Candy Robinson Loses Cancer Battle
SWAC.org
Feb. 17, 2011
Courtesy TSU Sports Information -
The Texas Southern athletics department has lost a colleague, a coach and a father-figure. TSU former baseball head coach Candy Robinson died Tuesday morning after a long battle with cancer. He was 70 years old.
“Coach Robinson has been an integral part of the athletics department for more than two decades, and his contributions will always be remembered," said Texas Southern Athletics Director Charles McClelland. “Candy’s loss to the TSU athletics family will be one that cannot be replaced.”
Robinson served as head coach of the Texas Southern baseball team for 19 years. He joined the program in 1989 as the first TSU head coach who only coached baseball. He recorded 332 wins during his career. He led the Tigers to their first two Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship titles and their first two NCAA postseason appearances (2004 & 2008). In the 2004
NCAA Division I Regionals, Robinson and his team defeated the then-defending NCAA World Series Champion Rice Owls.
Robinson is a two-time SWAC Coach of the Year (2004 & 2008). His teams qualified for 12 conference championship tournament appearances, nine of them consecutive.
“I have accomplished a lot at TSU and after 20 years," Robinson said after stepping down as head coach in 2009. "I am satisfied with what I’ve done for the program and the university. I am most proud of the kids who have come through the program. Nearly all of them graduated and are now making a positive impact in the community. That’s real important to me."
Through the years, Robinson’s players were recognized for their accomplishments. They included 2005 SWAC Pitcher of the Year Brandon Strickland and 2007 SWAC Freshman of the Year and freshman All-American Kyle Smith (OF). Other All-SWAC performers included Isaac Daniels (P), Herman Coachman (1B), JD Stewart (DH), Alph Coleman (OF) and David Bell (C).
Some of Robinson's former Tiger players have been drafted or played in major league baseball organizations. They include Alph Coleman and Donavin Campbell (Atlanta Braves), Autumn Riggies (Toronto Blue Jays), Sonny Garcia (Baltimore Orioles), Delvin Matthews (Milwaukee Brewers), Elliot Gould (Padres), Brandon Stricklen (Houston Astros), Donald Green (New York Mets) and Lindon Bonds (Washington Nationals).
Robinson was a standout pitcher at Grambling, culminating his college career with an All-American nod as a pitcher in 1965. After his collegiate days, Robinson was drafted and signed by the Boston Red Sox. He played several years in the Red Sox Major League baseball organization.
Robinson spent the last two years at Texas Southern as Director of Baseball Operations. He is survived by his wife, Sara, and their two daughters, Ariel and Candace.
The funeral will be Saturday, February 19th at Brentwood Baptist Church (13033 Landmark St.) at 11:00am. The viewing is at 10:00am. The family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in the name of Candy Robinson, Jr. in lieu of flowers.