Frank Robinson Obituary

The MLB's first African American Manager, Frank Robinson, passed away in California on February, 7, 2019 at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness.

Robinson was a phenomenal baseball player and manager who's sensational career lead him to a National Baseball Hall of Fame induction in 1982.

In his 21 career seasons as a player, Robinson solidified himself as one of Baseball's all-time greatest players. His career began with the Cincinnati Reds (1956-1965) where he was named Rookie of the Year tying a record of 38 home runs by a rookie. He also won the NL's MVP award in 1961. He went on to join the Baltimore Orioles (1966-1971), where he won the Triple Crown with a .316 batting average, 49 home runs and 122 RBIs in just his first year, leading the Orioles to their 1966 World Series title and being named the World Series MVP. Robsinson was also named the AL's MVP in 1966, becoming the only player in the history of baseball to be awarded MVP in both leagues. He lead the Orioles to another World Series title in 1970. Over the latter years of his playing career (1972-1976), he was traded several times spending seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angles, and Cleveland Indians. His career statistics were nothing short of amazing, batting .294 with 586 home runs, 1, 812 runs batted in, and 2, 943 hits. He was named player/manager for the Cleveland Indians and retired as a player after his 1976 season.

Frank Robinson managed four teams during his career as a manager between 1975 and 2006; Cleveland Indians (1975-1977), San Francisco Giants (1981-1984), Baltimore Orioles (1988-1991), and Montreal Expos/ Washington Nationals (2002-2006). He won American League Manager of the Year in 1989 with the Baltimore Orioles.

Robinson's number 20 was retired by the Orioles, Reds, and Indians, respectively; each team also honored him with a Bronze statue at their respective stadiums. President George W. Bush also awarded Robinson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.

Leave a message of sympathy on Frank Robinson's commemorative page and light a candle to show your support. The Robinson family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Robinson's memory can be made to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., or the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C.