What the Orioles Hall of Famers say about Frank Robinson

Here are some excerpts from an Orioles press release with comments from the other National Baseball Hall of Famers from the club on Frank Robinson: Brooks Robinson: "I am thrilled that Frank is being honored today with this statue. He was a fantastic player. His arrival put us over the hump and turned us into a championship team. He has also had numerous accomplishments after his playing days including being named the first African-American manager in Major League history. His work in the Baseball Commissioner's office continues to make an impact on the game today. He is a great friend and we had a lot of good times together. He deserves this honor and I congratulate him." Earl Weaver: "The Orioles are honoring a man who played the game of baseball the way it should be played; with intensity and intelligence. Each at-bat was a war against the fellow who stood on the mound to oppose him. His success shows in the statistics he posted through his career. Baltimore, after getting back into the Major Leagues in 1954, became a pretty good ball club in the early '60s. But when Frank was acquired in 1966, they became the powerhouse of baseball for the next eight to 10 years. He was a leader on the field and expected his teammates to play just as hard as he did. His influence in the clubhouse was very noticeable, and had a lot to do with the Orioles first two World Championships. Now with the statue being placed in Camden Yards, his feats as an Oriole will always be remembered, as well they should be." Jim Palmer: "Frank coming to the Orioles took the club from good to great. He was by far the best hitter I ever played with. While not the fastest runner, he had great base running instincts. In the outfield, he always seemed to be in the right place. Middle infielders beware; when he was breaking up the double play, it did not take long for me to realize that I was glad he was on our team. He made us all proud to wear the Orioles uniform." Eddie Murray: "I want to congratulate Frank on this honor today. He has had such an impact in Baltimore and it is fitting that the Orioles dedicate this permanent monument honoring his achievements. As a player, he set the standards for how the game was played. I am thrilled to be part of this tribute today." Cal Ripken Jr.: "Frank is one of the game's all-time greats. He has dedicated his life to baseball as a player, a ground breaking manager and executive and I am very happy to see him being honored. Frank was a rare combination of hitting for power and average and Orioles fans will always remember his greatness as a triple crown winner and a leader on the O's championship teams in 1966 and 1970. I will remember our conversations about hitting. He really studied the game and we all benefitted from his wisdom."