SF Giants: Inspirational outfielder Drew Robinson announces retirement

SF Giants minor league outfielder Drew Robinson closed one chapter of his professional career on Friday by announcing his retirement. Robinson confirmed that he would hang up his spikes at the end of the series against the Round Rock Express.

SF Giants: Inspirational outfielder Drew Robinson announces retirement

His playing career might be coming to an end, but the left-handed bat will remain with the Giants organization as a mental health advocate. Robinson overcame steep odds (Subscription required) to continue playing baseball after losing his right eye in a suicide attempt.

Nevertheless, the 29-year-old persevered and made an impact with the Sacramento River Cats both on and off the field in 2021. In 100 plate appearances, he slashed .128/.240/.267 with three home runs and 16 RBI, but he became a positive and motivational force for those struggling with mental health.

He was originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 draft by the Texas Rangers out of Silverado High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a minor leaguer, he always demonstrated intriguing power with the versatility to move around the field on defense.

He made his debut with the Rangers in 2017 where he posted a .753 OPS with six home runs and 13 RBI across 121 plate appearances. That proved to be his best season in the majors, but he played for two more seasons after that one.

Before the 2020 season, he came over to the Giants on a minor league pact with an invite to spring training. In his brief audition, Robinson made a good first impression as he demonstrated the type of plate discipline and athleticism that this front office covets.

He remained with the organization but we did not hear much about him after spring training. The Giants re-signed him to a minor league deal but, oddly, this one did not come with a camp invite. It was not until much later that we found out about his internal struggles and that he used such a dark moment to become an inspiration to so many people.

We, at Around the Foghorn, would like to thank Drew Robinson for his openness on such a sensitive topic and for reminding us that it is okay to struggle. Congratulations on the completion of your playing career and we cannot wait to see what you do next in the SF Giants organization.