It's so clear now. The deal that brought Hall of Famer Frank Robinson to Baltimore — exactly 50 years ago — is the best trade in Orioles history for so many reasons that there really is no room for debate on the subject.
On Dec. 9, 1965, the Orioles sent starting pitcher Milt Pappas, reliever Jack Baldschun and outfielder Dick Simpson to the Cincinnati Reds for a former National League Rookie of the Year and MVP who would immediately lead the club to its first World Series title.
Robinson would help carry the Orioles to three more World Series appearances and go on to make history as baseball's first African-American manager at the end of a playing career that would place him high among the sport's truly elite players.