Chris Robinson (baseball)

Christopher J. Robinson (born May 12, 1984) is a Canadian former professional baseball catcher. Prior to beginning his professional career, he played college baseball at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign from 2003–2005.[1] He has also competed for the Canadian national baseball team in international competition such as the 2011 Pan American Games, the 2009 Baseball World Cup and the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Chris Robinson
Robinson with the West Michigan Whitecaps in 2005
Catcher
Born: (1984-05-12) May 12, 1984
London, Ontario
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 4, 2013, for the San Diego Padres
Last MLB appearance
September 28, 2013, for the San Diego Padres
MLB statistics
Batting average.167
Home runs1
Runs batted in3
Teams
Medal record
Men's Baseball
Representing  Canada
Pan American Games
2011 Guadalajara National team
2015 Toronto National team
Baseball World Cup
2009 Nettuno National team

Career

Amateur

Robinson attended Lord Dorchester Secondary School, where he was named Ontario Player of the Year in 2001. The New York Mets drafted Robinson out of high school in the 30th round (897th overall) of the 2002 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft, but he did not sign, opting to enroll in college. Robinson enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, where he played college baseball for the Illinois Fighting Illini baseball team in the Big Ten Conference in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I.[2] At Illinois, Robinson was named the Big Ten Conference All-Star catcher in 2004 and 2005. In 2004, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Hyannis Mets of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[3]

Detroit Tigers

Out of Illinois, the Detroit Tigers drafted Robinson in the third round (90th overall) of the 2005 MLB draft. He was named the Tigers' best defensive catcher.

Chicago Cubs

In 2006, the Tigers traded Robinson to the Chicago Cubs for Neifi Pérez.[2]

Texas Rangers

He signed as a minor league free agent with the Texas Rangers before the 2012 season, receiving an invitation to spring training. He was released on March 30.

Baltimore Orioles

On April 3, Robinson signed a minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles and was assigned to the Triple-A Norfolk.[4]

Robinson started the 2013 season with Norfolk.

San Diego Padres

He was traded to the San Diego Padres on June 20, and assigned to the Triple-A Tucson Padres.[5] On August 15, 2013, Robinson had his contract selected by the Padres to replace Nick Hundley who had been placed on the paternity list.[6] Robinson was optioned back to Tucson on August 17 without appearing in a game when Hundley returned. He was recalled on September 1 when rosters expanded.[7] On September 25, Robinson hit a pinch-hit three-run home run in the eight inning to record both his first major league hit and home run.[8] He was designated for assignment on September 30.[9]

Robinson was presented with a special recognition award by the Major League Baseball Players Association at the Baseball Canada National Teams Award Banquet in January, 2014.

Retired

He retired from professional baseball in the 2014 off-season and became a full-time coach at Centerfield Sports in London, Ontario.[10]

International career

Robinson has also competed for the Canadian national baseball team. Robinson played in the 2002 World Junior Baseball Championship, the 2003 Baseball World Cup, the 2006 World Baseball Classic, the 2009 Baseball World Cup, the 2011 Pan American Games, the 2013 World Baseball Classic and the 2015 Pan American Games.

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2014-02-14.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. "Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League" (PDF). capecodbaseball.org. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  4. "O'Day, Patton in and Phillips is out as Orioles finalize opening day roster". Sacramento Bee. April 4, 2012.
  5. Kubatko, Roch (June 20, 2013). "Orioles trade minor league catcher Chris Robinson (updated)". Retrieved August 15, 2013.
  6. "Padres place Nick Hundley on paternity leave, call up C Chris Robinson from Triple-A Tucson". Washington Post. August 15, 2013.
  7. "Padres recall left-handed pitcher Tommy Layne and catcher Chris Robinson from Triple-A Tucson". San Diego Padres. September 1, 2013. Retrieved September 1, 2013.
  8. "Robinson's first career Home run". MLB. September 25, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2013.
  9. "Padres reinstate Shortstop Everth Cabrera; Catcher Chris Robinson designated for assignment". San Diego Padres. September 30, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
  10. Brudnicki, Alexis (January 8, 2014). "Chris Robinson to get MLB PA award". Canadian Baseball Network. Archived from the original on August 11, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
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