Frank Robinson, born in Beaumont, Texas, was an American professional baseball outfielder and manager in Major League Baseball (MLB) who played for five teams from 1956 to 1976. Known for his fierce competitiveness and leadership, Robinson remains one of the most accomplished players in baseball history. He is the only player ever to be named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in both the National League (NL) and the American League (AL). Robinson won the NL MVP award in 1961 after leading the Cincinnati Reds to a pennant and captured the AL MVP in 1966 with the Baltimore Orioles after earning the Triple Crown. That season, his 49 home runs tied for the most by any AL player between 1962 and 1989 and stood as a franchise record for 30 years. He also led the Orioles to their first two World Series championships in 1966 and 1970 and was named World Series MVP in 1966 after a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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A 14-time All-Star, Robinson batted .300 or better nine times and hit at least 30 home runs in 11 different seasons. He led his league in slugging percentage four times and in runs scored three times. Over his 21-year career, he recorded 586 home runs, which ranked fourth in MLB history at the time of his retirement. Robinson also finished sixth in total bases (5,373), sixth in extra-base hits (1,186), eighth in games played (2,808), and ninth in runs scored (1,829). His 2,943 career hits remain the most by any player who fell short of the 3,000-hit milestone since 1934.

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In 1975, Robinson broke one of baseball’s biggest barriers by becoming the first Black manager in Major League Baseball history, serving as player-manager for the Cleveland Indians. Known for his intelligence and no-nonsense approach, he earned widespread respect from both players and executives. Robinson later managed the San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals, where his leadership helped shape the next generation of players.

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Beyond managing, Robinson played an active role in shaping the modern game. He served in multiple executive positions for Major League Baseball, where he advocated for diversity and fairness throughout the league. His lifelong dedication to baseball culminated in his appointment as Honorary President of the American League, a fitting recognition for a man whose influence extended far beyond the field. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1982, Robinson’s legacy endures as that of a trailblazer, champion, and one of the greatest all-around players in the history of the sport.