In the competitive world of Major League Baseball (MLB), countless young players dream of reaching the pinnacle of the sport. For Robinson Smith, a 17-year-old right-handed pitcher from Melbourne, Australia, that dream is just beginning. Smith recently signed a six-year international amateur free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking the start of his journey to become not just an MLB star, but potentially Australia’s first Baseball Hall of Famer.
From Sandringham Royals to Pittsburgh Pirates
Smith’s baseball journey began at the tender age of four, when he first picked up a bat and glove at the Sandringham Royals in Melbourne. Following in his older brother’s footsteps, Smith initially found himself behind the plate as a catcher. It wasn’t until age 13 that coaches recognized his powerful arm and encouraged him to take the mound.
“I was a really good catcher, but the coaches saw my arm and said I should hop on the bump and just throw a couple of innings, and I really enjoyed it there,” Smith told ESPN.
Honing His Craft with Coach Manny Carrion
Under the guidance of American coach Manny Carrion, Smith has spent the last four to five years refining his mechanics and developing his pitching arsenal. The focus on fundamentals over raw velocity has paid off, with Smith’s fastball already clocking in at an impressive 95 mph at just 17 years old.
“The coaches have spoken to me about my fastball, and they — by looking at my arm path, my arm speed and how hard I am throwing now — most of the time they are able to predict how hard I will be throwing in the next two to three years. They are looking at me being at 100 mph, maxing out at around 102 mph, which has become a goal for me,” Smith revealed.
The Road Ahead: Navigating Injury Risks
As a young pitcher with immense potential, Smith is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Injuries, particularly those requiring Tommy John surgery, can derail even the most promising careers. However, Smith remains focused on proper arm care and recovery to minimize these risks.
“Tommy John [surgery] is not a great thing to happen to a pitcher. But it doesn’t really worry me. I take good care of my arm, do all the recovery that I need to that will help keep my arm strong and healthy, so that takes any thought of Tommy John out of my mind,” Smith asserted.
Olympic Dreams and MLB Aspirations
With baseball returning to the Olympic program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, Smith has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his mother, former Olympic swimmer Nicole Livingstone. However, his commitment to the Pirates may ultimately determine his availability for the Australian national team.
“I would love to play for Australia at the 2028 Olympics. It would be amazing, definitely something I would love to do. But ultimately, that is not my decision. It is the Pirates’ decision whether they want me to potentially risk injury,” Smith acknowledged.
Aiming for Cooperstown
Beyond the Olympics, Smith has his sights set on an even loftier goal: becoming the first Australian inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. It’s a daunting challenge, but one that the young pitcher is ready to tackle head-on.
“The big, big dream that I have always had is being the first Australian Hall of Famer. I know that’s not an easy goal to get, but I am definitely ready for the kind of determination needed to reach that level,” Smith declared.
The Future of Australian Baseball
As Robinson Smith embarks on his professional baseball journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he carries the hopes and dreams of a nation on his shoulders. His success could inspire a new generation of Australian ballplayers to pursue their MLB dreams and elevate the sport’s profile down under.
“Even though we don’t have a massive baseball community in Australia, it is still producing a lot of young talent and a lot of hard workers. I have always loved seeing other guys around my age competing and having the same energy as I have,” Smith emphasized.
Only time will tell if Robinson Smith can achieve his lofty goals and etch his name in baseball’s record books. But one thing is certain: with his talent, dedication, and unwavering determination, this rising star from Melbourne is poised to make a lasting impact on the global baseball landscape.
