| Nate Robertson | |
|---|---|
 Robertson with the Detroit Tigers | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1977-09-03)September 3, 1977 (age 48) Wichita, Kansas, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Left | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 7, 2002, for the Florida Marlins | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 8, 2010, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 57–77 |
| Earned run average | 5.01 |
| Strikeouts | 775 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Nathan Daniel Robertson, (born September 3, 1977) is an American former professionalbaseballpitcher. He played inMajor League Baseball for theFlorida Marlins,Detroit Tigers andPhiladelphia Phillies.
Robertson attendedWichita State University and was drafted by theFlorida Marlins in the fifth round of the1999 Major League Baseball draft. Robertson underwentTommy John surgery in 1998 while a sophomore at Wichita State.[1] Robertson pitched for the Low-AUtica Blue Sox and Single-AKane County Cougars; with the latter he was 6–1 with a 2.29 ERA in eight starts. Robertson returned to Kane County for the2000 season but spent most of the year on the disabled list battling tendinitis in his left elbow. Florida moved him up to the High-ABrevard County Manatees, where he went 11–4 as a starter. Robertson's rise continued in2002, as Florida promoted him to the Double-APortland Sea Dogs of theEastern League. At Portland Robertson amassed a 10–9 record with a 3.42 ERA, sufficient that Florida summoned him to the major league club in early September.[2]
Robertson made his Major League debut on September 7, 2002, for the Marlins, pitching4+2⁄3 innings and allowing four earned runs in a 4–1 loss to thePittsburgh Pirates atPNC Park.[2] Robertson moved to the bullpen for the remainder of the season, making five relief appearances. The following January Florida traded Robertson along withGary Knotts and Rob Henkel to theDetroit Tigers forMark Redman and Jerrod Fuell.[3]
Robertson began the2003 season with theToledo Mud Hens, Detroit's Triple-A affiliate. Robertson remained there until late August, when Detroit, recalled him. In his first start with Detroit and second major league start overall, Robertson threw 81⁄3 innings against theTexas Rangers, giving up two earned runs and striking out eight. Robertson did not figure in the decision, as Detroit lost the game 4–2 in sixteen innings.[4] Robertson won his first major league game eleven days later, pitching five innings in an 8–4 victory over theChicago White Sox.[5]
Robertson's best pitch is his four-seamfastball, followed by a "plus" slider and major-league quality change-up.[citation needed]
In 2005, he began wearing clear corrective lenses to correct hislazy eye.[citation needed]
Robertson invented a new means of rallying the Tigers during a June 2006 game with theNew York Yankees. While wearing a microphone for television, Robertson began stuffing his mouth withBig League Chew to encourage the Tigers to score, down 5–0.Iván Rodríguez hit a home run on the subsequent at-bat. Though the Tigers lost the game, the "Gum Time!" tradition has caught on among Detroit players and fans.[6]
Robertson earned his first career postseason victory on October 10, 2006, by pitching five shutout innings against theOakland Athletics in game 1 which helped launch theDetroit Tigers into their ALCS sweep of the A's and their first pennant since 1984.
In 2008, he tied for the major league lead in bunt hits allowed, with nine.[7]
Robertson is also a part owner of theWichita Wingnuts independent baseball organization.[8]
On August 22, 2008, Tigers managerJim Leyland announced that Nate was being demoted to thebullpen due to ongoing trouble with hisslider.[9] Nate was quoted by theDetroit Free Press as saying that it was the "lowest point" of his career.[10]
On March 30, 2010, Robertson was traded to the Florida Marlins for minor league pitcher Jay Voss and cash considerations.[11] He was designated for assignment on July 21.[12] He was released on July 27.
On August 5, 2010, Robertson signed a minor league contract with theSt. Louis Cardinals. He was assigned to the Triple-AMemphis Redbirds. Robertson exercised an opt-out clause on August 23,[13]
On August 25, 2010, Robertson signed a minor league contract with thePhiladelphia Phillies, reporting to Triple-ALehigh Valley.[14] He had his contract selected to the major league roster on September 6. On September 9, 2010, Robertson was designated for assignment by the Phillies, a day after giving up 5 runs in2⁄3 innings against the Marlins and nearly blowing a 10-run lead. He was released the next day.
On January 20, 2011, Robertson signed a minor league contract with theSeattle Mariners with an invitation to Spring training.[15] He elected free agency following the season on November 2.
On February 18, 2012, Robertson signed a minor league contract with theChicago Cubs.[16] He was released on May 29.
On June 18, 2012, Robertson signed with theWichita Wingnuts of theAmerican Association of Professional Baseball. In 3 starts 8 innings of work he went 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 6 strikeouts.
On July 16, 2012, Robertson signed a minor league contract with theToronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays assigned Robertson to their AAA affiliateLas Vegas 51s. He elected free agency following the season November 2.
On January 26, 2013, theTexas Rangers signed Robertson to a minor league contract.[17] He elected free agency following the season on November 4.
On March 6, 2014, Robertson signed a minor league deal with theDetroit Tigers. On May 17, 2014, Robertson was granted his release from the Tigers, as he was struggling with his command in Triple-A.[18]
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Robertson is now a pitching coach for Maize High School. In 2017, he won a state championship.
· Baseball Almanac