Roy Firestone's Brooks' tributes

[jabba72]

I say celebrate his remarkable life instead of mourning. He will be missed of course.  

[Roy Firestone]

You cant honor Brooks Robinson without honoring the "Fist Lady of Baltimore" Connie Robinson.

On this sad day with Brooks' passing I wanted to re-post a piece about Brooks and Connie's first meeting and their love affair that lasted more than 60 years.

Heres the re-post:

He was on a chartered flight with the Baltimore Orioles on the team's road trip to Boston.

She was a flight attendant for United Airlines.

He was Brooks Robinson, a young star third baseman for the team.

She was Connie Butcher, originally from Windsor, Ontario then of Detroit.

She caught his eye immediately.

He was instantly smitten, but not with the same kind of approach some ballplayers on his team might have had.

"Excuse me miss", he said to Connie.

"My name is Brooks Robinson. I'm single. I'm the ONLY member of this team who is single.Dont let any of the others tell you they are...because they're not".

Brooks Robinson was always the gentleman. Connie Butcher saw that. She liked that.

He asked her out on their first date 60 years ago.

Today is their 60th wedding anniversary.

Brooks and Connie Robinson have been married for 60 years.

They have four children, 3 sons, now men, and one daughter, now a woman.

In all the Robinson's have 10 grandchildren.

Once on another plane trip, with Brooks Robinson flying in a first class cabin, the film "Sleepless in Seattle" was playing on the screen.

There are two main characters in the movie played by Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

In her letter, Annie(Meg Ryan) randomly states that she thinks Brooks Robinson is the greatest baseball player of all time—apparently mutual regard for Robinson is a must for any serious relationship. As it turns out, Robinson also happens to be Sam’s(Tom Hanks) favorite baseball player, and Jonah(the son) tries to convince Sam that it’s a sign, to which Sam responds, “I’ll show you a sign. Here’s a sign (as he points to a map of the United States). Where is Seattle? Where is Baltimore? There’s like 26 states between here and there. Now that’s a sign!”

When the passengers on the plane saw that scene..and then they looked at Brooks Robinson...they began to applaud.

Brooks is a shy, deeply humble man. He could barely believe people would appreciate him in that way.

Connie Butcher, her 4 children and 10 grandchildren all appreciate Brooks in that way..and Brooks appreciates Connie in that way right back.

He was in awe of her beauty and grace, and elegance.

She loves Brooks' modesty, and dignity and class.

Brooks and Connie Robinson have been married 60 years...today, and it all began on a flight to Boston where Brooks told that beautiful flight attendant that he was the only single member of that team.

Actually it was a lie.

There WERE other members of the team like Brooks who were single..but he wouldn't let her know it.

It may have been the only lie Brooks Robinson ever told.

Sometimes "little white lies" work out.

Congratulations to my dear lifelong friends and two of the finest people I have ever known.

Their love is here to stay.

Now THATS a sign.

[25 Nuggets]

4 hours ago, Roy Firestone said:

He was the greatest human being I ever knew in sports.

And he was my very close friend for 53 years.

Brooks Robinson just died.

I'm devastated.

Baseball lost, not just the greatest defensive third baseman of all time...it lost one of the greatest men in the game. A man who served the game not just with his stellar play...but in the way he carried himself.

I'm going to share many stories about my friend who I first met when I was 15 years old, as the batboy for the Orioles in Miami.

But first, I'd like to include a clip, of me in perhaps the greatest single honor I ever had in my public life...Brooks asked ME to dedicate his statue at Oriole Park. This clip, remains very, very special to me.

It was a public moment in stating my love and admiration for my childhood hero.

This moment happened almost exactly 11 years ago....to the day.

I'm terribly sad right now...but I got to say, in public what I felt about the greatest human being I ever met in sports...and probably anywhere else in life...too.

https://youtu.be/Pz9iiXNRado

For what it's worth Roy - other than my father - you're the one that taught me about Brooks Robinson.  I was not part of that generation of fans, and I've never had the privilege of meeting Brooks, so I have to rely on others.  A lot of us are in that boat.  So, thank you.

