Drew Robinson’s courageous story has a new chapter.
The minor leaguer who returned to the field a year after losing his right eye in a suicide attempt announced his retirement from baseball Friday. In a social media post, Robinson announced he will play his final games for the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats in a series against the Round Rock Express this week.
Robinson, who agreed to return to play under a minor league contract with the Giants, said he will transition to a new role in the organization as a mental health advocate.
“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 the time I spent with the River Cats and the 11 incredible years I spent with the Rangers and Cardinals.”
Robinson had 11 hits in 86 at-bats for Sacramento this year including three home runs, the first of which he hit during a series in his hometown of Las Vegas against the Oakland A’s Triple-A affiliate.
Robinson spoke to Giants major league players about mental health awareness last September and has been described by teammates as a source of positive energy during his time at Triple-A.
“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,” Robinson wrote. “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.”
