I had the good fortune of meeting him twice -- once at Tigers Stadium when he was working in the Orioles front office and some years later at a hotel near Nats Stadium when he was working in the commissioner's office. A very nice man -- quiet and reserved. He wore suits very well. Even in his golden years, he exuded athleticism as well as class. He was among the greatest of the game. May he never be forgotten.
I saw the great Frank Robinson a few times when the Orioles played the Yanks in the Bronx. The game that stands out for me was the game Mantle hit #500, prior to the Yanks getting up for their half of the inning me and my friends all worked our way into right field stands [HR porch] just in case Mick hit one out. The crowd was going nuts in anticipation of Mantle getting up and someone threw rubber ball towards Robinson in right field [it wasn't me] Robbie picked it up and put in his back pocket. Well Mickey gets up and takes Stu Miller deep and #500 is now in the books, everybody is going crazy and then I see Robinson take that rubber ball out of his pocket turn towards the right field stands and throw it right in my direction , my friend Louie DeMartino steps in front of me and catches the ball. You would think Louie caught the Home Run ball he was so excited. In those days 13 year old boys were thrilled to get anything that had to do with a major league player even a rubber ball thrown in disgust by the GREAT FRANK ROBINSON. Bill
With all due respect to Milt Pappas, can one imagine if Frank Robinson had never been traded? Think of adding him to that Big Red Machine in the early 70s. As a Pirate fan, I'm glad the Reds made that foolish deal! They were tough enough as it was.
A remarkable athlete and man. May he rest in eternal peace.
Reds trading him was worst trade ever in baseball. The only baseball deal ever was the babe ruth deal. Reds having him from 1970 on red's win 2 more win Morgans arrival if not more before rest in peace Mr Robinson indeed a class act and man!