The plaza connects the stadium’s main entrance with York’s downtown, and features a statue of Brooks, along with other commemorative items and information related to his 23-year career in professional baseball. Here is a look back at Brooks’ career:

• Made his professional debut in 1955 at the age of 18 with the York White Roses; Contract sold to the Baltimore Orioles later that season.
• On September 17, 1955, he made his Major League debut for the Orioles going 2-for-4 against the Washington Senators, while driving in a key run in the eighth inning.
• Hit 268 home runs and collected 1357 RBI, with a career batting average of .267
• Played in 2,896 games for the Orioles; seventh on the all-time list. For 15 years (1960 to 1974), Brooks played in 98% of all Oriole games.
• Played in four World Series' and 15 consecutive All Star games.
• Won a record 16 straight Gold Gloves from 1960 through 1975, earning the reputation as the finest defensive third baseman in the history of the game.
• Won the American League MVP award in 1964, finished second in the voting in 1966, and third in 1960 and 1965.
• Was selected as the MVP of the 1966 All Star game and 1970 World Series.
• Was selected as a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983, at the time entering as one of only 16 players to be so honored on the first ballot.
• Was named to the All Century Team in 1999, which honored the best 25 players in baseball during the 20th century.

The statue located in the Brooks Robinson Plaza was created by local artist Lorann Jacobs. Jacobs’ inspiration for the statue came from a Norman Rockwell painting entitled “Gee, Thanks Brooks” which features Robinson signing an autograph for a young fan. Jacobs, an avid fan of Norman Rockwell, became aware that Robinson purchased the original Rockwell painting and decided to model her statue after it. Jacobs and Opening Day Partners Chairman Peter Kirk, felt that the pose best demonstrated Brooks’ personality and character in addition to referencing his athletic prowess.