Drew Robinson had been an inspirational story this year. The San Francisco Giants minor league outfielder had survived a suicide attempt in 2020, living through a self inflicted gunshot that left him blind in one eye. Despite that handicap, Robinson was able to make a comeback in professional baseball, playing at Triple-A this season.
But now it is time to hang up the spikes for one last time. Robinson is set to retire after this weekend, transitioning into a role with the Giants as a mental health advocate.
— Drew Robinson (@Drewrobbb) July 16, 2021
San Francisco Giants outfielder Drew Robinson set to help next generation of players
Robinson had been a relatively well regarded prospect, being drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Rangers. He was then traded to the Cardinals for Patrick Wisdom, where he got his last taste of major league action. Overall, he spent parts of three seasons in the majors, producing a .202/.296/.359 batting line with nine homers and eight doubles in his 253 plate appearances, drawing 30 walks, but striking out 102 times.
Although he struggled in Triple-A this season, the fact that he was able to play with just one eye was amazing. His .128/.240/.267 batting line in 100 plate appearances, with three doubles and three homers, does not truly indicate how well he performed considering his handicap. It takes tremendous vision to be able to hit a baseball thrown by a professional pitcher, and for Robinson to do as much as he was able to with that lack of depth perception is amazing.
Fortunately, Robinson’s journey in baseball is not over. He will be able to serve as an inspiration to other players, helping to remind them that no matter how things may seem, better days are ahead. He has been through the rigors of the minor league season, the feelings of despair and helplessness that can come with failure. And he has come out the other side.
Perhaps Robinson can keep others from attempting to take their own life. He can speak from personal experience what those moments are like, and what it felt like to be given a second chance. Even if his playing days are over, he can still make a major impact upon the game.
Drew Robinson is set to play his final games. The San Francisco Giants outfielder will transition to a role with the team, helping the next generation.