Following Robinson's success at Iowa with a strong 3+1⁄2 months to begin 1980, he was recalled to the ChiSox in July and pitched well in middle relief. In 15 games through the end of September, Robinson split two decisions and allowed only 26 hits in 35 innings pitched, with an ERA of 3.09. But in 1981, he appeared in only 29 professional games, including four with the White Sox, to conclude his MLB career. However, Robinson's last appearance in the big leagues — on October 4 — was a memorable one. Entering the game in the ninth inning at Comiskey Park with the White Sox trailing the Minnesota Twins 12–9, Robinson pitched a scoreless inning. Then, when the White Sox rallied for four runs and a walk-off, 13–12 victory, Robinson was credited with the win.[3]
All told, in 30 MLB games and 53+1⁄3 innings pitched, Robinson split four decisions, giving up 42 hits and 28 bases on balls, with 35 strikeouts, and a career ERA of 4.05. His MiLB playing career ended, following the 1982 season in the Pittsburgh Pirates' and Milwaukee Brewers' organizations.
Robinson spent 10 seasons coaching in the Chicago White Sox farm system. He served two seasons as the White Sox' bullpen coach (1993–1994) and was also the pitching coach at Class A Peninsula of the Carolina League in 1987 and Class A Tampa in 1988. Robinson also served the White Sox as minor league pitching coordinator.
Robinson joined the Astros organization in 1997 and was named the club's "Player Development Man of the Year" in 1998.[4] He worked as their pitching coach in 2008 and 2009, during Cecil Cooper's term as manager.[5]
Robinson was not retained by the Astros following the 2009 season. That October, he agreed to become a minor league pitching instructor for the Rays.[6] Prior to the 2020 baseball season, Robinson assumed the title of "Director, Pitching Development".[7] Robinson spent 12 years as the director of pitching development for Tampa Bay. On December 28, 2021, Robinson was hired by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization to serve as a special advisor of pitching development, coaching, and player development.[8]
Personal life
Robinson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He and his wife, Cindy, have two sons, Brett and Greg. Brett pitched for the Astros Short-Season Class A affiliate at Tri-City in 2007 after being drafted in the 27th round in June.
