BALTIMORE (WJZ)– There was plenty of excitement before the Orioles-Red Sox game on Saturday. There was a tribute to one of the best Orioles in history.

Adam May has more.

Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson was immortalized in bronze at Camden Yards. Thousands turned out for the honor.

“I just want to say to all you fans here, I don’t like to call you fans, I like to call you friends,” Robinson said.

The third baseman played 23 years with the Orioles, won 16 Golden Glove Awards and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Robinson is one of six Orioles legends celebrated this year on the twentieth anniversary of the ballpark.

“Very surreal. And you think those aren’t gonna go away, unless they tear them down or something,” Robinson said of the statue. “I couldn’t be happier being one of them. I played at the right time. It’s been amazing.”

The 75-year-old also took the field again, throwing out the opening pitch to Adam Jones after sending the crowd an emotional thank you.

“I love Baltimore, and I plan on being around for a long time. Thank you!” Robinson said.

This is also the Orioles’ Fan Appreciation Weekend. It continues on Sunday when the O’s take on the Red Sox again.