Robinson keeps UM well-armed Pitcher nears appearances record

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ORONO – Scott Robinson has filled many pitching roles during his career with the University of Maine baseball team.

Whether as a setup man, a closer or a starter, the soft-spoken righthander and his trademark overhand curveball have quietly helped the Black Bears earn 129 victories, two America East championships and make two NCAA Regional trips in three-plus seasons.

And they’re not done yet.

This spring, with a youthful UMaine staff thinned by injury and attrition, the 5-foot-11, 210-pound senior from Ajax, Ontario, has again demonstrated his talent and versatility.

Robinson will join some UMaine greats today when he pitches the 5 p.m. opener of the Bears’ three-game, nonleague series against New York Tech at Mahaney Diamond.

In taking the mound for the 77th time, he will tie Garrett Quinn (1994-97) for the UMaine pitching appearances record.

Robinson’s competitive fire, resilient arm and unselfish attitude have helped make him a perennial mainstay.

“The day I met Robby, he came into my office and he said, I’ll do whatever it takes to win,” recalled first-year UMaine coach Steve Trimper.

“He’s been probably our MVP guy because he’s done a lot of different things. He just wants to be out there.”

Today’s start marks the fifth in 13 outings this season for Robinson. He was moved into the starting rotation April 7 at Maryland Baltimore County, where he struck out 16 batters, one shy of a school record.

While hard-throwing starters Mike Collar, Mike MacDonald, Steve Richard and Greg Norton have garnered much of the pitching publicity during his stay in Orono, Robinson relishes the chance to show off his stuff in a more visible role.

“I’ve kind of been flying under the radar,” Robinson offered. “Sometimes you go out there and you’re not getting all the attention, but you want to prove that you’re still going to help the team win.”

Robinson, who in 2006 has compiled a 5-2 record with three saves and a 6.28 earned run average, set the UMaine single-season appearances mark in 2005 when he pitched in 29 games. He owns a 15-5 career record with 18 saves.

As a freshman in 2002, it was Robinson [ailing shoulder and all] who silenced the doubters by pitching UMaine to victory in the America East title game. He missed 2003 after undergoing shoulder surgery, but has been effective ever since.

Despite spending most of his career (65 of 76 games) as a reliever, Robinson has been able to readopt a starter’s mind-set in recent weeks.

“The thing I find a little bit easier about being a starter is you can find that groove, that comfort thing,” he said. “It’s a lot more relaxing. Being the old guy I am (22), it’s kind of nice on the nerves,” Robinson joked.

There is a chance his new role may prevent him from setting a third UMaine standard. He needs one save to tie Mike LeBlanc’s 19 from 1986 to 1989.

“Hopefully down the line, in some of these midweek games, I can get out there and at least tie it,” Robinson said.

With a deep staff but no proven No. 1 starter, Trimper knows Robinson would be willing to reprise his relief role down the stretch if needed.

“I think it gets back to the character of Robby and his maturity,” Trimper said. “He prepares for today; he’s not worried about tomorrow, or yesterday.”

Robinson has been more effective this season after diversifying his repertoire. In the past he relied heavily on his sharp curve and a fastball. He has added a slider and a changeup.

“The slider’s really been a benefit to me,” Robinson said. “It’s been able to keep the hitters off-balance.”

Robinson grew up in Canada playing hockey and baseball but found, much to the dismay of family and friends, he loved the cerebral aspects and individual challenges of baseball.

“As a pitcher, when you’re on the mound everything kind of depends on you,” Robinson said. “All the pressure’s on you.”

He chose UMaine at the urging of fellow Canadian Pat Tobin, a former Bears infielder.

With his senior season winding down, Robinson has begun looking ahead. The 2005 UMaine graduate plans to continue working on his master’s in kinesiology and physical education at Springfield College and join his high school sweetheart and new fiancee, Krystal Parenteau, who will be working as a nurse in Hartford, Conn.

In the meantime, he is savoring every chance to pitch.

“I’m not guys like Norty [teammate Greg Norton] who might have a pro career,” Robinson said. “For me this is it, so I’m trying to get as much out of it as I can.”