Former Stevens Standout Robert Robbins Signs Professional Contract with the Chicago Cubs

2/5/2019 12:23:43 PM

Stevens baseball alumnus Robert Robbins has signed a minor league free agent contract with the Chicago Cubs, it was announced recently. It will be the fourth straight year as a professional for the Tallahassee, Florida native, but the first with an affiliated team. "It's been an extremely long journey," Robbins said. "I'm incredibly happy at the improvement I've made [over] the last three years."

CLOSER LOOK
Robbins previously spent parts of three seasons in the Frontier League and was most recently with Windy City. Over his three-year minor league career, Robbins is 0-1, with a 5.61 ERA, but the 24-year old right-handed pitcher has struck out 21 over 25 2-3 innings. 

"I've learned a lot about myself," said Robbins. "I'm excited to prove myself at this next level. In addition, I'm proud to represent my alma mater and Division III players around the country."

Robbins appeared in 43 games during his four seasons at Stevens, drawing 35 starts. He totaled 18 victories with 198 strikeouts over 188 2-3 innings of work and ranks among the program's top-10 in: innings pitched, wins, strikeouts and earned-run average. Robbins was named Third Team All-New York Region by d3baseball.com in 2015 and was a two-time New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association (NJCBA) All-Star. A two-time Honorable Mention All-Empire 8 Conference performer, Robbins was selected to the league's First Team in his senior season.

Robbins is expected to report to the Cubs' Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona.

"This is a great story," offered head baseball coach Kristaps Aldins. "Robert is a fantastic person and we couldn't be happier for him. His relentless pursuit of realizing this goal is something truly inspiring. He has certainly had his ups and downs over the past few years, just like all of us do in our various careers. But Robert's unwillingness to give up is a great lesson and motivator for anyone out there chasing their dreams. This accomplishment is something that all of our baseball student-athletes, alumni, fans and the entire Stevens community can celebrate."

Robbins is believed to be one of seven Ducks to play professional baseball and he will become the fourth to spend time with an affiliated team. Stevens Athletics Hall of Famer David Garcia spent seven seasons in the minors, reaching as high as Double-A with both the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals organizations. Robbins' teammate Jayson Yano also spent one season in the Frontier League, appearing in four games with Windy City in 2016. 

Additionally, Andrew Matthews played four seasons of minor league baseball with the organizational affiliates of both the New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers organizations. 

Then-junior Charles Ruegger became the second player in program history to be selected in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft after the New York Yankees made the Morris Plains, New Jersey native their 33rd selection. Ruegger reported to New York's team in the Gulf Coast League and fanned seven over 9 2-3 innings with a pair of saves.

Finally, Quinn DiPasquale turned professional after graduation last summer and spent time in both the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball and the Frontier League.

- Information for this release provided by the athletic communications staff at Stevens - 

ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com and https://youtu.be/wzL4HcDoUUQ