40 Facts About David Robertson

Early Life and Background

David Robertson's journey to becoming a professional baseball player is filled with interesting tidbits. Let's explore some fascinating facts about his early life and background.

1. Born on April 9, 1985, in Birmingham, Alabama, David Alan Robertson grew up in a sports-loving family.

2. He attended Central-Tuscaloosa High School, where he excelled in both baseball and football.

3. Robertson's talent on the mound earned him a scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he played for the Crimson Tide.

4. During his college career, he was named to the Freshman All-SEC team and earned All-American honors.

5. In 2006, he played for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox in the Cape Cod Baseball League, a prestigious summer league for college players.

Professional Career Beginnings

David Robertson's professional career began with a bang. Here are some key moments from his early days in Major League Baseball (MLB).

6. Robertson was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 17th round of the 2006 MLB Draft.

7. He made his MLB debut on June 29, 2008, against the New York Mets.

8. In his rookie season, he posted a 5.34 ERA in 25.1 innings pitched.

9. Robertson quickly became known for his ability to strike out batters, earning the nickname "Houdini" for escaping tough situations.

10. By 2009, he was a key part of the Yankees' bullpen, helping the team win the World Series that year.

Career Highlights and Achievements

David Robertson's career is marked by numerous achievements and memorable moments. Let's take a look at some of his most significant accomplishments.

11. In 2011, Robertson was selected to his first All-Star Game.

12. He finished the 2011 season with a remarkable 1.08 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 66.2 innings.

13. Robertson became the Yankees' closer in 2014 after the retirement of Mariano Rivera.

14. That year, he recorded 39 saves, the third-highest total in the American League.

15. In 2015, he signed a four-year, $46 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Beyond the baseball diamond, David Robertson is known for his charitable efforts and dedication to his family. Here are some insights into his personal life.

16. Robertson married his high school sweetheart, Erin Cronin, in 2009.

17. The couple has two children, a son named Luke and a daughter named Violet.

18. In 2011, Robertson and his wife founded the "High Socks for Hope" foundation to help those affected by natural disasters.

19. The foundation was inspired by the devastating tornadoes that hit Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in April 2011.

20. Robertson is also involved in various other charitable activities, including supporting military veterans and youth baseball programs.

Later Career and Current Status

David Robertson's career has seen many twists and turns. Let's explore some facts about his later career and current status.

21. In 2017, Robertson was traded back to the Yankees, where he continued to be a reliable bullpen arm.

22. He played a key role in the Yankees' playoff runs in 2017 and 2018.

23. In 2019, Robertson signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

24. Unfortunately, he underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2019, sidelining him for the entire 2020 season.

25. Robertson made a comeback in 2021, signing a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Fun Facts and Trivia

David Robertson's life and career are filled with interesting and lesser-known facts. Here are some fun tidbits about the pitcher.

26. Robertson is known for wearing high socks during games, a nod to baseball's old-school style.

27. He has a unique pre-pitch routine, which includes taking a deep breath and adjusting his cap.

28. Robertson is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time.

29. He has a dog named Gus, who often makes appearances on his social media accounts.

30. Robertson's favorite baseball player growing up was Atlanta Braves pitcher Greg Maddux.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout his career, David Robertson has received numerous awards and recognitions. Here are some of the most notable ones.

31. In 2011, he won the Mariano Rivera Award for American League Reliever of the Year.

32. He was named the Yankees' Pitcher of the Year in 2011 by the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

33. Robertson received the Thurman Munson Award in 2014 for his charitable work and on-field performance.

34. In 2017, he was part of the Yankees' bullpen that set a record for most strikeouts in a single season.

35. Robertson has been recognized multiple times for his community service efforts, including being named a finalist for the Roberto Clemente Award.

International Play

David Robertson has also represented his country on the international stage. Here are some facts about his international play.

36. He was a member of Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

37. Robertson played a key role in helping Team USA win its first-ever World Baseball Classic championship.

38. He pitched 3.2 scoreless innings in the tournament, striking out five batters.

39. Robertson's performance in the World Baseball Classic earned him praise from teammates and coaches alike.

40. He has expressed interest in representing Team USA in future international competitions.

Final Thoughts on David Robertson

David Robertson's career is a testament to dedication, skill, and resilience. From his early days in Birmingham, Alabama, to becoming a key player in Major League Baseball, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. Known for his impressive strikeout rate and ability to perform under pressure, Robertson has earned respect from teammates and opponents alike. Off the field, his charitable efforts, especially with High Socks for Hope, highlight his commitment to giving back. Whether you're a baseball fan or just love a good success story, Robertson's life offers plenty of lessons in perseverance and hard work. As he continues to play, there's no doubt he'll keep making an impact both on and off the field. Keep an eye on this remarkable athlete; his story is far from over.