Back in action, Drew Robinson gets his 1st hit
This story includes discussions of a suicide attempt. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Just over a year ago, on April 16, 2020, Drew Robinson attempted to end his own life. On Saturday night, using his left eye alone because he lost his right eye in the suicide attempt, the left-handed hitter picked up his first hit of the season for the Giants' Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento Rivercats.
Robinson has made a remarkable comeback after that terrible night last year, returning to professional baseball with Sacramento on Thursday night, when he went hitless in four at-bats. Beyond the diamond, he is utilizing his platform to bring awareness to mental health issues.
Robinson was originally drafted by the Rangers in the fourth round in 2010 as an infielder out of Silverado High School in Las Vegas. He made his MLB debut with Texas in '17, and in December '18, he was traded to the Cardinals. He struggled with St. Louis and was released in August '19. He then signed with the Giants organization the following January, two months before the Minor League season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was in the third inning of Saturday night's game against the Athletics' Triple-A club in Las Vegas -- the city in which he was born and raised -- that Robinson singled to left field in an emotional and, just a year ago, unimaginable moment for him, his family, friends and doctors, who were all in attendance.
Robinson wasn't done, either, adding an incredible diving catch to take away a hit from the Aviators' Pete Kozma in the bottom of the sixth.