Brooks Robinson is considered the greatest fielding third baseman in history, so great in fact that his production at the plate is often overlooked by casual fans. Robinson batted .272 with 20 home runs and 92 RBI in 1971 to help lead Baltimore to its third American League pennant in a row. He also won his 12th (out of an eventual record 16 consecutive) Gold Glove Awards at season's end. Today, Robinson holds nearly every career fielding record by a third baseman, including most games, best fielding percentage, most putouts, most assists, most chances and most double plays. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1983. At the risk of gilding the lily, it could be added that he is also arguably the nicest guy on the planet, likely the greatest ambassador the game of baseball has had in light of his sterling career and subsequent decades as a broadcaster for his beloved Orioles.
This stunning 1971 grey flannel jersey is lettered 'Baltimore' across the front and features the No. 5 on the left breast and reverse. 'B. Robinson' is lettered on the reverse (there was another pretty impressive ballplayer named Robinson on the same club) directly above the number. All letters and numerals are in orange on black felt. The jersey's size, the year, set number and the uniform number ('42 71 Set 2 5') are chain-stitched in black upon a grey strip tag located in the collar. A 'Spalding' professional label, adjacent Size 42 flag tag and '71' black flag tag appear on the left front tail. Robinson has signed the jersey in blue marker on the right front below the script 'Baltimore' lettering. The jersey cones as issued with no alterations, and displays moderate wear throughout.
Includes an LOA from MEARS (Graded A9.5) and a Letter of Provenance from the Newport Sports Museum Collection.
Autograph pre-certified by PSA/DNA.