Earl Robinson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Earl Robinson carved out a unique place in baseball history as both a skilled athlete and a trailblazer during his Major League Baseball career from 1958 to 1964.

He played as an outfielder and third baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles, competing at the highest level during a transformative era for the sport.

Robinson became the first African American player to receive a bonus contract in Major League Baseball, signing a $60,000 deal with the Dodgers in 1958 after making a name for himself as a two-sport athlete at the University of California, Berkeley.

This historic agreement happened eleven years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier, marking another big milestone in the sport’s integration.

He played six seasons professionally, putting together a .268 batting average with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs in 170 games.

Besides his on-field contributions, Robinson’s journey from college standout to professional athlete, his experiences navigating the challenges of being a minority player in the 1950s and 1960s, and his life after baseball tell the story of a remarkable individual who made lasting impacts both within and outside the game.

Earl Robinson’s Major League Baseball Career Highlights

Earl Robinson played in Major League Baseball from 1958 to 1964, appearing in 170 games across six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles.

He made his MLB debut at age 21, quickly establishing himself as a versatile player who could handle both outfield and infield positions.

Early MLB Debut and Teams Played For

Robinson broke into the major leagues on September 10, 1958, with the Los Angeles Dodgers at just 21 years old.

He debuted against the Philadelphia Phillies as a defensive replacement at third base.

The next day, manager Walter Alston put Robinson in the starting lineup, batting him seventh.

Robinson picked up his first career hit on September 11, a single off Phillies starter Bob Conley.

During his rookie September call-up, Robinson appeared in eight games and collected three hits in 15 at-bats.

He played flawlessly in six games at third base, showing early promise as a reliable defender.

The Dodgers sold Robinson to the Baltimore Orioles for $50,000 in December 1960.

Los Angeles made this move because their outfield was crowded with established veterans like Duke Snider and Wally Moon, plus rising prospects Willie Davis and Ron Fairly.

Robinson became the 15th player of color to appear with the Browns/Orioles franchise when he joined Baltimore in 1961.

Major Roles as Outfielder and Third Baseman

Robinson filled a versatile utility role throughout his MLB career, handling both outfield and third base duties.

With the Orioles, he mainly served as part of an outfield platoon alongside Whitey Herzog, Russ Snyder, and Gene Stephens.

His most productive season came in 1961 with Baltimore.

Robinson made his first start as an Oriole on April 15 against Minnesota Twins lefty Chuck Stobbs, going 2-for-3 with a two-run triple and three RBIs.

After struggling early in the 1961 season, Robinson found his stride starting June 20.

He hit his first career home run that day against the Twins, a three-run shot that tied the game 4-4 in the ninth inning.

Between June 20 and August 31, 1961, Robinson started 30 games and put up a strong .342/.444/.642 slash line with eight home runs and 22 RBIs.

Manager Paul Richards praised his power, saying, “He has as much power as anyone in the league when he connects solidly.”

Robinson also had a unique connection to baseball history.

He played right field on September 26, 1961, when Roger Maris hit his 60th home run to tie Babe Ruth’s record at Yankee Stadium.

Final MLB Season and Retirement in 1964

Robinson wrapped up his MLB career during the 1964 season, marking his last year in professional baseball.

He spent parts of four seasons between 1958 and 1964 as a part-time player with both the Dodgers and Orioles.

Over his entire MLB career, Robinson put together a .268 batting average with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs in 170 games.

He appeared in games for both NL and AL teams, so he got experience in both leagues.

His career stats reflected his role as a utility player, not an everyday starter.

Robinson’s value came from his defensive versatility and ability to contribute whenever called upon.

After retiring from baseball, Robinson went after academic achievements, eventually earning a doctorate in education.

He transitioned into a successful career as a speech and communications professor, showing just how important his Cal education really was.

Robinson’s post-baseball career even included helping Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson craft his induction speech, keeping him connected to the game after his playing days ended.

Career Statistics and Notable Achievements

Earl Robinson put together modest but respectable stats during his four-season major league career from 1958 to 1964.

His .268 batting average, 12 home runs, and solid defensive play showed he was a capable role player who contributed to both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles organizations.

Batting Average, Hits, and Runs

Robinson maintained a career batting average of .268 over 170 major league games.

This average put him among the solid contact hitters of his era, especially considering his limited playing time as a platoon player.

Career Offensive Numbers:

• Batting Average: .268
• Total Hits: 113
• Runs Scored: 63
• At-Bats: 381

His best offensive season came in 1961 with the Baltimore Orioles.

Between June 20 and August 31 that year, Robinson put up a .342/.444/.642 slash line across 30 starts.

That hot streak really showed his potential when he got regular playing time.

Robinson shined in clutch situations.

