The Human Vacuum Cleaner - Brooks Robinson
Roll your cursor over the image to see magnified detail of the piece.
Throughout the history of the Big Leagues, colorful nicknames have been given to players. In many cases, the nickname so closely represents what the player is all about that it becomes a lasting description of the player's contributions to the history of the game. "The Iron Horse," "Teddy Ballgame," "Ol' Reliable," "The Say Hey Kid," "The Mick" - the list is endless.
At the top of this list is Third Baseman Brooks Robinson, whose defensive skills were unparalleled. Using his incredible reactions, quick-throwing release, and amazingly soft hands, he revolutionized fielding at third. He could turn momentum around in a heartbeat with a portfolio of highlight reel plays: Diving to the line, diving into the hole, fielding a slow roller down the line. His array of heart-stopping defensive magic could break the back and spirit of an opponent and earned him the moniker "The Human Vacuum Cleaner."
Never was his ability to stop everything hit his way more evident than in the 1970 World Series. He singlehandedly short-circuited rally after rally by the heavy-hitting Cincinnati Reds, helping his Baltimore Orioles win the World Series in five games. At the plate, Brooks was a clutch hitter, seemingly always driving in the key run to swing a game in the Orioles' favor. He was voted American League MVP in 1964, won 16 consecutive Gold Gloves (a record for position players), and was MVP of the 1970 World Series.