[fernandodfcosta]

Very nice words Roy!!!

[allquixotic]

Maybe the Orioles History forum can be dedicated to Brooksie

[Yossarian]

Very touching stories, Roy, and fitting tributes.  It's obvious how much he meant to you.   Thank you for sharing.   

[mrbig1]

my dad took me to my first O's game in 1964. He won the MVP that year. I talk to an old man who saw Wee willie Keeler play. I was just 9 years old and already was proud to be from Maryland and an O's fan. I saw over 10 hall of fame players. Brooks was my all-time favorite. He just didn't play for the O's. He was the O's. this is his team and always will be. it's only fitting our team is winning the year brooks left us. R.I.P.

[Frobby]

I’ve been dreading this day for a while, because the handwriting was kind of on the wall.  If you haven’t read it, pick up a copy of Brooks Robinson’s biography by Doug Wilson.  It’s not the most scintillating read, since there was never the slightest whiff of scandal or serious conflict in Brooks’ life.  But you’ll learn a lot about the player and the man by reading it.  What a wonderful human being.   

[gtman55]

Brooks wasn't just a great player, he was a total class act.

First off all I'm old. lol ...

Back in the mid 1960's as a kid my dad took me to a local appliance store because Brooks Robinson and three other Orioles (including Boog Powell) were going to be there to sign autographs. There was a long line of people there when we got to the store. After about what seemed like 2 hours, we were getting near the front of the line. And then Boog and two players decided it was time to take a lunch break. I was pretty upset to be honest. 

So Boog and his buddies left. But not Brooks. He stuck around to chat with me and my dad and signed the baseball I brought in. I'll never forget that act of kindness. What a nice, classy guy. 

Brook was and will always be my favorite Oriole. We lost a great man.

[Osornot]

Every Orioles fan should read this, especially those that are younger.  1969 was the first year I was old enough to remember an O's WS.  We emulated every Oriole in different ways, including a friend who wasn't the best hitter - he was Mark Belanger.  I tried Palmer's leg kick (an experiment that didn't last too long - bit longer than Luis Tiant's wind-up , Cueller's screwball (albeit right handed). But, who didn't want to play like Brooks.  We used to play a "ground ball" game that was continuous infield for hours - that was fun for us.

Roy, I was anticipating your tribute as it always provides the human aspect and what a great man/person Brooks is.  Getting older is what it is. Some will say 86 is "ok". But, some small part of his legacy is in the pure joy he brought to young kids who wanted to play ball his way.

[osfan83]

Brooks is my childhood hero. Had the great honor to meet him twice. The second time at a restaurant at the inner harbor. This was in the late 90's. He walked in, I didn't want to bother him, but had to just tell him he was my hero and thank him. My friend and I were sitting at the bar watching the NBA playoffs. After Brooks sat down with his guests and ordered, he came over and sat with us and watched the game. He sat with us for about 10 minutes just talking about basketball and the playoff game we were watching. What a great guy. Happy I was able to watch him play, and happy I had the chance to meet him!

[Orange]

My Dad knew Brooks and echoes everything that has been said about how great of a man he was. One thing that I thought was cool was that Dad said he saw Brooks actually thank people for asking for his autograph. I think that sums him up pretty well... such class and grace and humility. Dad joked that Brooks didn't do a very good job of maintaining the value of his autograph because he flooded the market.

I got a ball signed by a few Orioles from my Grandpa... and it says "Bob Williams, Best Wishes, Brooks Robinson." He didn't know my Grandpa at all, he just apparently took the time to find out his name, remembered both his first and last name, then proceeded to take the time to write it all out... I mean, think about what you would do if people asked for your autograph all the time. Would you find out their full name and write an inscription? Who does that? Brooks Robinson did.

