Orioles To Honor Legend & Hall Of Famer Frank Robinson In 2019 Season

0
15

Throughout the 2019 season, the Orioles will celebrate the life of Orioles Legend and National Baseball Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, who passed away on February 7, 2019 at the age of 83.

In honor of Robinson’s commitment to advancing civil rights for African Americans, the Orioles Charitable Foundation will donate a total of $60,000 to several civil rights and African American museums. A donation of $20,000 will be made to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History & Culture in Baltimore, the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., and the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington D.C. A representative from each organization will be recognized as part of Opening Day ceremonies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Thursday, April 4, 2019, prior to the 3:05 p.m. game against the New York Yankees. The Orioles will present the donations and honor Robinson’s legacy with a video tribute and a moment of silence.

“Throughout his 50-year career in professional baseball, Frank Robinson blazed a trail for the African American players, coaches, managers, and executives who followed in his footsteps,” said JOHN ANGELOS, Orioles Executive Vice President. “In honor of his tireless commitment to civil rights issues— including his efforts to improve housing opportunities for African Americans here in Baltimore— the Orioles will partner with three remarkable institutions that highlight the achievements of African Americans throughout our nation’s history.”

All Orioles players and coaches will wear a commemorative “20” patch on their jerseys throughout the 2019 season, including all Spring Training games in Sarasota. At Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the ball club will honor Robinson before the season by displaying a large “20” banner on the east side of the ballpark warehouse. During the season, the club will honor Robinson with a black band across Robinson’s no. 20 retired number marker located on the upper deck façade in left field.

Robinson was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1982. He played for 21 seasons in the Major Leagues, including six with Baltimore.