Brooks Robinson

Robert Klenck writes,

“Over two decades ago, I happened to be in Yankee Stadium on a night when a rookie infielder named Brooks Robinson made his major league debut, entering the game in the middle innings after the regular third baseman was injured.

The first play in which he was involved brought to him, simultaneously, a wickedly skidding baseball (thrown by the center fielder) and a pair of slashing spikes presented by a sliding base runner. Robinson made the play with skill and courage and the Yanks were retired.

In 1977, near the end of his career, Baltimore fans had a ‘Special Day’ for Brooks Robinson, their great third baseman. Tributes were paid by teammates and opposing players. A large gift was made in his honor to the Johns Hopkins Hospital Children’s Center, one of his favorite charities. Brooks was saluted for his remarkable career; His brilliant play, fine sportsmanship, team leadership. When asked by a reporter how he would most like to be remembered, he replied, ‘Say, “He liked to play the game.”’

That’s a great insight for all of life. The writer of Ecclesiastes was cynical about work until he got past the idea that you can’t take it with you. He finally concluded: “There is nothing better for a man than that he...find enjoyment in his work.”

Morning Glory, Sept./Oct., 1997, p. 39