Frank Robinson, the Baseball Hall of Famer who went on to become the first black manager in MLB history, died Thursday at the age of 83 after battling bone cancer.
Robinson managed the Expos from 2002-04, including the franchise's final season in Montreal in 2004 before it relocated to Washington, D.C.
In Montreal, Robinson managed notable players including Bartolo Colon, Jose Vidro, Fernando Tatis, Livan Hernandez and Hall of Famer Vlad Guerrero. The squad compiled a record of 233-253 over three seasons.RIP to Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, who The Sporting News dubbed an "All-Star of All-Stars" on this cover in 1971. pic.twitter.com/j85d195M19
— Sporting News MLB (@sn_mlb) February 7, 2019
RIP Skip! 😔 Thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. #pioneer #forevergrateful #stud #FrankRobinson #montrealexpos #lesexpos pic.twitter.com/dn4xeYRXiL
— Manny Acta (@MannyActa14) February 7, 2019
“Frank Robinson’s resume in our game is without parallel, a trailblazer in every sense, whose impact spanned generations," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "He was one of the greatest players in the history of our game, but that was just the beginning of a multifaceted baseball career."
April 2, 2002: New manager Frank Robinson waved his hat wildly to the crowd following a 7-6 victory and gave the fans a thumbs-up as he left the field.
— Montreal Expos ⚾️ #Expos50 (@Montreal_Expos) February 7, 2019
"Who said there's not baseball fans in Montreal?" Robinson said. "They were great out there tonight." pic.twitter.com/PCNYJ1hsFl
Robinson, a 14-time All-Star, was elected to the Hall of Fame as a player in 1982 and became the first African-American manager in MLB history with the 1975 Cleveland Indians. He was Rookie of the Year in 1956 and the is the only player in baseball history to win MVP awards in both leagues in 1961 (Reds) and 1966 (Orioles).
He was named World Series MVP in 1966 with the Orioles and captured another title with the team in 1970.
Robinson finished his 21-year playing career in 1976 with 586 home runs. He went 1,065-1,176 (.475) in 16 seasons as a manager, including 233-253 in Montreal, and won the 1989 AL Manager of the Year award with the Orioles.