O's to celebrate Robinson's life on April 6

March 29th, 2019

In addition to the commemorative “20” uniform patches they’ll wear all season, the Orioles are giving fans a chance to pay tribute to recently lost icon Frank Robinson as well.

The club announced Friday plans to host a celebration of life for Robinson prior to their April 6 game against the Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. “A Celebration of Frank” is set to include a video tribute, appearances from several notable guest speakers and a moment of silence meant to honor Robinson, one of the most cherished figures in Orioles history. The program will begin at 6:15 p.m. ET; first pitch against New York is slated for 7:05.

Those scheduled to speak at the event include Brooks Robinson, Jim Palmer, Orioles Hall of Famer Boog Powell and Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson. The trailblazing Baltimore legend and Hall of Famer Robinson died Feb. 7 at age 83.

It is the latest special event in a season-long remembrance of Robinson, who remains the only person in Orioles history to serve as a player, coach, manager and front-office executive. The two-time MVP, 14-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion became the game’s first African-American manager in 1975, and a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 1982.

Next week, Baltimore Mayor Catherine E. Pugh is expected to honor Robinson by renaming portions of 33rd Street, where Memorial Stadium once stood, as Frank Robinson Way. The Orioles Charitable Foundation is also planning a $60,000 donation to several civil-rights and African-American museums.