Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement tonight regarding the passing of Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson, who was 86:

“All of us at Major League Baseball are saddened by the loss of Brooks Robinson, one of the greats of our National Pastime and a legend of the Baltimore Orioles.

“Brooks stood among the greatest defensive players who have ever lived.  He was a two-time World Series Champion, the 1964 American League MVP, and the winner of 16 consecutive Gold Gloves at third base.  He was a model of excellence, durability, loyalty and winning baseball for the Orioles.  After his playing career, he continued to make contributions to the game by working with the MLB Players Alumni Association.

“I will always remember Brooks as a true gentleman who represented our game extraordinarily well on and off the field all his life.  On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Brooks’ family, his many friends across our game, and Orioles fans everywhere.”