Baseball 2002: familiar faces in new places: several of the game's best are wearing new uniforms this year - Interview

Ebony, June, 2002

FRANK ROBINSON is in familiar territory, back in the surroundings where he made baseball history in 1974. It has been 28 years since the only man to win the MVP in both leagues became Major League Baseball's first Black manager when he took the helm of the Cleveland Indians.

After several other major-league assignments, including a stint as baseball's vice president of on-field operations, Robinson has returned to the field as the manager of the Montreal Expos, and he is leading an impressive group of baseball's familiar faces who have moved to new places this season.

Included among those who packed up and moved to new addresses this season are David Justice, who led the New York Yankees to two World Series before he was traded during the off-season to the Oakland A's; Gary Sheffield, who moved from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Atlanta Braves; and Brian Jordan, who went from the Atlanta Braves to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It's the nature of the game, particularly in these days of free agency, that players move from team to team with increased regularity. And each move represents a new beginning, a new opportunity to capture the attention of baseball enthusiasts. In Robinson's case, it's a chance to return to old territory and display the abilities that earned him Manager of the Year awards in 1982 (San Francisco Giants) and 1989 (Baltimore Orioles). "I can't tell you how happy I am about being in Montreal," says Robinson, who's one of six African-American managers. "The game has changed, but managing is managing."

In baseball 2002, some of the game's top stars are displaying their talents in new surroundings. David Justice (left), who played two seasons with the New York Yankees, is now starring with the Oakland As. Hall of Famer Frank Robinson (below), at the request of Commissioner Bud Selig, temporarily stepped down from his position as baseball's vice president of on-field operations and returned to the dugout to manage the Montreal Expos for this year only. Former Houston Astros and Yankees general manager Bob Watson is the new vice president of on-field operations.

Other stars who packed their bags include first baseman Mo Vaughn (top), who was an American League MVP with the Boston Red Sox. He missed last season after elbow surgery and was traded by the Anaheim Angels to the New York Mets. Outfielder Brian Jordan (above), who established himself as one of the most reliable players in baseball, was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Los Angeles Dodgers. And future Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson (left), who continued to strengthen his legacy with the San Diego Padres last year, was signed by the Boston Red Sox. Now in his 24th season, Henderson, one of the game's most durable players, already has established a number of records, including most stolen bases in a single season, most career stolen bases, most walks and most runs. He ended last season with his 3,000th hit.

After the off-season movement of players, perennial All-Star Gary Sheffield (below) ended up with the Atlanta Braves. Longtime Cleveland Indians star Kenny Lofton (far right) joined the Chicago White Sox, and sometimes controversial star Carl Everett (bottom) left the Boston Red Sox for the Taxes Rangers.