Brooks Robinson’s remarkable career launched in Arizona

Scottsdale Stadium was brand new in 1956 when it hosted the Baltimore Orioles as its first spring training tenant. Trying to make the team that year was a 19-year-old rookie named Brooks Robinson.

It was the start of several great relationships.

Scottsdale Stadium would go on to host five Major League Baseball teams – the most of any spring training venue. Robinson would go on to play his entire 23-year career with the Orioles, make 18 All-Star teams, win 16 consecutive Gold Glove Awards and earn a reputation as the best third baseman of all time.

Robinson passed away Sept. 26 at the age of 86. Known as the “Human Vacuum Cleaner” and “Mr. Oriole,” his 23 seasons spent with a single team set a major league record only matched by Carl Yastrzemski, who also got his start in Scottsdale as a Red Sox rookie in 1960.

Scottsdale’s population when Robinson attended his first spring training was just over 5,200 residents and sidewalks and stoplights were scarce in town.

“When they talk about horses having the right of way — that was Scottsdale way back in 1956,” he said, recalling that rookie season. “The ballpark was beautiful. It was brand new and built just for the Orioles.”

Robinson would go on to build one of the greatest careers in baseball. The foundation was laid in Scottsdale. Rest in Peace Mr. Oriole. Thanks for your many years of excellence.