- Brooks Robinson won the 1966 and 1970 World Series while playing for the Orioles
- His team announced he had died in a statement published on Tuesday
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Brooks Robinson, the Hall of Fame third baseman who made 18 All-Star Game appearances in 23 years with the Baltimore Orioles, has died at the age of 86.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news of Brooks Robinson’s passing,” his family and the Orioles said in a joint statement Tuesday.
“He has been an integral part of our Orioles family since 1955 and will continue to leave a lasting impact on our club, our community and the sport of baseball.”
Known as “The Human Vacuum Cleaner” for his defensive prowess at third base, Robinson won 16 consecutive Gold Gloves (1960-75) during his career played exclusively in Baltimore.
Only pitcher Greg Maddux (18) has more Gold Gloves of a player at one position.
Brooks Robinson, two-time World Series winner with the Baltimore Orioles, has died at the age of 86
Robinson played on two World Series championship teams (1966, 1970), earning the Most Valuable Player award in the latter by hitting .429 with two home runs and elite defense in five games against the Cincinnati Reds.
The Little Rock, Ark., native played in the majors from 1955 to 1977. He was named the 1964 American League MVP after posting career highs with a .317 batting average and 118 RBIs.
He collected 2,848 hits in his career and batted .267 with 268 home runs and 1,357 RBIs. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.
“Great player, great guy on the field, great guy off the court,” said fellow Orioles Hall of Famer Jim Palmer, who was overcome with emotion. ‘Respectful, friendly. And you don’t come across guys like that very often. Brooks was a sincere person. There was no acting. Brooks was just a genuine person.”
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred described Robinson as “one of the greats of our national pastime.”
“Brooks was among the greatest defensive players who ever lived,” Manfred said in a statement. “…He exemplified excellence, durability, loyalty and winning baseball for the Orioles.
“I will always remember Brooks as a true gentleman who represented our game extremely well both on and off the field throughout his life.”
Robinson retired in 1977 after hitting just .149 in 24 games. His jersey was retired that year.