TSU Baseball Head Coach Robinson Resigns as a Champion

Houston, Texas – Candy Robinson announced today that he is stepping down as head coach of the Texas Southern University baseball program. He will now serve as the Director of Baseball Operations.

“I have been thinking about this for two years,” said Coach Robinson. “I believe the timing was right. We won the championship and my daughter will soon graduate from high school. So this gives me an opportunity to spend more time with my family while still contributing to a baseball program I helped to build.”

“I believe this move sets Texas Southern’s baseball program on a course towards national contention,” said TSU athletics director Charles McClelland. “Coach Robinson’s knowledge and contacts in baseball are unparalleled. His resources will undoubtedly help propel the program into one of the nation’s best.”

Coach Robinson duties will include fundraising and player development. He will begin his new assignment on July 1st.

Robinson has coached the TSU Tigers for 19 years with 228 wins. During that time, he took the Tigers to their first Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship in 2004. That team played in the university’s first NCAA Regional and won their first game against defending World Series Champion Rice University. The following season, TSU tied for the SWAC west division title which was another first for the baseball program.

In 2008, Robinson and his fourth seeded team captured the SWAC Championship title for a second time, with a 4-0 post conference sweep. They went on to compete in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana NCAA Regional against LSU and the University of New Orleans.

Robinson is a two-time SWAC Coach of the Year and his teams have made 12 conference championship tournament appearances, nine of them consecutive.

“I have accomplished a lot at TSU and after 20 years, 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,” said Coach Robinson.

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 include Isaac Daniels (P), Herman Coachman (1B), JD Stewart (DH), Alph Coleman (OF) and David Bell (C).

Some of his 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 most recently Lindon Bonds – Washington Nationals.

Coach Robinson was a standout pitcher at Grambling, culminating his college career with an All- American nod at pitcher in 1965. After his collegiate days, Robinson was drafted and signed by the Boston Red Sox. He played several years in the major league baseball organization.