Tony Robello

Thomas Vardasco Robello

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10½", Weight 175 lb.

• Debut August 13, 1933
• Final Game September 29, 1934
• Born February 9, 1913 in Pahala, Territory of Hawaiʻi USA
• Died December 25, 1994 in Fort Worth, TX USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Tommy Robello played briefly for the Cincinnati Reds in 1933 and 1934 but gained greater fame during a long career in the minors. The slugger won five home run titles in the minors in six years. In 1937, he led East Texas League with 33, and the next season he retained his crown with 38. In 1939, he moved to the Pioneer League and paced the circuit with 58. He also led the league in 1940 with 22 and in 1942 with 20. He also led in RBI in 1937 (130), 1938 (146), and 1940 (179).

Robello missed the 1943-1945 seasons due to military service.

Robello went into scouting, first for the St. Louis Browns (1947-1953), then the St. Louis Cardinals (1954), New York Yankees (1955-1962), and finally the Reds (1965-1984).

Tony Robello is widely credited with helping to scout and find many of the famous "Big Red Machine." While he grew up in the Bay Area and was long listed as being born in San Leandro, CA, census and baptismal records indicate that he was in fact born in Hawaii.

Year-by-Year Managerial Record

Year	Team	League	Record	Finish	Organization	Playoffs
1937	Jacksonville Jax	East Texas League	85-55	2nd	St. Louis Cardinals	League Champs
1938	Jacksonville Jax	East Texas League	58-82	8th	St. Louis Cardinals
1939	Pocatello Cardinals	Pioneer League	68-56	2nd	St. Louis Cardinals	none
1940	Salt Lake City Bees	Pioneer League	79-51	1st	San Francisco Seals	Lost in 1st round
1941	Salt Lake City Bees	Pioneer League	68-60	3rd	none	Lost in 1st round
1942	Twin Falls Cowboys	Pioneer League	51-67	5th	none
1946	Springfield Browns	Three-I League	58-67	6th	St. Louis Browns

Related Sites

• Tony Robello at the SABR Bio Project