Ron Robinson

Ronald Dean Robinson

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 4", Weight 235 lb.
• High School Woodlake Union High School
• Debut August 14, 1984
• Final Game July 2, 1992
• Born March 24, 1962 in Exeter, CA USA

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Biographical Information

Ron Robinson was signed as a 1st round pick (19th overall) in the 1980 amateur draft by the Cincinnati Reds and scout Reno DeBenedetti.

He was a swingman in his first two seasons in the majors, in 1984 and 1985, then had an outstanding season as a full-time reliever in 1986. In 70 games, he went 10-3, 3.24 and also saved 14 games. He logged 116 2/3 innings and struck out 177 batters. He then went back to being a swingman in 1987, then became a full-time starter in 1988. On May 2nd that year, pitching for the Reds against the Montreal Expos, he came within one out of throwing a perfect game. With two outs in the top of the 9th, pinch-hitter Wallace Johnson managed to hit a single to break the bid, then Tim Raines followed with a home run. He was then removed in favor of John Franco, who recorded the final out in a 3-2 win.

He had his best season as a starter in 1990; after starting out 2-2, 4.88 in 6 games with the Reds, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on June 9th and was excellent the rest of the season. In 22 starts for Milwaukee, he had 7 complete games and 2 shutouts, going 12-5, 2.91. However, he could not build on that great performance, as an injury limited him to a single game in 1991. He then made 8 starts in 1992, going 1-4, 5.86, and never pitched in the majors after that.

According to one source , Pete Rose gave Robinson the nickname "The True Creature". He was distinguishable on pictures as a very red-headed big man at 6' 4", 235 lb. He is not to be confused with Don Robinson, a contemporary pitcher.