I met Brooks at the Crown gas station in Towson, Maryland sometime in 1978 or 79 after he retired from baseball when he came as Crown representative to give training to us station attendants. Both his sons worked there with me at the time, Brooks Jr. and Chris. Apparently they must have mentioned me to their dad. After he introduced himself I told him who I was and he replied, "Oh, I've heard all about you, I always hoped I'd get to meet you." I was flabbergasted! My assumption was that my first name is Brook. That's the kind of man he was, always supremely gracious to his fans. He was my number one sports hero up that point because ironically the magical season of 1966 was the first year I started following baseball, and of course the Orioles were my team and he was who he was. All that encounter did was raise my esteem for him to a level only a Brooks Robinson fan can possibly understand.
My dad used to do security at a building where Brooks used to do business at. I met him once and I'll never forget it.. He's one of the kindest men I've ever met. He definitely deserves this. Go Brooks!
This man is the definition of class. The greatest on and off the diamond. I have never myself or heard of anyone having a bad encounter with him. He always makes time for his fans and makes sure it's a pleasant experience. We love him so much in Baltimore, many of us really do name our children after him. There will never be another like Brooks.
Books was the most humble and gracious man to ever wear the Oriole uniform. I remember seeing him at a crown gas station talking to fans and signing autographs. He is not only a Baltimore legend, but a baseball legend
Brooks and his glove slammed the door on the Reds in the 1970 World Series. I'm from Cincinnati, and what a absolute fire plug at 3rd. Brooks: You were one of the very best.
Anglovox - You will not find many bigger fans of Brooks Robinson than me. Both for his talent on the field & class off of it, but off the top of my head I would confidently say that Tim Duncan & Joe Dumars easily equal him in both categories. With many more players in that stratosphere whom I could name if time permitted, as well.
I've got a little ball player of my own now, and although I have been a Braves fan my entire life, I can't think of two other idols for my son to emulate better than Cal Ripken and Brooks Robinson....the way the game (of life) should be played.
No one is more deserving of this than Brooks Robinson. He was the GREATEST third baseman in the history of baseball. He is a kind person, a very humble person. I've loved #5 for years! YEAY BROOKS!!!!
If you love the game, It didn't matter what team you followed back then Brooks had the respect and admiration from every MLB fan including his peers and predecessor's today.
I met Brooks Robinson at a Subway opening in 1980 - he was signing autographs, and was so friendly. He asked if I was Boog Powell's son, and he was very engaging in conversation. Mr. Robinson beat my Reds in 1970, but I'm proud to say that it took Mr. Hoover's great play to overwhelm the Reds Brooks Robinson is a Hall of Famer - on AND off the field, and a true gentlemen. God bless him and the entire Robinson Family.
In 1977 Brooks Robinson hit a clutch home run off of Dave LaRoche of the Cleveland Indians to win the game in extra innings. Even in his final year, Brooks was THE MAN!!!
As a life-long Phillie and Oriole fan, I grew up when Brooks was "old" but still winning gold gloves. People have tried to compare Schmidty to Brooksie. Not in your dreams. I'll take Brooks' clutch bat and Platinum gloves over Mike's home runs and gold gloves any day, any night, any series..
Tom Dockery - C'mon now. While I to agree that Mike Schmidt is the greatest 3rd baseman MLB has yet to see, Brooks Robinson was just a few notches below him in terms of overall skill & talent. Yet miles ahead of Rob Santo in that department.
Go to Retrosheet to look up Santo's career.According to their rating system,he was the best player in the game three out of 4 years in the mid-60's,rating better than did F.Robby and Yaz.
I love you Brooks. My Dad transferred from Sparrows Point to Burns Harbor, Indiana. He used to take us to see The Orioles when they came to Chicago. In 1973 I remember coming up in the stadium from the 3rd base side and you were doing fielding practice. I was 12 years old and could not contain myself, I started yelling "Brooks", "Brooks" I think you looked over for a quick second. The Orioles won that night. My Dad passed in 1998. We went to Baltimore this year to see the O's. We sat 10 rows behind the Orioles dugout. You are a class act, Brooks. Chesterton Indiana loves you.
Charm City is the city of champions from Babe Ruth to Ray Lewis. Brooks, Louie Apparicio, Paul Blair, Mark Belanger, Frank Robinson, Wes Unseld, the Earls (Monroe and Weaver), Murray, Palmer, Art Modell and Ripkin. My word, we've only just begun naming them.
This man was an idol of mine. One weekend in Cleveland, before each game of the series he talked to me as he warmed up. Remarkable human. Much RESPECT Mr Hoover... lol love you Brooks..
Best third baseman ever period. I read a Sports Illustrated article 40 years ago, that said that people forget that Brooks would make (every game), 2 or 3 plays that no other player in the game would make. That would deny the other team hits or often extra base hits. Since stats are based solely on offense, they totally miss the value of a player like Brooks that took defense to a higher level. My favorite player of all times is No5 Brooks Robinson!
Earlier today, I had the high honor and privilege of briefly meeting and shaking hands with this man, my childhood hero......and not only is he as wonderful as advertised, he's even better than that. To me, It seems so incongruous that, especially in this highly cynical media age, such a "giant" of in the history of sport could be so warm, so decent, so humble, so noble of character, so generous of spirit, so thoughtful, and yet SO very approachable as well....All that, and he's never come close to doing anything to let us down.... I'm SO glad that I got to have HIM was my "childhood hero" during my youth, growing up in the Baltimore area.....From the bottom of my heart, Thank you, Brooks.....and please, be well.
Man. It was such a good season for the Orioles. I'm trying to care about football. (go Ravens I guess), But I can't wait for baseball season to crank back up. Up until. the end of this year, all you heard about on ESPN was the Red Sox and the Yankees. and then there was no choice. They had to talk about the O's. The Sox have to go through renovations. The Yankees rotation is going to be changing. Baltimore still has Buck at the helm, and we are going to be DEADLY in the coming season.
I couldn't agree with you more regarding Ripken and Robinson. You didn't really have to call this guy an idiot but I respect your opinion. By the way msm318 you mentioned that that "dud" was an "underrated dirtbag". You were halfway right. Underrated, yes at times he was and is. Dirtbag, well you missed the mark there. When you're trying to insult someone at least use right terms. You really made yourself sound like an....idiot. Hey mdsftx you were right!!!
I saw him play in the early 70;s and this man was absolutely sensational at the hot corner.I was a mets and yankees fan but always came up scratching my head in amazement on a play brooks made.That man is good as advertised''!. I also witness watching greg nettles play third base[for the yankees] and loved what he did but came away saying Brooks robinson was simply the best to play that position.
its players like Brooks Robinson that make me proud to be an orioles fan. not just a legend on the field, but look how modest he is off of it. same with Cal, palmer, and others...got a new one in machado. bring it home orioles! just like the Ravens!
Boy, that dud Ripken couldn't hold this man's jock. When you talk about the greatest Oriole...it is by far this man. Ripken is an underrated dirtbag. Congrats Brooks! Not just the greatest Oriole, but the greatest 3rd baseman ever!!!!!