His ability to reach base consistently during his 1961 surge helped make him a reliable option in Baltimore’s outfield rotation.

Home Runs, Doubles, and Triples

Robinson’s power numbers reflected his style as a contact hitter, not a slugger.

He hit 12 home runs and drove in 44 RBIs during his major league career, with most of his power coming during his time with Baltimore.

He knocked his first career home run on June 20, 1961, against the Minnesota Twins.

Robinson connected for a dramatic three-run homer in the ninth inning off Jack Kralick, sending the ball 390 feet into the right field bleachers to tie the game 4-4.

That home run sparked a remarkable offensive stretch.

Robinson hit eight home runs between June 20 and August 31, 1961, earning praise from Orioles manager Paul Richards, who said, “He has as much power as anyone in the league when he connects solidly.”

He picked up his first career hit as a triple, showing his speed and gap power early on.

Defensive Performance and Fielding Highlights

Robinson brought versatility to the field, playing multiple positions including outfield and third base.

His defensive reliability made him valuable as a platoon player who could fill different roles as needed.

During his major league debut series in September 1958, Robinson played flawlessly in six games at third base.

This early defensive success helped shape his reputation as a fundamentally sound fielder.

His outfield play included a memorable moment in baseball history.

On September 26, 1961, Robinson played right field when Roger Maris hit his 60th home run to tie Babe Ruth’s record.

The ball bounced back onto the field, and Robinson retrieved it, though he had to return it to the umpire.

Robinson’s defensive contributions went beyond error-free play, including smart positioning and reliable hands in crucial situations.

Team Contributions and Impact

Robinson’s professional career spanned six seasons across two franchises.

He made his biggest impact with the Baltimore Orioles after breaking into the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

His time with both the National League Dodgers and American League Orioles showed off his versatility as an outfielder and third baseman during baseball’s integration era.

Years with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Robinson made his major league debut with the Dodgers on September 10, 1958, as a defensive replacement at third base against the Philadelphia Phillies.

He got his first career hit the next day, a single off Phillies starter Bob Conley.

During his limited appearances with Los Angeles, Robinson played in eight games in September 1958.

He recorded three hits in 15 at-bats while playing flawlessly in six games at third base.

The Dodgers were struggling in their first West Coast season, fighting to stay out of the National League cellar.

Robinson spent the 1959 and 1960 seasons mostly in the minors with brief September call-ups.

He didn’t see any playing time during these call-ups since the Dodgers were in tight pennant races.

The team’s crowded outfield, with veterans like Duke Snider and Wally Moon and rising stars like Willie Davis, limited Robinson’s chances for advancement.

Significance with the Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles picked up Robinson in December 1960 for $50,000, giving him his first real shot at regular playing time.

He became the 15th player of color to appear with the Browns/Orioles franchise.

Robinson made his Baltimore debut on April 15, 1961, against Minnesota Twins lefty Chuck Stobbs.

In his first at-bat as an Oriole, he hit a two-run triple and finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs.

That strong start showed his potential impact in the American League.

His most memorable moment came on June 20, 1961, in Minnesota when he hit his first career home run, a game-tying three-run blast in the ninth inning off Jack Kralick.

After that breakthrough, Robinson went on a hot streak, reaching base in each of his next 15 starts.

Between June 20 and August 31, 1961, Robinson started 30 games and put up a .342/.444/.642 slash line with eight home runs and 22 RBIs.

Manager Paul Richards praised his power, saying, “He has as much power as anyone in the league when he connects solidly.”

Playing Style and Position Analysis

Earl Robinson showed versatility as both a third baseman and outfielder during his major league career.

His right-handed batting approach and defensive flexibility made him a valuable utility player for the Dodgers and Orioles.

Approach at the Plate

Robinson kept a steady .268 batting average across his four-season career, showing consistent contact ability.

His best offensive season came in 1961 with Baltimore, where he posted a .266 average with 8 home runs and 30 RBIs in 96 games.

The right-handed hitter displayed moderate power, collecting 12 home runs and 44 RBIs over 170 career games.

His plate discipline remained fairly consistent, drawing 47 walks against 92 strikeouts over his career.

Robinson’s offensive production peaked during his 1961 campaign when he recorded 59 hits in 222 at-bats.

He showed gap power with 20 doubles and 5 triples over his career, complementing his home run numbers.

His batting approach favored making contact over drawing walks, as shown by his strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Robinson’s ability to put the ball in play made him a reliable option in different lineup spots.

Fielding Abilities at Third Base and in the Outfield

Robinson started his career as a third baseman with the Dodgers in 1958, appearing in 6 games at the position with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.

His defensive skills at third base included solid hands and enough range for the spot.

The Baltimore Orioles mostly used Robinson as an outfielder, where he spent most of his time.

