Robby

[Guest Ned Fengus]

Frank Robinson is one of baseball's treasures. This is a guy who was an absolute stud as a player and since his playing days were over, he's done nothing but represent himself and the game of baseball with dignity and class. He doesn't relish being referred to as "Old School", but that's what he is. Think about the ways that he has served the game that he loves. He was a player-manager - one of the few, and oh yeah, he just happened to be the first man of color to manage a MLB team - combining these two feats. He took over a reeling Orioles club that started the season 0-21, restored their confidence and led them to an 87 win season the following year. He said yes when MLB asked him to steward the "almost-contracted, owned by MLB" Expos in 2002. The assignment was supposed to be for a year. He lasted 5. Baseball is not as good without people like Frank Robinson to make it that way! Thanks Frank.

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

Thanks, Frank.

[Guest sharpie]

Welcome, Ned.

I always liked Frank. I was living in San Francisco when he was managing the Giants. I liked it that he was happy to cut or bench players he didn't like regardless of how they were viewed by the organization. He'll be missed.

[Guest Ned Fengus]

sharpie wrote: I liked it that he was happy to cut or bench players he didn't like regardless of how they were viewed by the organization.

Another fine example of why FR will always be conisdered "Old-School", whether he wants it or not. If not "Old School" Frank how about this - you played and managed the game the way it was intended to be.

[Guest ScarletKnight41]

The man worked hard and played hard from as far back as I can remember. One can't help but have a lot of respect for Frank Robinson.

[Elster88]

Nice post.

Did he really go by Robby?

[Guest Ned Fengus]

Elster88 wrote: Did he really go by Robby?

I don't know if he "went by" Robby, but I've certainly heard him referred to by that name. Of course, I've lived in the D.C. area for over 24 years now, and we all know how big he was in Balt. as both a player and manager. It may be something I picked up on here.

[Guest KC]

baseball-reference has no nickname listed for him under his name. The HOF
site says it's The Judge.

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

I was surprised at how beloved Frank Robinson was in Washington. (He was only there for two years.) I guess there's a large crossover between Orioles fans and Nationals fans.

I wonder, are most Washington fans also Oriole fans? If so, it may take a generation or more before there's any two-way rivalry.


As for the Robby stuff, I seem to remember references to F. Robby and B. Robby when Frank and Brooks were together on the Orioles.

I also remember an article in LIFE magazine (I think) in the early 70's titled, "Why do they keep trading Frank Robinson?" Frank bounced around a bit after he left the Orioles. I remember he was an Angel, an Indian, and perhaps a Dodger.

[Frayed Knot]

That was a nice tribute on Sunday, but I couldn't help thinking as the video montage was playing with rock music (Journey?) blasting over it that Frank was thinking to himself; 'what is this shit?'

Frank was a tough SOB when he played ... and that's what his friends called him.

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

The Reds shipped him to Baltimore in 66 saying he was "an old 30." Suckers.

Back when when he was managing the O's I sat in on a few of FR's post-game interviews, terrified to ask questions. You could tell by the tone of his voice what he he wanted -- and didn't want -- to discuss.

Frank was a pioneer as Indians manager of course but that was back in their bloody monochrone maroon uniform days and he often looked ridiculous.

[Guest Edgy DC]

What Ned isn't telling us (and welcome aboardarino, neighbor) is that Frank didn't actually take over an Oriole team that started 0-21, but rather an Oriole team that starte 0-6 (under Cal Ripken, Sr.), before losing another 15 straight after Robby took over.

I'm not saying that necessarily reflects mostly on him or anything.

[HahnSolo]

Everybody loves Frank.

Well, maybe not Rod Gaspar.

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

Rod Gaspar Stupid

[Willets Point]

Is Frank Robinson retiring?

[Guest OlerudOwned]

Rod Gaspar selling car

[Guest Edgy DC]

Get a gas car from gaspar!

He was selling insurance last I checked.

[Guest Ned Fengus]

Willets Point wrote: Is Frank Robinson retiring?

Well, he's being forced out as manager of the nats, says he doesn't want to manage anymore but doesn't want to retire from the game. He still feels he can contribute to a team in some capacity, and I'm in agreement with that.

[Guest Ned Fengus]

Edgy DC wrote: Frank didn't actually take over an Oriole team that started 0-21, but rather an Oriole team that starte 0-6 (under Cal Ripken, Sr.), before losing another 15 straight after Robby took over.

Ok, so my memory's a little fuzzy, but he did manage them the next year and tally 87 wins, no? So my point was half-valid.

[Elster88]

I'm not sure why he had to remind the world of his stats though.

[Guest Hillbilly]

Frank's 71. I hope he enjoys his retirement. One of my all-time favorite non Mets. Nice work in this thread Ned.

[Guest Ned Fengus]

Elster88 wrote: I'm not sure why he had to remind the world of his stats though.

It was part of his "No regrets" package. I'm sure many people have asked him over the years if he regretted coming so close to 3000 hits (44 short?) & 600 dingers (14 short). He was just expressing that he has no regrets and is thankful toward the game of baseball.

[G-Fafif]

I recall contemporary accounts referring to the leaders of those great Oriole teams as "F. Robby" and "B. Robby". Also, Terry Cashman immortalized Jackie and Frank as "one Robby going out, one coming in."

Speaking of coming in, Go Ned.

[Guest Ned Fengus]

Hillbilly wrote: One of my all-time favorite non Mets.

As well as mine. One of the few guys who spans my childhood and ..ahem... my adulthood.

Hillbilly wrote: Nice work in this thread Ned.

Grazi

[Guest Ned Fengus]

G-Fafif wrote: Go Ned.

What, I'm not welcome? What'd I say?

[Guest Edgy DC]

Ned Fengus wrote: ="Edgy DC"]Frank didn't actually take over an Oriole team that started 0-21, but rather an Oriole team that starte 0-6 (under Cal Ripken, Sr.), before losing another 15 straight after Robby took over. Ok, so my memory's a little fuzzy, but he did manage them the next year and tally 87 wins, no? So my point was half-valid.

More than half.

You'll soon find out --- or Willpie will let you know --- that I'm infuriatingly pedantic. I'm trying to cut back, for my woman's sake, if not for the forum's.

[Guest Ned Fengus]

Edgy DC wrote: I'm trying to cut back, for my woman's sake, if not for the forum's.

Best of luck! We are who we are.

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

Not to nitpick, Ned, but that avatar's a bit wide. Try to keep it to 160 pixels or less so it doesn't distort the entire page.

[Guest Ned Fengus]

Yancy Street Gang wrote: Not to nitpick, Ned, but that avatar's a bit wide. Try to keep it to 160 pixels or less so it doesn't distort the entire page.

Done

[G-Fafif]

Ned Fengus wrote: ="G-Fafif"]Go Ned. What, I'm not welcome? What'd I say?

That's go as in Go Tigers.