Jim Palmer paid an emotional tribute to his late friend and fellow Orioles legend Brooks Robinson.
Robinson, the 18-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion third baseman, considered one of the greatest fielders of all time, died on Tuesday at 86 years old.
Palmer, the Hall of Fame pitcher who remains an Orioles color commentator, reminisced about his special relationship with Robinson on MASN’s telecast on Tuesday night.
“You know, I don’t think we’re ever gonna lose him,” Palmer said on the broadcast of the Hall of Famer.
Palmer and Robinson were Orioles teammates from 1965-77.
Palmer spoke about how Robinson mentored him as a young player when he was called up to the major leagues in his teens.
“I got here when I was 19. He got here [at a similar age] so I think maybe he always knew what it’s like to be in the big leagues at 19,” Palmer said.
“When you get to the big leagues, you gotta get here, you gotta stay here, you gotta figure out how to get better, and then you gotta decide who you want to be like.
“For all of us who knew him, he was the best. Just the little things. Everywhere I’d go there would be an autographed ball and Brooks’ name would be on it … We all know how great a player he was — he won 16 Gold Gloves. But we also know how special a person he was.”
Palmer reiterated that he wanted to “emulate” Robinson, and spoke about how Robinson’s wife, Connie, treated his own wife — and those of other players — warmly.
At the end of the segment, Palmer echoed the words of former Orioles first baseman Boog Powell, who said, “God I love that man.”
“We all do,” Palmer concluded.