In Camden Yards visit, Brooks Robinson introduces high school stars, talks Orioles

It is always a great day when Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson is at Camden Yards. And so it was on Thursday when No. 5 paid his latest visit.

He had some business to attend to, but he also took a few minutes to talk about the Orioles.

Brooks was at the Yard to head up a press conference and to introduce the players for today's Brooks Robinson High School All-Star Game at Oriole Park, which will follow the Orioles' 1:35 p.m. game against Tampa Bay.

The game has been hosted by the Orioles and Robinson for the past 33 years and showcases the best players in the state. The contest, sponsored by Geier Financial Group, will feature the top seniors from northern Maryland against the best players from southern Maryland.

"It is special for me," Robinson said of the game. "It goes back over 30 years where we started this game. This is great for the kids. These are the best high school kids in baseball in the state of Maryland. I will tell you, these kids will stack up against any state. They can play.

"Mark Teixeira played in this game. So did Billy Ripken, Gavin Floyd, and the list goes on and on with kids that played here and went on to play in the big leagues."

During this interview that aired Thursday on MASN's "O's Xtra" pregame show, Brooks told me he talks on the phone about the Orioles with former teammates like Boog Powell, Rick Dempsey and Jim Palmer.

For someone that was such a big part of the history of the Orioles franchise, Brooks was thrilled to see the Orioles back in the playoffs in 2012 and 2014 after too many years of losing baseball.

"We waited a long time," he said. "I don't know how you go 14 years without a .500 team, but it happened here. To see what has happened the last few years, it makes all of us happy.

"There is a great tradition here and to see the players out there today and what they are doing - they're struggling a bit now - but the Orioles I think overall have the best pitching. Over the long run that might prevail."

Last October, before the Orioles played the Detroit Tigers in the American League Division Series, Brooks was asked to speak to the Orioles.

"Buck (Showalter) asked me to come in and say a few words," Robinson said. "I tried to impress on the guys how tough it is to become a world champion. It's not easy. When you start playing four out of seven and three out of five, you know, the best team doesn't always win.

"I tried to impress on them, if they win a world championship, the guys they played with, you'll never forget them. Every time I think about Vic Roznovsky, Davey Johnson, Mark Belanger, I get a big smile on my face. You never forget about those guys and the great times you had."

After winning a Gold Glove after the 2013 season, Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is just 15 Gold Gloves behind Robinson. But the legendary third baseman likes what he sees from the kid.

"Manny is a terrific player, he really is. He can play third base, he can play shortstop or anyplace he wants to play. Has a great arm and is just an outstanding third baseman. I've spoken to Manny a few times and he's a wonderful kid. He's going to be here a long time and win a lot of Gold Gloves," Robinson said.

It was great to see Brooks back at the Yard this week, looking great and talking about his beloved Orioles. It is always an honor to talk with him and it was my pleasure to interview him on Thursday.

Lennie Merullo has passed away: Condolences to Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Orioles manager Matt Merullo and his family. His grandfather, Lennie Merullo, died yesterday. He was the oldest living Chicago Cub at 98. He was the shortstop in 1945 on the Cubs' last World Series team.

Lennie Merullo was part of four generations of pro players. Lennie's son, Leonard, played in the Pirates organization and Matt was a catcher in the majors with the White Sox, Indians and Twins. Matt's son and Lennie's great-grandson Nick, played very briefly last year for the Orioles' Gulf Coast League and short-season Single-A Aberdeen teams.

Lennie became a scout after his playing days and he once signed Moe Drabowsky, who would go on to become a World Series hero for the Orioles in 1966. Lennie also once took time to mentor a young guy that wanted to break into the scouting business - his name was Dan Duquette.

The followingstatement was released from Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts regarding the passing of Lennie Merullo:

"We were saddened to hear the news our oldest living Cub Lennie Merullo passed away earlier today. While I have experienced many joys as owner of this great franchise, one of the most memorable was meeting Lennie last season. When the Cubs last appeared in a World Series in 1945, Lennie was a 28-year-old shortstop. Nearly 70 years later, he brought the same youthful spirit and excitement, as he threw out the first pitch and led the entire ballpark in singing 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' joined by family and friends. If there was any doubt Wrigley Field does make dreams come true, you could look into Lennie's eyes beaming with joy as he visited his beloved ballpark for what would be the last time. He told everyone he would never forget that day. To his family, friends and loved ones, our organization will never forget him."