San Francisco Giants: Drew Robinson’s incredible comeback story

The fact that Drew Robinson is alive, let alone playing baseball professionally, is amazing. Back on April 16, 2020, he had put a gun to his temple and pulled the trigger in an attempt to take his own life. He awoke 20 hours later and called emergency services, surviving the attempt but losing the sight in one of his eyes. Although he lost the vision in that eye permanently, he was able to make a full recovery.

Robinson was able to return to baseball despite that handicap, signing a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants. Assigned to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, he was given a starting role. On Saturday, Robinson added the next chapter in comeback story, notching a base hit.

Drew Robinson takes next step in comeback with San Francisco Giants

Maybe it does not seem like much. It was a sharp grounder the other way that the third baseman was unable to come up with, finding a hole to get into the outfield. And maybe this hit will not mean much for his future in the game, as he is just 1-13 with nine strikeouts and a walk thus far.

But there are things that go beyond the box score or statistical analysis. There are stories within the game, where a moment of success can make a lifetime of difference. That is the case here with Robinson, as that base hit meant far more than just removing a zero from his batting line this year.

It is a story of his perseverance, of overcoming the odds to make a comeback. It is a story of coming back from literally the lowest point of his life, of picking up the pieces and doing his best to move on. It is a reminder that no matter how bad things seem to never give up, that better days are ahead.

Hitting at a professional level is incredibly difficult for people with vision in both eyes. The reaction time needed, and the hand-eye coordination required, make hitting one of the most difficult things to do in sports. The fact that Robinson got that hit with one eye is amazing.

Drew Robinson has been an incredible story for the San Francisco Giants. His first hit this season, done with just one eye, adds to the remarkable tale.