Former Ranger Tom Robson has passed away

Tom Robson, former Texas Rangers player and coach, passed away yesterday at the age of 75, it has been announced.

Robson was a 50th round draft pick of the New York Mets in 1967 out of Utah State University, and after spending time in the minor league systems of the Mets, the Montreal Expos, and the Cincinnati Reds, he signed as a free agent with the Texas Rangers in May of 1972. An outfielder and first baseman, Robson played for Pittsfield, the Rangers’ AA affiliate in the Eastern League, in 1972 and 1973, and for Spokane — at the time the Rangers’ AAA affiliate in the Pacific Coast League — in 1974 and 1975. Robson had a couple of brief stints in the majors in 1974 and 1975, logging 54 plate appearances in 23 games in the big leagues. He then played briefly for Nankai in the Japanese League in 1976 before retiring as a player.

After his playing days were over, Robson worked as a coach in the Rangers’ system, ultimately becoming the team’s batting coach under manager Bobby Valentine from 1986-92. His nephew, interestingly, is Mike Moustakas.

Our condolences to the friends and family of Robson.