Giants outfielder Drew Robinson and Twins shortstop Andrelton Simmons revealed previous mental health problems to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Orange County Register’s Jeff Fletcher, respectively, this week. MLBTR encourages you to read both stories in full.
Robinson, then ready to enter his first season at the San Francisco organization, told Passan that he attempted suicide with a firearm last April. Still alive 20 hours later, Robinson decided he wanted to live. While Passan writes that the shot left Robinson’s right eye “beyond repair,” Passan explains that doctors are delighted that it did not cause further damage. Since then, Robinson has undergone four surgeries and received an eye prosthesis.
“It represents my new outlook on life”, Robinson told Passan. “Even though I had one less eye, I haven’t seen such clear things in my life.”
Neither Robinson nor the Giants gave up their major league career. The Giants again signed an agreement with Robinson for minors during the fall, and baseball operations president Farhan Zaidi told Passan: “We are proud that he is a giant and we are excited to see him compete for a job at the camp.”
Simmons, formerly an angel who signed with the Twins last week, chose not to participate in the last week of the 2020 season. He explained to Fletcher that concern about his mental health caused the decision.
“It was difficult for me mentally where the idea of suicide crossed my mind,” Simmons wrote to Fletcher. “It was something I swore a long time ago and would never consider again. I was fortunate enough to speak with a therapist, which helped me to forget those thoughts. In the end, when many people were still going through what many would consider difficult times, the idea of ending the season in a bubble was too much for me to take ”.
MLBTR congratulates Robinson and Simmons for sharing their stories, and we wish the best for those two and everyone who has dealt with or are currently struggling with mental health issues. We also encourage those with suicidal thoughts to seek help by contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or sending a text message to TALK at 741741.