Starting Nine: Leather from a Legend

Written by: Craig Muder

The Hall of Fame's Starting Nine includes must-see artifacts from every big league team. Check out the Orioles Starting Nine online.

In the 1970 World Series, Brooks Robinson left the Cincinnati Reds feeling as if they had to hit the ball over the fence to ensure the Orioles’ third baseman couldn’t catch it.

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In what umpire Ed Hurley deemed to be a fielding clinic administered by someone from a higher league, Robinson stole hit after hit away from the Reds during Baltimore’s five-game victory in the 1970 Fall Classic.

Game 1, however, was decided by Robinson’s bat. With the score tied at three in the top of the seventh, Robinson’s home run over the left field fence at Cincinnati’s brand new Riverfront Stadium proved the difference in Baltimore’s 4-3 victory.

In Game 2, Cincinnati took an early 3-0 lead, but Robinson’s incredible stop of a Lee May liner turned a sure hit into an inning-ending double play – allowing the Orioles to eventually rally for a 6-5 win.

But it was Robinson’s first stop on May – coming in Game 1 – that still fills highlight reels.

Ranging far into foul territory on a ball that seemed destined for a double – Robinson lunged for the ball and threw to first base all in one motion, skipping the ball on the Riverfront Stadium turf and into the glove of first baseman Boog Powell and beating May to the bag.

The glove Robinson used in that World Series is a part of featured in the Museum’s Autumn Glory exhibit.

Robinson was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1970 World Series, hitting .429 with five runs scored, two doubles, two home runs and six RBI. His fielding alone, however, might have been enough to merit the hardware.

Robinson played for 23 seasons with the Orioles, earning 18 All-Star Game selections, 16 Gold Glove Awards and the 1964 American League Most Valuable Player Award.

He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1983.


Craig Muder is the director of communications for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Starting Nine

The Hall of Fame's Starting Nine is a lineup of must-see artifacts from our vast collection containing tens of thousands of pieces that preserve the magical moments and memorable stories of our National Pastime. Our curators have spent countless hours hand-picking special objects from every major league team to create a lineup of pieces you simply won’t believe we have!