RIP Frank Robinson

Was Robinson a big SF figure? I know he managed there but he didn’t have great success.

 

He was the first black manager in the NL and won 48 percent of his games. Won Manager of the Year.

 

Interesting: 16 years as manager for four organizations, no postseasons.

 

He was often hired as a name to attract fans to otherwise terrible teams, like his stint with the Orioles. Also, I remember his first gig with the Indians, where on Opening Day it sure looked like he would be the only power in his own lineup.

 

And, was basically a caretaker government when managing the Expos/Nationals under MLB's ownership.

 

Good point.

 

Yeah, but he's no Gene Mauch.

EDIT: Actually, Mauch did make the postseason a couple times with the Angels, but he was always known as the guy who managed the longest without making a World Series.

 

As noted uptopic, grew up in Oakland. Ray Ratto is already pushing the A's to have a patch.

 

One story I've been trying to find is from, I think, Robinson's last year with the Nationals. He had to put in a catcher who never played that position in professional baseball (or something like that), and he naturally did terrible. After the game, Robinson was on the verge of tears because he knew the player did his best in a bad situation. Anyone remember this?

RIP to a baseball lifer.

 

Ah, my bad.

 

Yeah, like the Padres did the year Ted Williams died (blue font).