In pictures: ‘Trailblazer’ Frank Robinson | CNN

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Frank Robinson poses for a photo in 1967. A year earlier, the baseball star had just won the Triple Crown, the American League Most Valuable Player award and the World Series Most Valuable Player award.
Frank Robinson poses for a photo in 1967. A year earlier, the baseball star had just won the Triple Crown, the American League Most Valuable Player award and the World Series Most Valuable Player award.
AP
Sports

In pictures: ‘Trailblazer’ Frank Robinson

Updated 6:33 PM EST, Thu February 7, 2019
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During his 21-year playing career, Frank Robinson was simply one of the best that baseball had to offer.

The power-hitting outfielder, who is 10th all time in home runs, was the first player to win the Most Valuable Player award in both the American and National League. In 1966, he won the Triple Crown and the first of his two World Series titles with the Baltimore Orioles.

In 1975, with his playing days coming to an end, Robinson made history when he became the first black manager in Major League Baseball. He continued to manage various teams until 2006.

Robinson, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982, died Thursday at the age of 83.

"Frank Robinson's resume in our game is without parallel, a trailblazer in every sense, whose impact spanned generations," Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said.

Robinson was just 20 years old when he started his career with the Cincinnati Reds. He was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 1956.
Robinson was just 20 years old when he started his career with the Cincinnati Reds. He was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 1956.
Francis Miller/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Robinson is greeted by former teammate Pete Rose after being traded to Baltimore before the 1966 season.
Robinson is greeted by former teammate Pete Rose after being traded to Baltimore before the 1966 season.
Paul Shane/AP
Robinson didn't waste any time making the Reds regret trading him. He had one of the greatest seasons ever for a player in 1966, and the Orioles won the World Series.
Robinson didn't waste any time making the Reds regret trading him. He had one of the greatest seasons ever for a player in 1966, and the Orioles won the World Series.
AP
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Don Drysdale kicks dirt on the mound after Robinson hit a home run against him during the 1966 World Series.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Don Drysdale kicks dirt on the mound after Robinson hit a home run against him during the 1966 World Series.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Robinson is congratulated by Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey after the Orioles won the World Series.
Robinson is congratulated by Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey after the Orioles won the World Series.
Bob Gomel/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Robinson shows off some of his individual awards from the 1966 season.
Robinson shows off some of his individual awards from the 1966 season.
AP
Robinson slides into home during the 1971 World Series against Pittsburgh. The Orioles, who defeated the Reds in the 1970 World Series, lost this time around.
Robinson slides into home during the 1971 World Series against Pittsburgh. The Orioles, who defeated the Reds in the 1970 World Series, lost this time around.
Focus On Sport/Getty Images
Robinson shows off his MVP awards in 1971. He was the first player to win MVP in both the American and National League.
Robinson shows off his MVP awards in 1971. He was the first player to win MVP in both the American and National League.
Harold Filan/AP
Robinson shows a newspaper predicting that he would become the first black manager in Major League Baseball history.
Robinson shows a newspaper predicting that he would become the first black manager in Major League Baseball history.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
The prediction eventually came true when Robinson became player-manager of the Cleveland Indians in 1975.
The prediction eventually came true when Robinson became player-manager of the Cleveland Indians in 1975.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Robinson, center, is joined by Albert "Happy" Chandler, left, and Hank Aaron after they were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.
Robinson, center, is joined by Albert "Happy" Chandler, left, and Hank Aaron after they were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.
Cheryl Chenet/Corbis/Getty Images
Aaron, left, and Robinson pose with oversized bats after being elected to the Hall of Fame.
Aaron, left, and Robinson pose with oversized bats after being elected to the Hall of Fame.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Robinson managed several teams during his career. His last season was with the Washington Nationals in 2006.
Robinson managed several teams during his career. His last season was with the Washington Nationals in 2006.
Jonathan Newton/Pool/AP
In 2005, Robinson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award from President George W. Bush. "In the game we love, few names will ever command as much respect and esteem as the name of Frank Robinson," Bush said.
In 2005, Robinson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award from President George W. Bush. "In the game we love, few names will ever command as much respect and esteem as the name of Frank Robinson," Bush said.
Lawrence Jackson/AP
Robinson looks at a statue of him that the Orioles unveiled in 2012.
Robinson looks at a statue of him that the Orioles unveiled in 2012.
Patrick Semansky/AP
Robinson waves during a Hall of Fame ceremony in 2010.
Robinson waves during a Hall of Fame ceremony in 2010.
Mike Groll/AP

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