Brooks Robinson, two-time World Series winner with Baltimore Orioles, dead at 86 as his team lead tributes to ‘The Human Vacuum Cleaner’

Brooks Robinson, the Hall of Fame third baseman who made 18 All-Star Game appearances in 23 years with the Baltimore Orioles, has died at age 86.

‘We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Brooks Robinson,’ his family and the Orioles said in a joint statement Tuesday. 

‘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.’

Robinson, known as ‘The Human Vacuum Cleaner’ for his defensive prowess at third base, won 16 consecutive Gold Gloves (1960-75) during his career exclusively played in Baltimore. 

Only pitcher Greg Maddux (18) has more Gold Gloves by a player at one position.

Robinson played on two World Series championship teams (1966, 1970), earning the Most Valuable Player award in the latter by hitting .429 with two home runs along with elite defense in five games against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Little Rock, Ark., native played in the majors from 1955-77. He was named the 1964 American League MVP after recording career highs with a .317 batting average and 118 RBIs. 

He totaled 2,848 hits in his career, batting .267 with 268 home runs and 1,357 RBIs. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.

‘Great player, great guy on the field, great guy off,’ said fellow Orioles Hall of Famer Jim Palmer, who was overcome with emotion. ‘Respectful, kind. And you don´t meet too many guys like that. Brooks was a genuine person. There was no acting. Brooks was just a genuine person.’ 

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred described Robinson as ‘one of the greats of our National Pastime.’

‘Brooks stood among the greatest defensive players who have ever lived,’ Manfred said in a statement. ‘… He was a model of excellence, durability, loyalty and winning baseball for the Orioles.

‘I will always remember Brooks as a true gentleman who represented our game extraordinarily well on and off the field all his life.’