Frank Robinson, MLB hall of famer and first black manager, dies at 83
Boundary-breaking baseball player Frank Robinson died at 83, after more than six decades working with the sport, Major League Baseball announced Thursday. He was recently reported to be "in the late stages of a long illness," per The Baltimore Sun.
Robinson started his MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds, winning a National League MVP. He moved on to the Orioles in 1966, and won the Triple Crown in his first year with the team. He also secured his first of two world Series victories that year, along with a World Series MVP and an MVP in the American League, making him the only player to be an MVP in both leagues.
After retiring from baseball, Robinson became the first black manager in major-league history with the Cleveland Indians. He then worked as MLB's executive vice president of baseball development, focusing on "increasing African-American participation in the sport," ESPN says.
The news led to an outpouring of support from teams and athletes, including fellow legend Hank Aaron.
Frank Robinson and I were more than baseball buddies. We were friends.Frank was a hard nosed baseball player who did things on the field that people said could never be done.I’m so glad I had the chance to know him all of those years. Baseball will miss a tremendous human being.
— Hank Aaron (@HenryLouisAaron) February 7, 2019