Redbird Rants
FanSided

St. Louis Cardinals: Old Cards Faces in Brand New Places

By Landon Clapp

Mar 17, 2014; Fort Myers, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Tony Cruz (48) and center fielder Jon Jay (19) and shortstop Daniel Descalso (33) talk with former teammate Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Edward Mujica (54) before the game at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2014; Fort Myers, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Tony Cruz (48) and center fielder Jon Jay (19) and shortstop Daniel Descalso (33) talk with former teammate Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Edward Mujica (54) before the game at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 8
Next
Apr 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Shane Robinson (43) throws his bat after hitting a single against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Shane Robinson (43) throws his bat after hitting a single against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Shane Robinson

Shane Robinson was selected in the 5th round of the 2006 MLB draft out of Florida State University. The Tampa, FL native signed with the Cardinals on July 21, 2006 to the tune of a $175k signing bonus.

Admittedly, I almost left Robinson off this list. I’m ashamed to admit that I nearly forgot about him… what kind of Cardinal fan am I trying to act like I am, anyway?

Jul 19, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Twins left fielder Shane Robinson (21) runs to third base for a triple against the Oakland Athletics during the ninth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics won 14-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 19, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Twins left fielder Shane Robinson (21) runs to third base for a triple against the Oakland Athletics during the ninth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics won 14-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

In all seriousness, I used to really enjoy watching Shane Robinson in a Cardinal uniform, simply because he epitomized what it meant to be a St. Louis Cardinal. The guy would do anything that was asked of him. He would grind any at-bat the absolute same, whether it was a tie game in the bottom of the 9th, or a 7-0 snoozer somewhere in the middle innings.

Robinson played rock-solid defense when he got the chance in the Cardinal outfield, and he was probably the Cardinals’ best baserunner the entire time he was here.

Robinson has spent parts of nine different seasons in the Minor Leagues, playing in some 471 games at a level lower than the Major Leagues.

Robinson appeared in nine games during St. Louis’ 2011 World Series season, although he failed to log a single base-hit in seven at-bats. He had what was probably his most successful season in 2012. Robinson appeared in 102 games that year, slashing .253/.309/.355 in 181 plate appearances. He hit three of his five career home runs that year.

Robinson appeared in another 99 games for the Cardinals in 2013, slashing .250/.345/.319. However, he struggled mightily in limited opportunities with the club in 2014. Robinson appeared in just 47 games two years ago, slashing .150/.227/.200 after hitting over .300 in half a season with Memphis.

The Cardinals released Robinson in November of 2014. He signed a Minor League deal with the Minnesota Twins and made their Opening Day roster ahead of 2015.

Robinson turned in a .250/.299/.322 slash line in 197 plate appearances with the Twins a year ago. He also made a relief appearance on the mound with the Twins trailing the Indians by a score of 17-4 on August the 8th.

Robinson worked a hitless, scoreless third of an inning for the Twins. He did surrender a walk, but countered by striking out Cleveland right fielder Jerry Sands to end the 8th inning.

Next: Dr. Miles and the history of the Memphis Redbirds

After choosing free agency following the 2015 season, Robinson signed a Minor League deal with the Cleveland Indians that included an invitation to Spring Training. He will look to earn a spot on Cleveland’s bench, hopefully staying at the Major League level as he enters his age-31 season.

Home/St Louis Cardinals News