Quote of the day: Dick Hall on Brooks Robinson

(Neil Leifer photo)

Baltimore relief pitcher Dick Hall on playing with Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson during the 1960s and early ’70s:

“Before every pitch for years and years, he was on his toes, ready to move, instantly alert. He always got ready as if he knew the ball was coming to him. Whenever a new guy would join the bullpen, he’d watch Brooks for a game or two and say, ‘Holy cow! He’s as good as they say!’ We’d say, ‘Just watch him. He treats every pitch like there are two outs in the ninth.’ ”