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How did Brooks Robinson die? Orioles pay tribute to 'lasting impact' of baseball legend after his death at 86

Robinson spent his entire illustrious Major League Baseball career with the Baltimore Orioles, leaving an indelible mark on the sport

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: Brooks Robinson, a legendary third baseman known as "The Human Vacuum Cleaner" due to his exceptional defensive skills, died at the age of 86 on Tuesday, September 26 according to The Print. The cause of his death has not been revealed yet.

Robinson spent his entire illustrious Major League Baseball career with the Baltimore Orioles.

Brooks Robinson was a beloved figure in baseball history

Renowned as one of the greatest defensive third basemen in the sport's history, Robinson was beloved by fans not only for his on-field excellence but also for his humble and gracious personality.

He played a pivotal role in Baltimore's six post-season appearances and two World Series victories.

The Orioles expressed deep sorrow over Robinson's death and emphasized his lasting impact on the team, the community, and baseball as a whole.

“We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Brooks Robinson. An integral part of our Orioles Family since 1955, he will continue to leave a lasting impact on our club, our community, and the sport of baseball,” the Orioles said in a statement posted on X.

Robinson earned 16 Gold Glove awards for his fielding prowess and was selected to the All-Star team 18 times.

“I will always remember Brooks as a true gentleman who represented our game extraordinarily well on and off the field all his life. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Brooks’ family, his many friends across our game, and Orioles fans everywhere,” Major League Baseball Commissioner Robert Manfred said in a written statement.

However, his standout performance during the 1970 World Series against the formidable Cincinnati Reds remains a cherished memory for most fans.

Robinson's remarkable plays at the hot corner, as well as his batting performance in the 1970 World Series, where he achieved a .429 batting average with two home runs, secured his place in MLB history.

He described that series as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"In a world where you can be anything, be Brooks Robinson" a fan commented

"Was awoken to many texts about the passing of the great Brooks Robinson. Never have I met a human like Mr. Brooks. Represented #Birdland until his final day. Rest Easy Sir. You will be missed greatly by the entire baseball family. You did It the right way," another fan posted.

“I just happened to be in the right spot in that series. I tell people that I played 23 seasons and I never did have five games in a row like I did in that World Series,” Robinson once told MLB.com.

“It was a once in a lifetime five-game series for me and it just happened to be in a World Series.”

Remarkable world series performance and MVP honors for Brooks Robinson

In 1964, Robinson was named the American League's Most Valuable Player after an outstanding offensive season, boasting a .317 batting average, 28 home runs, 118 runs batted in RBI, and 82 runs scored.

He was also named the All-Star Game MVP in 1966 despite being on the losing team.

Born on May 18, 1937, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Robinson initially received a full basketball scholarship offer from the University of Arkansas but chose a professional baseball career with the Baltimore Orioles.

His contributions to the Orioles earned him the retirement of his uniform number, No 5, in 1978. Robinson led American League third basemen in fielding percentage 11 times and assists eight times. His 2,870 games at third base still top the all-time list.

After retiring from playing, Robinson remained active in baseball, serving as an Orioles broadcaster and president of the MLB Players Alumni Association. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.

Robinson concluded his career with a .267 batting average, 2,848 hits, 268 home runs, and 1,357 RBI, but he will always be remembered for his exceptional defensive prowess.