MLB taps Frank Robinson for new role

Robinson, the only man to win most valuable player awards in both leagues, will oversee MLB’s three existing Urban Youth Academies in Puerto Rico, California (Compton) and Texas (Houston) and the development of future sites in New Orleans, Hialeah (Florida) and Philadelphia.

Robinson also will be responsible for overseeing the Civil Rights Game and the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game.

“With more than 55 years of knowledge and experience in our game, Frank Robinson continues to be an extraordinary ambassador for Baseball,” said MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. “This position will allow Frank to represent the national pastime to the next generation and guide the development of inner-city kids on and off the field, a cause that has always been close to his heart.”

Robinson most recently served as special assistant to the commissioner, ranks ninth on the all-time home run chart, was the first African-American manager in league history, and he’s sat at the helm for five different teams.

Robinson got his managing start in Puerto Rico, serving two stints as skipper of the Santurce Cangrejeros in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He led Santurce to the winter league title in 1974.