Colorado Springs, CO – Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA), a non-profit organization, mourns the passing of long-time President and Hall of Fame Baltimore Orioles third baseman, Brooks Robinson.

Robinson played for the Baltimore Orioles for his entire 23-year big league career. During those 23 seasons, he redefined what it meant to play third base, collecting 16 Gold Glove Awards and earning the nickname “The Human Vacuum Cleaner”. Exceptional at the plate as well, he notched 2,848 hits while clubbing 268 home runs and driving in 1,357 runs en route to 15 All-Star Game selections and the 1964 American League MVP Award. A two-time World Series champion with the Baltimore Orioles, Robinson performed when it mattered most as well, receiving 1970 World Series MVP honors. Brooks Robinson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in the summer of 1983.

“Brooks provided the Alumni Association with immediate recognition and status, both within and beyond baseball. His support was invaluable during our early stages when it was most crucial. Most importantly, his presence, above all, was a privilege we were fortunate to have in our corner, during that time and for the years to come,” said Jim Hannan, MLBPAA Chairman of the Board and Founding Member. “Brooks was a true gentleman who treated everyone the same, and I feel very fortunate to have been able to get to know him as well as I did.”

Robinson has played an integral part in the consistent growth of the MLBPAA and the Legends for Youth clinic series, serving as a strong, reliable leader for the organization for more than 33 years. With Robinson’s guidance and knowledge of the game of baseball, the MLBPAA has become one of the strongest alumni associations in all of professional sports, growing their membership base to more than 20,000 members, of which approximately 6,950 are MLB Alumni and active players. The organization owes a great deal to Brooks Robinson, and his presence will be sorely missed.

“One of the founding members of the MLBPAA, Brooks was the champion of our organization for so many years. He was always so proud of how much it had grown, and how much it meant to so many,” said Dan Foster, MLBPAA Chief Executive Officer. “His support, dedication and friendship has meant the world to each and every one of us here at the Alumni.”

About the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA)

MLBPAA was founded in 1982 with the mission of promoting baseball, raising money for charity and protecting the dignity of the game through its Alumni players. The MLBPAA is headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO with a membership of more than 20,000, of which approximately 6,950 are MLB Alumni and active players. Alumni players find the MLBPAA to be a vital tool to become involved in charity and community philanthropy. Follow @MLBPAA across all social media platforms for updates.