Robin Fuson @Slider_Sinker – from Pitching Mound to Judge’s Bench

Beginnings with a love of the game 

From minor leagues to prosecuting attorney to judge

Early on started with JuCo ball, made All-State, then Drafted
by Cleveland

Attitude to fight off bullies transferred into his career as
a prosecuting attorney – Bugliosi facing off Manson

Pitcher confidence – always felt like he was going to win
every game

Baseball gave Robin a chance to work with a diverse group of
people

Smart pitchers learn how to let hitters strike themselves out

Mixing up style of pitches, speed and placement plus the
Mythical Spitball

Wade Boggs – saw the rotation of the ball in different
quadrants during the pitch

Boston Hitting coach did not like Robin talking to the
hitters

Wade Boggs, a good friend - induction to Tampa Bay Rays HOF

Tommy Lasorda story – Robin & Tommy a flight to the
Dominican Republic.

“Dr” Tommy Lasorda tells a tall Mental Healing tale

Speaking fluent Spanish was needed when Robin worked as an
Oakland A’s coach

Player to Coach – Leaving the Player mindset behind – time to
put the hammer down

Oakland gave Robin flexibility as Spring Training coach to
pursue law degree

 Sandy Alderson & Tony La Russa both were lawyers
who both had been with the Oakland Athletics 

Differences between Manager & Coaches relationships with
players

Pitching against guys like Orel Hershiser, Pedro Guerrero.
Tony Peña

Veteran Dominican Republic (D.R.) & Venezuelan Players
work to nurture and aid the younger players who come to the US to
play ball by helping them to bridge the cultural & language
gaps

‘You have to swing to get off the island”

Robin's D.R. Winter Ball, infield included Alfredo Griffin at
2nd base, and Raphael Ramirez from the Braves at shortstop,
Gerald Perry at 1st base from the Braves, Manny Castillo from the
Mariners at 3rd base. John Lickert with the Red Sox was the
catcher. Robin faced batters - Orel Hershiser, Pedro Guerrero
& pitched to Tony Peña in the All-Star Game. 

Players in the D.R. treated young players as family and often
left equipment behind for the young players

Florida a cradle for baseball talent

Northside Little League

Tampa Smokers

MLB Draft & Trades – Daniel Robertson moved from Mets to
Miami

Cleveland Farm Director Bob Quinn did not like Robin and was
ready to stall his career.

Cleveland Indians lost Robin to the Red Sox due to a rule
violation 

Wade Boggs & Robin Fuson

If Maddux pitched in today’s game he might win 30 games

Mike Hargrove – the “human rain delay” 

Mexico - Threw out Eddie Miller at 1st base after 17
throw-overs 

Mixing the pitches, speed & sequences to fool the batters

Bat Flipping - how would Don Drysdale or Bob Gibson have
responded 

Injuries & rapid pace of today’s game

Robin would throw as many as 150 pitches a game & would
average 7 to 8 innings

Lance McCullers Jr, Astros pitcher & the McCullers
Christmas Tree lots 

Kevin Williams & Robin “Ali” boxing prank

Oakland A’s 2x Fuson – Grady Fuson, Scouting Director of the
Athletics 



Robin's baseball stories, wit  and wisdom can be found on
Twitter @Slider_Sinker


Discover more on BaseballBiz is at www.baseballbizondeck.com
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You can reach Mark @TheBaseballBiz on Twitter 
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music "Rocking Forward"