Welcome to our collection of insightful quotes by Frank Robinson, a legendary figure in the realm of baseball. Frank Robinson, born on August 31, 1935, in Beaumont, Texas, was a trailblazer in the sport, leaving an indelible mark both on and off the field. Throughout his illustrious career, Robinson shattered barriers, becoming the first African American manager in Major League Baseball history and achieving numerous accolades as a player, including being named the first African American Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the National League in 1961.
Robinson’s impact extended far beyond his remarkable statistics and accomplishments on the baseball diamond. His leadership, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence serve as a timeless source of inspiration for athletes, coaches, and individuals across all walks of life. Whether through his powerful words or his actions, Frank Robinson’s influence transcends generations, embodying the spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of greatness. Below, we invite you to explore a selection of Frank Robinson quotes that encapsulate his wisdom, passion, and enduring legacy.
All in all, I wouldn’t call it a bad outing. It was a short outing. Frank Robinson
If the guys on the bench were as good as the guys you have out there, they’d be out there in first place. Frank Robinson
Managers don’t have as much leverage as they used to have. We can’t really be the boss. Frank Robinson
People come out to see the players. When do you see a manager anyway? When he’s out on the field arguing with the umpires, making a fool of himself and you know you can’t win, and when he brings out the line-up card. Frank Robinson
The fan is the one who suffers. He cheers a guy to a .350 season then watches that player sign with another team. When you destroy fan loyalties, you destroy everything. Frank Robinson
I played with some outstanding players. Frank Robinson
I wanted to show Baltimore that they were getting a good ballplayer. Frank Robinson
No, I don’t think my presence will cause an increase in black attendance at Cleveland. Frank Robinson
It’s nice to come into a town and be referred to as the manager of the Cleveland Indians instead of as the first black manager. Frank Robinson
If he can hit, he can hit. I don’t care if he came from Class Z league. Frank Robinson
Pitchers did me a favor when they knocked me down. It made me more determined. I wouldn’t let that pitcher get me out. They say you can’t hit if you’re on your back, but I didn’t hit on my back. I got up. Frank Robinson
The way we’re going… if I called up another pitcher, he’d just hang up the phone on me. Frank Robinson
During the years I was still playing, I would go to Puerto Rico in the winter and manage. When the day came, I had the experience without having to go to the minor leagues for four or five years and then wait for an opportunity. Still, there’s a double standard. Some whites, like Pete Rose, Joe Torre and Ted Williams, never had to go to the minors. Frank Robinson
You have to have a short memory as a closer. Frank Robinson
No. 1, these guys out here on this field. They keep my energy level up. They try hard, they don’t complain about things – and I’d just like to be with them when things are good, and hopefully we can win a pennant together. Frank Robinson
I’ve never seen baseball advertise for a job, and I’ve never heard of whites applying for a job. I mean, there’s an old boy network, and it’s lily white. Frank Robinson
I just didn’t have anything to say, so I said nothing. Frank Robinson
I always tried to do the best. I knew I couldn’t always be the best, but I tried to be. Frank Robinson
I know a lot of people on the field – players, coaches, managers – are glad that I’m gone. Frank Robinson
It was a breaking period for black people coming into baseball, and how many followed depended on Jackie’s conduct. But that’s not the case now. What and how I do doesn’t mean nearly as much as what and how Jackie did. Frank Robinson
I haven’t seen a player in this game, as long as I’ve been in it, that can’t be pitched to… Barry is an outstanding ballplayer. I respect him an awful lot. I also have confidence in my pitchers that they can pitch to Barry Bonds and get him out. Frank Robinson
Al Campanis made people finally understand what goes on behind closed doors – that there is racism in baseball. Frank Robinson
At least when it’s in French, I won’t know what the heck they’re saying. Frank Robinson
As a black, you find you have to be two or three times better than a white even to play. And when it comes to front-office jobs, management believes you’ll never be as good. Frank Robinson
But I’m not going to walk Barry Bonds, like some teams do, in the first inning with nobody on. Frank Robinson
Close don’t count in baseball. Close only counts in horseshoes and grenades. Frank Robinson