Drew Robinson retires, starts new role in SF

Drew Robinson, who made a remarkable return to professional baseball earlier this season with the Sacramento River Cats (the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate) after losing his right eye from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in April 2020, announced his retirement Friday in a heartfelt message on Twitter.

According to his message, the 29-year-old outfielder will be transitioning to a role as a mental-health advocate for the Giants after playing his final games this weekend.

“I couldn’t be more excited to remain in the game that saved my life,” Robinson wrote. “I remember the day after my suicide attempt, the first thought I had toward choosing to live came from thinking about playing baseball again. I did that, with one eye, and I’m grateful for my time with the [River Cats] and the 11 incredible years I spent with the [Rangers] and [Cardinals]. For so many of them, I relied solely on putting in the work physically. This past season has been a steep learning curve as I’ve prioritized putting in the work mentally and emotionally. While I’m proud of my progress, growth is a continuous journey.

"For the Giants to believe I can help other players address their emotional well-being more comfortably and gain insight from my lessons learned is truly humbling. I can’t fully describe what these last 15 months have been like, but some of the most rewarding times were persevering through the physical and mental challenges I faced while attempting this comeback. Even more special was the way you all inspired me to keep going. I saw your messages. And I’ve appreciated every single one of them; it’s a beautiful thing to be able to receive people’s most positive energy.

“To all the front office personnel, coaches, trainers, field personnel and teammates that were like family that I was lucky enough to be around, I hope you enjoyed our time spent together as much as I did. The memories and relationships throughout are things I think about or talk about almost daily. To my family and close friends that have been my biggest fans and biggest support. And most importantly, to Daiana, my everything. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”

A fourth-round Draft pick by Texas in 2010, Robinson made his Major League debut in 2017 and appeared in parts of three seasons for the Rangers and Cardinals, recording nine homers in 223 at-bats. He signed a Minor League deal with the Giants in January 2020, several months before his suicide attempt.

Robinson shared his story and details about his ongoing recovery, both mental and physical, in a story published by ESPN this past February.

Robinson was named to the River Cats’ roster in May. Playing with a prosthetic eye, he reached two major milestones early in the season, recording his first hit of the year on May 8 and his first homer on May 11.