Drew Robinson ending comeback bid, shifting into front-office function with Giants

Drew Robinson ends his attempt to return to the Major League as a player after surviving a suicide attempt. The next step for him is an off-field role in an MLB organization.

Robinson announced on social media on Friday that he will be retiring as a player after this weekend and then joining the Giants’ front office as a mental health attorney. He plays for San Francisco’s Triple A partner in Sacramento.

“I couldn’t be more excited to stay in the game that saved my life,” wrote Robinson.

Robinson, 29, shot himself in the head on April 16, 2020. The wound cost him his right eye. During his recovery, he decided he wanted to try a comeback and started training. He played in 100 games as an outfielder for the Rangers and Cardinals from 2017-19. He shared his story with ESPN’s Jeff Passan last winter.

The Giants, who signed him to a minor league contract in January 2020, invited him to minor league spring training in 2021. He made it into Sacramento’s opening plan.

Robinson made more headlines when he was at home early on his return to the game, but that was his final highlight. He hit .128 / .240 / .267 with three home runs for Sacramento and hit 53 times in 100 record appearances.

“For the Giants to believe that I can help other players address their emotional wellbeing more comfortably and gain insight from my lessons is really humbling,” he wrote.

“I can’t fully describe what the past 15 months have been like, but some of the most rewarding times have been putting through the physical and mental challenges I faced on this comeback. Even more special was the way you all inspired me, it’s going to stay, “he added.