Eddie Robinson, the oldest living former major-league player and a four-time All Star, passed away on Monday night at his ranch in Bastrop, Texas. He was 100 years old. His cause of death was related to Alzheimer’s disease, according to a close family friend. Robinson was a remarkable figure in the history of baseball, who played for seven different teams and won the 1948 World Series with the Cleveland Indians. He also had a successful career as a front office executive and a general manager for several teams, including the Atlanta Braves and the Texas Rangers.
A Long and Distinguished Career
Robinson was born on December 15, 1920, in Paris, Texas. He attended Paris Junior College and later the University of Texas, where he played baseball and football. He signed with the Baltimore Orioles of the International League in 1940 and made his major-league debut with the Cleveland Indians in 1942. He served in the Navy during World War II and returned to the Indians in 1946.
Robinson was a powerful left-handed hitter who played mostly first base. He had a career batting average of .268, with 172 home runs and 723 RBIs. He was selected to the All Star team in 1949, 1951, 1952, and 1954. He played for the Washington Senators, the Chicago White Sox, the Philadelphia Athletics, the New York Yankees, the Detroit Tigers, and the Baltimore Orioles, before retiring as a player in 1957.
Robinson then transitioned to a front office role, working as a scout, a farm director, an assistant general manager, and a general manager for various teams. He was the general manager of the Atlanta Braves from 1972 to 1976, where he helped build a team that won the National League West division in 1973. He also served as the general manager of the Texas Rangers from 1977 to 1982, where he acquired future Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan and Fergie Jenkins.
A Great Ambassador for Baseball
Robinson was widely respected and admired in the baseball community for his longevity, his achievements, and his personality. He was the last surviving member of the 1948 Cleveland Indians, who won the franchise’s second and most recent World Series title. He was also the oldest living former major-league player, a distinction he held since July 2020, when Tom Jordan died at the age of 99.
Robinson was a regular and welcome visitor at Rangers home games, where he shared his insights and stories with fans and media. He also made frequent appearances at baseball events, such as the annual winter meetings and the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. He celebrated his 100th birthday in December 2020, with a virtual party attended by many baseball dignitaries, including Commissioner Rob Manfred and Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Cal Ripken Jr.
Robinson was a great ambassador for baseball, who loved the game and its history. He wrote a memoir, titled “Lucky Me: My 65 Years in Baseball”, which was published in 2011. He also recorded a podcast, called “The Golden Age of Baseball with Eddie Robinson”, which featured his memories and opinions on various topics related to baseball.
A Life Well Lived
Robinson is survived by his wife, Bette, whom he married in 1948, and his four sons, Robby, Marc, Drew, and Paul. He also had eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy, who died in 2014.
Robinson’s family and friends, as well as the baseball world, mourn his loss and celebrate his life. He was a legend, a gentleman, and a friend, who left a lasting legacy in the sport he loved. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
