicio at short and Paul Blair patrolling center. With Jim Palmer and Dave McNally pitching, they could and did shut down opposing teams. On the offensive side they were fearsome with the Robinsons, Boog Powell and a host of others playing both “long” and “short” ball to win. Were they Baltimore’s equivalent of the Yankees’ “Murderers Row”? Perhaps not, but still murderously intimidating to opposing pitchers and fun for a young guy to watch.
It was indeed a pleasure for me to finally realize that Frank Robinson’s positive impact went far beyond his playing days. In MLB management circles, Robinson was the equivalent of Jackie Robinson when almost a generation later he became the first black “skipper” in the major leagues.
Frank Robinson earned two World Series rings for wins in 1966 and 1970 while an Oriole. For this and other highlights while a player, he commanded fan respect if not adulation. For his groundbreaking managerial debut, he earned an enduring legacy as a baseball pioneer and icon.
People like Frank Robinson will always be missed - but remembered.
Dan Cannon
Seaford
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