Really, a not-so-old 30

After hearing Cincinnati owner Bill DeWitt call Reds right fielder Frank Robinson “not a young 30,” the Baltimore Orioles – somehow with a straight face – tell DeWitt 59 years ago today that, um, sure, they could help out the Reds and take Robinson off their hands.

In return, the Reds receive an efficient starting pitcher in Milt Pappas, as well as soon-to-be-fading reliever Jack Baldschun and backup outfielder Dick Simpson.

Frank Robinson in 1966 with the Orioles

As for the “not young” Robinson, who eight times is an All-Star with the Reds, he immediately wins the Triple Crown in 1966, while leading the Orioles to the American League pennant and a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.

No surprise, he also receives the 1966 American League's Most Valuable Player award.

Robinson leads the Orioles to three more World Series appearances from 1969-71 before continuing his Hall of Fame career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels and Cleveland Indians.

Not bad for an allegedly old man who keeps playing until he is 41.