Humberto Robinson First Panamanian in MLB Passes Away at 79

[metrotheme]

http://www.baseballhappenings.net/2009/10/humberto-robinson-79-1930-2009-paved.html

While Mariano Rivera is closing the door on games for the Yankees during the 2009 postseason, a tribute must be paid to the man who opened the door for Panamanians to play in Major League Baseball. Humberto Robinson was the first Panama native to play in the Major Leagues, making his debut with the Milwaukee Braves in 1955, posting a 3-1 record in 13 games that season. Robinson would pitch in the Majors again in 1956 and then from 1958-1960 with the Braves, Indians and Phillies.

[philliesfiend55]

One time I read in a baseball card collecting publication that a fan from another part of the country was looking for Humberto Robinson's autograph, but he had no address for Robinson and wasn't even sure if he was still alive.
I had just seen Robinson at a baseball card/autograph show near Philadelphia at the Cherry Hill (NJ) Mall just weeks before. The year was approximately 1998.
I wrote the collector and put him in touch with the mall management and show organizer. Happily, they put him in touch with Mr. Robinson and the collector received Humberto's photo and autograph.
It's sad to know that this fine gentleman and sportsman has passed away and that he had to deal with the daily problems of Alzheimer's Disease in his final years.