July 4, 1990: A Hero Rises

It was July 4, 1990. The Brewers were taking on the defending World Series Champions, Oakland A’s. The Crew were sputtering along at 33-42, while the A’s were on their way back to the World Series. On America’s birthday, Rickey Henderson, Jose Canseco, and Mark McGwire made their way to County Stadium ready to provide the fireworks. The A’s ace, Dave Stewart was on the mound. Things looked bleak for the Crew. Enter: Ron Robinson.

Robinson had spent his entire career with the Reds before coming to the Brewers in 1990. He entered this game with a 3-3 record, never having won more than 10 games in a season. Facing the talented A’s lineup seemed like an insurmountable task for a man who had toiled in mediocrity. But on this day Robinson was ready, “Issue the orders sir, and I will storm hell!” , he said to Tom Treblehorn . Ok perhaps that’s not quite how it went as that’s a quote from soldier Anthony Wayne to George Washington during the Revolutionary War. It adds something to the story though, doesn’t it?

On this glorious day, Robinson proved to be the hero that Milwaukee, and quite frankly, America deserved. He shut down Henderson, McGwire and Canseco as they went a combined 1-8 against him. Robinson was the hard nosed local sheriff and the A’s lineup was the local toughs having their illegal fireworks confiscated. He out dueled Stewart, allowing just one run while pitching a complete game. 

This game propelled Robinson to a 12-5 record in 1990. He also had a 2.91 ERA for the Brewers along with two shutouts and seven complete games, a number unheard of in this day and age. You see kids, a long time ago, starting pitchers used to pitch entire nine inning games. 

Sadly, Robinson faded into obscurity the remainder of his career. But for this one game and for this one season he truly was the streetwise Hercules that fought the rising odds.

“Here’s to you, Mr Robinson. Milwaukee loves you more than you will know. Woah woah woah.”