Gary Robinson is the manager of the State College Spikes, the Short-Season A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played his college ball at Gardner-Webb (where he hit .466 in 1975, a record that still stands) and after a couple assistant jobs, he took over the program at UNC-Charlotte until 1991, when he became an MLB scout. Interestingly enough, before becoming the manager of the Spikes, Robinson was a Triple-A umpire evaluator.
VIDEO: State College Spikes’ Manager Autographs First Base During Ejection
But none of Robinson’s past really matters, does it? Because after Friday nights game, people will only know him as the manager that lost his mind over a hit-by-the-pitch call, argued, got ejected and then autographed first base and gave it to a fan (sorry: spoiler alert!).
So, now we have yet another minor league manager “going crazy” and getting tossed during a game, and thanks to the video being posted online, it becomes the hot topic “around the water cooler.” Is it entertaining? Sure, I suppose so. The fans in attendance sure seem to enjoy it. But what is likely more important is that you are now aware the State College Spikes exist, something you probably could not have said a few days ago.
Which isn’t to say this is fake, or staged, or even encouraged by the ownership. But is the front office pleased when their manager becomes a viral sensation? Of course. Which is probably why it was the team that posted the video on their official YouTube Channel.
(via WEEI)
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