Wilbert "Uncle Robbie" Robinson Dies at 71Legend Managed Brooklyn Ballclub from 1914-1931
Wilbert Robinson, the former manager of the Brooklyn ballclub died last night following a brain hemmorage in his suburban Atlanta home last night. The hemmorage followed a slip and fall in a shower. Robinson slipped into a coma, and did not emerge.
Robinson played professional baseball from 1886 to 1902, mostly with the Philadelphia Athletics of the American Association and the Baltimore Orioles of the National League.
Robinson, commonly known as "Uncle Robbie" had become a Brooklyn institution. After his 1931 retirement, he moved to Dover Hall, Georgia, where Robinson took hunting trips. In the past two years, he has managed the Atlanta Crackers of the Southern Association.
During his tenure, Brooklyn won NL pennants in 1916 and again in 1920. His lifetime record was nearly even at 1399 wins and 1398 losses. Robinson is the second legendary baseball manager to die this year. Long time New York Giants manager John McGraw died this February.
Current Brooklyn manager Casey Stengal relased the following statement about Robinson:
He was the finest man I ever knew in baseball and I felt his loss almost as much
as if he had been a close relative. I served under Uncle Robbie for seven
years. He not only taught me how to play the outfield but he taught me how
to live. I regard my after-game conversations with Robbie and his evening
fanning bees as the most enjoyable moments of my career. Baseball was its
pleasantest with Robbie around.
Ed. note: Robinson was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1945. A short biographical sketch can be found here.
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