ANAHEIM, Calif. — As players were going through their normal pre-game motions, word began to spread of the loss of one of the game’s greatest.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles and family of Brooks Robinson jointly announced in a statement that the Hall of Fame third baseman had passed away at the age of 86.

Spending the entirety of his 23-year career with the Orioles, Robinson was an 18-time All-Star and the 1964 American League Most Valuable Player, while being elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983. A career .267 hitter, Robinson was notoriously seen and rarely disputed as the greatest defensive third baseman in the game’s history, with the awards to show it, earning 16 consecutive Gold Glove awards from 1960-1975.

With all of the on-field success, Robinson was praised more often for his warmth and charitability off the field.

A third baseman during his playing career, Angels manager Phil Nevin was shocked at the news of Robinson’s passing, but remembered him for his playing style that he hoped to emulate during his career.

“Being a third baseman during my career, he was certainly a name you always gravitated to and you heard a ton about,” Nevin said. “Watching all the highlights and World Series and all the plays he made down the line on that old, bad astro-turf. Just a heck of a player. I remember the short brim helmet. That’s sad news, and our thoughts go out to his family and the Orioles organization.”

Though his time was brief with the Orioles, Angels outfielder Brett Phillips remembered Robinson conversing with the clubhouse during a playoff chase in 2022, and how much encouragement and professionalism Robinson brought to the conversation.

“I remember him taking the time and talking with us,” Phillips said. “He was awesome. He was a professional. He encouraged us. I know how much he meant to the city of Baltimore and how good he was as a baseball player. It’s just so sad to hear about him passing away. Condolences to his family.”

As baseball continues to mourn the loss of a special talent and even more special person, Angel Stadium had a moment of silence prior to their regularly scheduled pre-game ceremonies.

Robinson’s cause of death was not noted in the statement.

The Sporting Tribune sends their condolences to the Robinson family.