New York Yankees' Prospect Alex Robinett Is Truly Courageous

Yankees' Prospect To Fulfill Army Obligation First
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Baseball has a long-standing tradition of saluting its past and present American heroes. The kind of hero who fights for the freedom to play a sport like baseball. Baseball and its veterans have always had a near-perfect symmetry, as some of the sport’s greatest players were military veterans. Ted Williams and Yogi Berra, among many others, served during World War II. A young boy might dream of being a baseball player, some others might be destined to join the military. One prospect for the New York Yankees is doing both.

Meet Alex Robinett.

A Yankees prospect you’ve likely never heard of, a graduate from West Point, the 32nd pick by the Yankees during this years’ MLB amateur draft. Robinett will begin his military commitment in September, a commitment that may not last too long depending on how the Yankees view him in their future plans. If the Yankees offer him a contract, he can sign a waiver that allows him to play ball professionally, thus putting him in the Army reserves for eight years, instead of the Army for three.

Though one might not be too familiar with the Army Black Knights, and might wonder how good Robinett really is as a baseball player — Robinett was recruited by some of the top programs in the country, including Duke, Oregon State, and Gonzaga — Robinett has had a stellar college career on the diamond at Army, including a 2.01 ERA, 8 complete games, a no-hitter, and all during his senior season. His accolades include a 21 strikeout performance, the most for a college pitcher since Stephen Stasburg‘s 23 in 2008.

His story takes him back to the days of growing up in Saudi Arabia, whom he represented in helping lead to the Little League World Series in 2004 and 2005. However the military was always an appealing option for Robinett; his grandfathers were also active in the military, which helped lead him to wanting to make a similar choice for his future. Among the parallels, the Yankees have always had a professional, by the book type of mentality; a business-first approach. Potentially one of those hidden diamonds in the rough, Robinett has been through all the drills during his years at Army, the early morning wake-up calls, all the different challenges that have helped build the strong, instilled discipline and character that any aspiring soldier, let alone any athlete must have.

It seems appropriate the Yankees would take a chance on the kid, and while it’s fun to root for this kind of story, it’s also up to Robinett to now prove why the Yankees should stay committed to the 22-year-old. Currently pitching for the Yankees’ minor league affiliate Stanton Island, (1-0, 2.25 ERA in 4 relief appearances) Robinett appears to have the kind of attributes any organization would want in a person — mental toughness, discipline, never-say-die attitude, always ready for a challenge. If Robinett can make it to the big leagues, he would follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest players in history, as those who served their country, in addition to their talent on the field. As one who has openly admitted to not feeling any nerves at all regarding his future with the Army, and where that could take him, just imagine his mental toughness on the big stage in Yankee Stadium one day.

Regardless of how the future turns out, Robinett is among the most courageous athletes in sports; one who represents his country first, embodies the act of pride and freedom, taking part in a sport that intertwines beautifully with the two: America’s pastime.

William Chase is a New York Yankees writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @William_Chase88 or add him to your network on LinkedIn and Google.

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