This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/21/2006.
Frank Robinson became the first black manager of a Major League Baseball team, when he was a player-manager with Cleveland in 1975-1976. Robinson had a very successful career with five teams: the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, and Cleveland Indians. He was a member of two teams that won the World Series, the 1966 and 1970 Baltimore Orioles. Robinson was awarded the World Series MVP Award in 1966. He was named Most Valuable Player twice, in 1961 with the Reds and again in 1966 with the Orioles, becoming the first player to win MVP awards in both leagues. In 1956, as a member of the Cincinnati reds, he hit 38 home runs (a then rookie record) and was named Rookie Of The Year. In 1966 he hit for the Triple Crown, leading the American League with a .316 batting average, 49 home runs and 122 runs batted in. In 1966, he was honored with the Hickok Belt as top professional athlete of the year. His career totals include a .294 average, 586 home runs, 1,812 runs batted in, and 2,808 games played. On the inside back collar is the "Wilson" manufacturer's tag with the jersey size "44" and wash instructions on it. Across the front of the jersey is "INDIANS" in white on blue tackle twill. Across the back is "ROBINSON" in white tackle twill. Below that is the player number "20" in white on blue tackle twill. On the left sleeve is the embroidered official "Indians" logo patch. On the right sleeve is the "Cleveland Sports" patch. Autographed on front in black marker and rates a 9. The jersey shows wear and appears to have no alterations of any kind. Accompanied by a LOA from James Spence Authentication. An additional LOA will be provided.