career for the Baltimore Orioles (1955–1977). Nicknamed "The Human Vacuum Cleaner", he is generally acclaimed as the greatest defensive third-baseman in major league history He won 16 consecutive Gold Glove Awards during his career, for which he is tied with pitcher Jim Kaat for the second most all-time for any player at any position. Robinson was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983, his first year of eligibility.
I completed this sketch card in November 2012.
10 random facts about Brooks Robinson:
- Robinson was drafted by the Orioles as an amateur free agent in 1955.
- In 1964, Robinson had his best season offensively, hitting for a .318 batting average with 28 home runs and led the league with 118 runs batted in, winning the American League Most Valuable Player Award in the process.
- He was selected for the All-Star team in 15 consecutive seasons.
- Robinson played in 4 World Series, and he helped the Orioles achieve 2 world championships in 1966 and 1970.
- Robinson led the American League in fielding percentage a record 11 times, and at the time of his retirement, his .971 career fielding average was the highest ever for a third baseman.
- His totals of 2870 games played at third base, 2697 career putouts, 6205 career assists, 8902 career total chances and 618 double plays, were records for third basemen at the time of his retirement.
- Robinson's 23 seasons with one team set a Major League record, since tied by Carl Yastrzemski. Only Yastrzemski (3308), Hank Aaron (3076) and Stan Musial (3026) played more games for one franchise.
- Robinson hit into four triple plays during his career, a major league record.
- Following his retirement as a player, Robinson began a successful career as a color commentator for the Orioles' television broadcasts.
- At the conclusion of his final season in 1977, his jersey number 5 was retired by the Orioles.
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