- 1914
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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 ...
History of the Robins
The Brooklyn Robins, also known as the Dodgers, is one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1883 as part of the American Association, they joined the National League in 1890 and have been a part of baseball ever since. The team has seen many changes over its long history, including multiple name changes and relocations, but its legacy remains strong.
The early years saw success for Brooklyn with three pennants between 1899 and 1920 under manager Wilbert Robinson (hence why they were nicknamed “Robins”). They won their first World Series title against Babe Ruth's Boston Red Sox squad in 1916 behind star pitcher Rube Marquard who went 27-10 that season with an ERA below 2.00! During this period, future Hall Of Famers such as Zack Wheat, Burleigh Grimes, Dazzy Vance & Leo Durocher played for them at some point, helping cement their place amongst baseball royalty during that era.
In 1947 Jackie Robinson made his debut, becoming MLB's first African American player and making history by breaking down racial barriers throughout sports & beyond, forever changing American culture both on & off the field. This was just one example of how trailblazing progressive ownership group Charles Ebbets had become leading up to his death, leaving behind a lasting legacy that still felt today.
Fast forward through decades more highs (& lows), including two additional world series titles (1955 vs. Yankees, 1959 vs. White Sox ) plus numerous division championships along the way - it wasn't until 2017 when current owner Mark Walter moved the franchise out west from New York City after 112 seasons establishing new home base Los Angeles where the team now resides playing under moniker 'Dodgers' once again.
Today despite being thousands of miles away from the original stomping grounds, the spirit, liveliness energy that surrounded those teams' past continues to be present each time they take the field, no matter what city may call home - something proud fans everywhere remember to appreciate even if can’t always make a trip California watch games person!
Robins Products
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.
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
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
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.
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
