The Brooklyn Robins history highlights an essential chapter in Major League Baseball, showcasing the rise of the Robins baseball team during the early 20th century. Managed by Wilbert Robinson, the team earned a loyal fan base and left a lasting legacy with memorable seasons, star players, and a distinct identity in Brooklyn sports culture.
Established
1889
City
Brooklyn – Los Angeles
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1889 – 1999 / National League
Team History
1958 – Present / Los Angeles Dodgers
1932 – 1957 / Brooklyn Dodgers
1914 – 1931 / Brooklyn Robins
1911 – 1912 / Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers
1899 – 1910, 1913 / Brooklyn Superbas
Nickname
Robins – The Brooklyn Robins may be one of the most beloved teams in Major League Baseball, but many fans don't know where their nickname comes from. The story behind this iconic moniker dates back to 1914 and involves a legendary manager named Wilbert Robinson.
Brooklyn Robins Origin
Robinson was hired as the team's manager that year, and he quickly endeared himself to players and fans alike with his jovial personality. He often wore a bright red-and-yellow cap around town, earning him the affectionate nickname "Uncle Robbie." His enthusiasm for baseball rubbed off on everyone who interacted with him - including sportswriters - who began referring to his team as "Robins" in honor of their beloved leader.
As time passed, Uncle Robbie's influence over the franchise grew stronger; eventually, they adopted an official mascot based on his likeness called Big Red Robin (or BBR). This avian figure became synonymous with Brooklyn baseball throughout its heyday in New York City during the 1920s through 1950s before it moved out west and changed its name entirely after the 1957 season ended. Today you can still find reminders of Uncle Robbie all over Citi Field – even though he passed away nearly 70 years ago!
Championship
World Series 0
2025, 2024, 2020, 1988, 1981, 1965, 1963, 1959, 1955
Stadium
1962 – Present / Dodger Stadium
1958 – 1961 / Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
*Brooklyn*
1913 – 1957 / Ebbets Field
1898 – 1912 / Washington Park II
1899 – 1897 / Eastern Park
Owner
2012 – Present / Guggenheim Baseball Partners
2005 – 2012 / Frank McCourt
1998 – 2005 / News Corporation
1970 – 1997 / Peter O’Malley
1950 – 1970 / Walter O’Malley
1945 – 1950 / Branch Rickey, Walter O’Malley, Andrew J. Schmitz
1925 – 1945 / Stephen McKeever, Brooklyn Trust Company
1912 – 1925 / Charles Ebbets, Ed McKeever, Stephen McKeever
1907 – 1912 / Charles Ebbets, Henry Medicus
1905 – 1906 / Charles Ebbets, Ferdinand Abell, Henry Medicus, Ned Hanlon
1899 – 1904 / Charles Ebbets, Ferdinand Abell, Harry Von der Horst, Ned Hanlon
- 1914
-
Wilbert Robinson Manager
Wilbert Robinson would not don the manager’s cap again in the majors until 1914 when he took over the Brooklyn, New York franchise in the National League. The team was known by various nicknames, including Bridegrooms, Superbas, and Dodgers, but during Robinson’s managerial tenure, which lasted until 1931, the club was as often referred to as the “Robins” in honor ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Brooklyn Robins History
The Brooklyn Robins, also known as the Dodgers and previously as the Brooklyn Superbas, hold a special place in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1883 as part of the American Association, they joined the National League in 1890 and became a permanent fixture in baseball. The Brooklyn Robins history is marked by name changes, relocations, and milestones that helped shape the game.
During their early years, the Robins baseball team achieved significant success. Between 1899 and 1920, they won three pennants under manager Wilbert Robinson, whose leadership inspired the nickname “Robins.” They famously captured their first World Series title against Babe Ruth’s Boston Red Sox squad in 1916 behind star pitcher Rube Marquard, who posted a 27–10 record with an ERA under 2.00. This period also saw Hall of Famers such as Zack Wheat, Burleigh Grimes, Dazzy Vance, and Leo Durocher wear the Brooklyn uniform, cementing the club’s place in baseball history.
The Brooklyn Robins history also includes groundbreaking moments, none more important than 1947, when Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier. His debut with the Robins baseball team transformed not only sports but American culture, setting an example for integration across the nation. This era reflected the progressive approach of Charles Ebbets and his ownership group, leaving a legacy that still influences the Dodgers organization today.
Robins Achievements
As the decades passed, the team’s identity evolved, yet the achievements continued. They added two more World Series titles (1955 vs. the Yankees and 1959 vs. the White Sox) and several National League pennants, further enriching the Brooklyn Robins history. These accomplishments helped transition the team from its Brooklyn roots into one of the most successful franchises in the league.
Today, although the team now plays in Los Angeles under the Dodgers name, the spirit of the Robins baseball team lives on. The passion, energy, and determination that defined their years in Brooklyn remain part of every game, reminding fans of the proud tradition that began with the Brooklyn Robins history and continues to thrive in Major League Baseball.
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Retired Number
1 / Pee Wee Reese
2 / Tommy Lasorda
4 / Duke Snider
19 / Jim Gilliam
20 / Don Sutton
24 / Walter Alston
32 / Sandy Koufax
39 / Roy Campanella
42 / Jackie Robinson
53 / Don Drysdale
*Blue is this team’s history
