Robinson enjoys playing minor role

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. – How convenient that Brooks Robinson’s business office is located across the street from a golf course. Nothing like 18 holes after lunch to round out the day.

Robinson enjoys playing golf. He loves baseball even more, which explains why the Hall of Fame third baseman will spend his senior years doing more than just lining up putts and traveling around the world.

Robinson is part owner of Opening Day Partners, which owns and operates minor league and independent baseball teams. Sure, Robinson serves as an ambassador for the firm, because almost everyone in and around Baltimore remembers his sensational 23-year career with the Orioles.

But he is not merely a figurehead. Robinson’s responsibilities include interviewing managers and coaches for the three teams owned by ODP: The Lancaster (Pa.) Barnstormers, the Camden (N.J.) Riversharks and the York (Pa.) Revolution, who are playing their inaugural season this year.

Before becoming a part owner in April, Robinson spent four years as a special assistant to the group. Then he told chairman Peter Kirk that it was time for a change.

“I said, ‘Peter, every place I go people think I’m part owner. When I tell them I’m not, they look at me funny. So it kind of makes sense if I had a small piece of the team,’ ” Robinson said.

Robinson recently helped the group petition the Maryland legislature for money to help finance a team in Waldorf, which is scheduled to launch its season next year. He was also asked to throw out the first ball June 15 at York’s home opener.

But Robinson works when he wants to – the lone stipulation he made upon accepting the responsibility of joining the ownership group.

“I don’t want to do something that’s going to take up all of my time because I’m doing other things, too,” Robinson said. “I play in a lot of golf tournaments, I’m making a lot of speeches, I’m on the go a lot.”

So, when it comes to picking baseball personnel, Robinson joins the fray. He’s there for news conferences, opening day ceremonies and fundraisers. But he has no intention of making it a 9-to-5 job.

“I’m happy doing just what I do. I don’t want to do any more. I’m 70 years old now and I’m having a ball, just doing the things I want to do,” Robinson said.

Robinson has lived in Baltimore since 1960. While with the Orioles he won the 1964 MVP award, participated in 18 All-Star games and received 16 Gold Gloves. In the 1970 World Series, he earned MVP honors by gloving nearly every ball hit to third base by the Cincinnati Reds.

Now, in retirement, Robinson is helping provide a setting that gives young players a chance to display their talent for major league scouts.

“It’s a good starting point for a lot of guys,” he said. “Every guy on that field still has that dream of making it to the big leagues.”