Why Was Frank Traded?

[Gooch]

I was 10 years old in 1972 when the Orioles traded Frank Robinson traded. My question is... why did this happen??? Did they feel Frank was in decline? Did he feud with the front-office? Had he had enough of Earl? Was it a question of money? After 1971, the Orioles fell into a decade-log decline. Coincidence? I think after '71, GM Harry Dalton also left. What the hell happened? Does anyone remember? It's a shame that Frank and Brooks didn't spend their final years together in Baltimore?

[Gooch]

sorry about the typos!!!

[bluejaysfan]

He was getting into his late 30's so age could have been a factor, however he still had some good seasons left in the tank.

[VIBaseball]

Frank was traded along with Pete Richert to L.A. for Doyle Alexander, Bob O'Brien, Sergio Robles and Royle Stillman (December 2, 1971).

Earl Weaver and Frank Cashen were quoted as saying the O's wanted to make room for Don Baylor in particular and also Terry Crowley as they eased in younger players. Earl used the terms "scared to death" and "going out on a limb" because of what Frank had meant to the club. But Brooks was viewed as the only untouchable, according to Cashen.

The club also felt that they had Merv Rettenmund and that they still needed more pitching down the road. Earl likened Alexander and O'Brien (who never pitched a game for Baltimore) to Dave McNally at the same age.

Frank Robby himself said he expected it but was still kind of numb when the news came. He had also said he only wanted to go to the West or East Coast. Salary ($135K back then!) also limited trade partners but was probably not a primary motive.

[Gooch]

Thanks VIBaseball, that's good stuff!
Interestingly, Crowley and Rettenmund never really blossomed as hitters in the big leagues, although both have become successful coaches since. I always thought Baylor was a bit overrrated -- a fine hitter, clubhouse leader, but poor defensively, a prototype DH. But none of these guys could measure up to Big Frank!