Reports: Frank Robinson, Hall of Famer and MLB's first black manager, dies at 83

[Faygo Kid]

Source: AOL.com

Baseball Hall of Famer Frank Robinson died Thursday after battling a long illness, according to MASN in Baltimore. He was 83 years old.

Known for his elite talent and intense demeanor, Robinson became a central figure in advancing Major League Baseball’s integration of black players after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947.

Robinson exploded on the scene in 1956 and for the next six decades established a legacy that’s second to none. That includes becoming MLB’s first black manager in 1974.

On the field, Robinson was a history maker as well. After signing with the Cincinnati Reds in 1953, he faced a tough road filled with racist taunts and death threats. It’s a road Robinson not only overcame, but conquered en route to producing one of the greatest careers in MLB history.

Robinson is still the only player to win MVP in both leagues, earning National League honors with the Reds in 1961 and the American League award with the Baltimore Orioles in 1966. At age 20, he was voted NL Rookie of the Year after hitting a then rookie-record 38 home runs. He went on to make 14 All-Star game appearances, and currently ranks tenth on the all-time home run list with 586.

In 1974, the Cleveland Indians made Robinson MLB’s first black manager while he was still an active player. Robinson would go on to have managerial stints with the San Francisco Giants, which made him the NL’s first black manager, as well as the Baltimore Orioles and Montreal s during their transition into the Washington Nationals. . .

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A pioneer in so many years, and a great hero from my childhood.

[George II]

1. Rec'ing the man and his life, not this sad article. He was a great player, manager, and person.

[still_one]

2. Same here George

[PeeJ52]

3. Sad to hear. I was so proud of Frank when he was made manager of my Cleveland Indians.

I'll never forget his first at bat as player/manager of the Tribe and him hitting a HR. He never had a problem after that being baseball's first black manager... RIP Mr. Robinson.

[Ohiogal]

4. I was at that game!

What a thrill it was to see him circle the bases at the old Municipal Stadium.

[SaintLouisBlues]

6. He was a giant of the game, when baseball was still king.

[akraven]

7. You just got a heart, because Robinson was my daddy's very favorite. nt

[RandomHall]

8. Favorite Baseball Memory of Frank Robinson

It was a game between the California Angels and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston. It was probably the summer of '73 or '74.
It was the top of the ninth inning, and the Red Sox were leading, two touchdowns to one touchdown (14-7) in a typical Fenway Park slugfest.

Frank Robinson was at bat. The Red Sox pitcher threw the baseball high and inside, and Frank had to dive
to the ground to avoid getting hit in the head. He stood up, dusted himself off, and stepped back into the batter's box.

And then he hit the next pitch into the screen above the left field wall for a solo homerun. It was a
personal victory, and a bit of productive revenge, for Robinson over the Red Sox pitcher.
The Red Sox fans cheered Robinson as he circled the bases. With a six run lead in the final inning, they were still confident the Red Sox would ultimately win the game. (The final score of the game was 14-8.)