Brooks Robinson

Brooks Robinson is generally considered to have been the greatest defensive third baseman in major league history.

Baseball Player

May 18, 1937

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Brooks Calbert Robinson Jr., an American former third baseman, spent his entire career playing for the Baltimore Orioles from 1955 to 1977. Often referred to as “the Human Vacuum Cleaner” or “Mr. Hoover,” Robinson is widely regarded as the best defensive third baseman in major league history. Throughout his career, he won 16 Gold Glove Awards, was named to 18 All-Star games, and helped the Orioles secure two World Series championships. In 1964, he was named the American League Most Valuable Player. Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983. Besides his baseball career, he appeared on television shows such as “Password Plus,” “The Mike Douglas Show,” and the “Today” show, where his affable personality made him a popular guest on talk shows and other media outlets.