[Roy Firestone]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some people in sports are respected.

Some are admired.

Some are held in awe.

And others are "appreciated"

Some of them are begrudgingly given their "props" when they succeed.

But theres a difference between all those things...and someone who is beloved.

The person who has truly earned not just admiration, but love. Real love.

I have met maybe tens of thousands of great athletes in my time..

Many held the public's fascination because of what they did in games, but precious few of them were truly beloved.

Brooks Robinson was.

He was beloved because of the way he played the game, of course, but he was really cherished....treasured.

This man touched the hearts of so many not just because of his play...but because of his manner.

I was around Brooks a lot as a player and even more after he retired.

He was the same.

Gracious, humble, and he always respected the fan.

He didn't even like to use the word "fan." He always preferred to call them "friends".

And maybe that was the key to Brooks' appeal.

He was like an old friend.

Familiar, kind, warm, easy to be with, and always unselfish.

I never saw Brooks Robinson stiff a kid for an autograph , or avoid  grownups who wanted a picture or to tell him some story about when they saw him play.

He heard thousands of those stories.

And he gave the same response...a smile, a handshake, sometimes even a hug.

He never got impatient with people.

He felt he owed them his time.

I asked Brooks to make calls to sick people in hospitals.

He unfailing made those calls.

I knew one person who had one dying wish...to speak to Brooks Robinson before he died.

Brooks found out about it..and called that person who died only hours after getting the call.

Brooks loved people and people loved him.

He never rolled his eyes, or privately mocked when people asked him for something that meant something to them.

He loved being Brooks Robinson, and at the same time never took himself too seriously or needed any special treatment.

In all the time he was Brooks Robinson, it never occurred to him that he was "Brooks Robinson" the star , the hero, the idol.

I knew the man for 53 years.

He was always the same to me.

He always called me "Partner", and at the end of every phone conversation he told me he loved me.

He did it when I last spoke to him a few weeks ago.

His voice was frail sounding, and he was very weak, but he said "Partner? How are YOU doing?'

We chatted for a few minutes, and I could tell it was likely the last time I would hear his voice...and then he said it again.

'Partner..I love you".

Everyone will go someday.

People your are devoted to, and people who never made a difference in anyone's life.

But when truly wonderful people pass, theres a void in your heart.

There is for me.

I can say that my time with Brooks was some of the most marvellous times I ever spent in my professional life.

I'm so grateful and I only hope some of his character somehow rubbed off on me...I would like to think so.

Want to love Brooks Robinson? You'd have to get in line.

Because the line was long...and the love abounded.

He's the best person I ever knew in sports, and among the best anywhere.

I'll say it to him now, as he said it to me always.

I love you "Partner"

Sleep well.

 

[Hank Scorpio]

You're blessed, Roy!!!!!!!

People always say "Don't meet your heroes." 

Pfffffffffffffffft.......... they never met Brooks Robinson. 

[btdart20]

Brooks' life is a testimony of what they human spirit can be.  Full of grace, poise, life, joy, humility...  Ambition, competitiveness, pride in yourself without the attitude...  His life was a light in the darkness.  

When signing autographs he would introduce himself "Hi, I'm Brooks.  What's your name?"

When bumping shoulders with people in the local grocery store or Panera's he'd pose for picture.

When he spoke, Jim Palmer listened.

It's been said many, many times, but no one has ever had a bad thing to say about Brooks.  He was always gracious.  And what makes that so unique is just how often he interacted with others as a regular guy.  Today's stars with today's technology and today's wages really set them apart.  They can pace/measure their interaction with the public.  Brooks didn't have that shield.  He could have been anybody's neighbor.  I'm sure he was grumpy some days, but he counted his blessings when speaking with others to the point that countless people in the Baltimore area have said "I've never heard a bad thing said about Brooks."  May his example in life be something we strive after and not just admire from the stands.  

@Roy Firestone - I'm sorry for your loss.  Know that the city mourns with you.