Although
I created a 1976 “missing” Frank Robinson card here on the blog a long
time ago, “Reader Jim” found a very nice Topps image to create another
version, so here you go:
One of the games all-time greats, Robinson was wrapping up his monster
career as player-manager of the Cleveland Indians by the the mid-70’s
rolled around.
He not only was leaving behind a Hall of Fame career as a player, but
historically made an imprint by becoming the first African-American
manager in Major League history.
It’s a shame Topps didn’t think he should get a card in the 1976 set as a
player since he played well enough during 1975, and he would STILL play
in some games during the 1976 season.
But as we have seen quite a few time with Topps, this was a common practice with veteran’s at the tail-end of their careers.
Anyway, the Rookie of the Year in the National League for 1956, the MVP
in 1961 as well as with the Baltimore Orioles in 1966, becoming the
first player to win MVP in both leagues, and a Triple Crown winner for
the World Champ Baltimore Orioles that very same year, 12-time all-star
securely planted himself in the upper echelon of baseball legends over
the course of his awesome 21-year career.