Frank Robinson’s pre-game farewell address on Sunday surely ranks as one of the top five most emotional moments in RFK Stadium’s baseball history.
In my book the other four would be, in no particular order, the return of baseball a year ago April; the final Senators’ game Sept. 30, 1971; Frank Howard’s home run in the 1969 All-Star Game; and Luke Appling’s homer off Warren Spahn in the 1982 Cracker Jack Old-Timer’s Game. Frank’s speech might not be first, but it’s clearly top three.
Please note I said most emotional moments, not most exciting moments. That would be a separate list. We’re only dealing with 12 full seasons of baseball and a handful of exhibition games.
As Nationals manager, Frank Robinson made an indelible mark on the Washington community.
The 29,000-plus fans on hand Sunday were clearly in Frank’s corner. The tears flowed freely during a video tribute and signs proclaiming love and devotion for Frank were plentiful.
I was a little disappointed there was no mention Frank had the best offensive day any player ever has at RFK. The date was June 26, 1970, and Robinson hit grand slam home runs in consecutive at-bats in the fifth and sixth innings, the first off right-hander Joe Coleman, the second off lefty Joe Grzenda. (The Senators also had a player homer in consecutive at-bats — outfielder Rick Reichardt hit a pair of solos off Baltimore’s Dave McNally; final score Orioles 12, Senators 2. I sat behind the plate.)
After the game Sunday, Frank met the press for a final postgame chat and said several things I found interesting. First of all, he reiterated he’s not retiring and would like some connection to the game. Despite the impression most of us had that he’d only accept a job with some degree of policy-making power, he indicated that really wasn’t the case.
“If someone wants to use what I’ve got up here to give advice on issues related to baseball,” he said, “I’d be interested.”
Nothing real specific, no iron-fisted demands.
Frank also said he could live without working in the game, that he’d be more comfortable watching it on television than actually going to the park.
“Believe it or not,” he said, “I can watch a game without second-guessing the manager once.”
Sorry, legend, I’m not buying that.
At the conclusion of his remarks, Frank got up and headed out, shaking everyone’s hand as he exited. As he walked away from us, I couldn’t help but think what if. What if a new manager comes in and wanted Frank as a bench coach, or a spring training hitting instructor? He once served as Orioles owner Edward Bennett Williams’ special assistant — perhaps he could do the something similar for the Lerner family.
Here’s hoping that Frank’s farewell on Sunday isn’t the last time he says good-bye to D.C.
Phil Wood has covered sports in the Washington-Baltimore market for more than 30 years.