He appeared in 94 games in right field, 23 games in left field, and 22 games in center field during his career.

His outfield defense proved most reliable in right field, where he held a .977 fielding percentage over 67 starts.

Robinson’s arm strength and accuracy made him a good fit for the position’s throwing demands.

In center field, he posted a .979 fielding percentage across 19 starts in 1964.

His defensive versatility gave managers options to use him as needed based on matchups and roster needs.

Life Outside Major League Baseball

Earl Robinson’s impact stretched far beyond his four seasons in the majors.

He achieved notable success in college athletics and built a distinguished academic career that spanned decades.

He became the first African American to receive a bonus contract in professional baseball, and later, he moved into education and communications.

Collegiate Sports at University of California, Berkeley

Robinson really stood out as a two-sport athlete at UC Berkeley back in the 1950s. He played both baseball and basketball for the Golden Bears.

His basketball career was especially impressive. Robinson led Cal to three straight Pacific Coast Conference titles from 1956 to 1958.

He picked up all-conference honors three times and made the all-coast team twice. Robinson ended his college basketball run with 882 points, which put him among the top five scorers in Golden Bears history at that point.

His teammates noticed his leadership and voted him Most Inspirational Player. On the baseball field, Robinson found just as much success.

He batted .460 as a center fielder for Cal’s undefeated freshman team. As a junior in 1957, he earned All-American honors at shortstop.

Robinson pushed the Golden Bears to a conference title and the College World Series. Cal then beat Penn State to win the school’s second national championship.

All 16 major league teams noticed his performance. That kind of attention doesn’t come around every day.

Coaching and Academic Career After Baseball

Robinson retired from baseball in 1965 and went after higher education. He earned a doctorate in education and took on the role of speech and communications professor.

He stuck with this career for decades. Because of his communication skills, people often asked him to coach them in public speaking.

When Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson needed help with his Hall of Fame induction speech, Robinson stepped in to guide him. Robinson’s academic journey actually started with his college major in speech at UC Berkeley.

He came to Berkeley on an academic scholarship in 1954. Even while playing professional baseball, he managed to finish his degree.

He made a big choice when he turned down a $60,000 bonus from the St. Louis Cardinals as a junior. He wanted to finish his college degree first.

Legacy and Recognition in Sports

Robinson broke new ground in professional baseball. He became the first African American player to sign a bonus contract when he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958.

His contract paid $60,000 over three years, starting at $7,000 and rising to over $10,000 in the third year. Cal law professor Adrian Kragen helped him work out those terms.

Robinson earned a spot in the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievements in both baseball and basketball. People still consider him one of Berkeley’s greatest two-sport athletes.

Back in high school at Berkeley High, sportswriter Jim Scott called him “The Earl of Berkeley.” That nickname came from his standout performances in three sports and his academic success.

Robinson’s impact on civil rights in sports came 11 years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier. His bonus contract marked a step forward for equal pay for African American players.

Sources and Advanced Baseball Research

You can still find Earl Robinson’s stats and performance data in baseball databases and historical records. These sources offer detailed game logs and tools to dig into his four-year MLB career from 1958 to 1964.

Baseball Reference and Retrosheet Analysis

Baseball Reference is the go-to for Robinson’s career stats. It shows his .268 batting average in 170 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles.

The site lists his full statistical profile, including 12 home runs and 44 RBIs. You’ll also find advanced stats like on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and situational hitting data—stuff people didn’t really talk about much in Robinson’s era.

Retrosheet adds more detail with its game-by-game records. The database has play-by-play info for a lot of Robinson’s games, especially during his busier seasons with Baltimore from 1961 to 1962.

Both sources cover Robinson’s minor league stats in depth. They follow his path through the Dodgers’ farm system, starting in Montreal in 1958 and moving through Green Bay, St. Paul, and Spokane.

Game-by-Game Performance Data

Robinson’s game logs really show how much his performance changed from game to game over the years. If you look at his 1961 season with Baltimore, you’ll find the most detailed records, especially that unforgettable first home run on June 20 off Minnesota’s Jack Kralick.

The databases actually track where he played defensively in each game. Robinson usually covered right field and third base. Sometimes he popped up at other spots, but that didn’t happen too often since his playing time was pretty limited.

Statistical highlights in these records include:

• He went 2-for-3 in his debut with Baltimore on April 15, 1961
• From June 20 to August 31, 1961, he got on a real hot streak, hitting .342
• He played in Roger Maris’s 60th home run game on September 26, 1961

You can use advanced research tools to filter Robinson’s performance by opponent, ballpark, or even specific game situations. These features make it easier for researchers to dig into his platoon usage and see how he did against lefties compared to right-handed pitching.