Jump to content
Brewer Fanatic
  • July 4, 1990: A Hero Rises


    Sean Franken

    Bonnie Tyler said it best. “Where have all the good men gone and where are all the Gods? Where’s the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds?” The 1990 Brewers were holding out for a hero. Luckily for them, they found one in Ron Robinson. 

    Image courtesy of © Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

    Brewers Video

    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.”

    Think you could write a story like this? Brewer Fanatic wants you to develop your voice, find an audience, and we'll pay you to do it. Just fill out this form.

    MORE FROM BREWER FANATIC
    — Latest Brewers coverage from our writers
    — Recent Brewers discussion in our forums
    — Follow Brewer Fanatic via Twitter, Facebook or email

     Share


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Featured Comments



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...