Jorge Robles could have gone pro earlier. He'd had multiple opportunities. But there was something he wanted to do first, he told The Miami Herald in May 1986.
He wanted to get his education.
"I consider myself a good student. If I can get my education, I'll get that first and then play professional baseball later," Robles told The Herald.
Robles eventually did turn pro, starting in 1989. His earlier efforts, however, proved valuable. His pro career lasted just two seasons. He topped out at high-A.
Robles' career began that year in 1989, taken by the Mariners in the 26th round of the previous year's draft out of the University of Miami. He went to Miami as a native of Puerto Rico.
In March 1988, Robles spoke to The Herald about challenges he faced growing up in Puerto Rico, and, at 5 feet, 7 inches, his size.
"I've been stamped as being too small and too skinny all my life," Robles told The Herald. "At every level I've played, people say I won't excel at the next level because of my stature, but I have excelled. Thank God."
With the Mariners, Robles started with single-A Wausau in 1989. He hit .245 in 129 game. He then moved to high-A Peninsula for 1990.
He got off to a slow start at Peninsula, hitting .150 by late April, The Newport News Daily Press wrote. He spoke to the paper about his early troubles.
"When you lose your confidence, it seems like there's 20 guys in the outfield," Robles told The Daily Press. "When you hit one or two balls good, your confidence comes back."
Robles ended up seeing 98 games that year and hitting .252. That season proved his last as a pro.
Robles has since settled in Miami and become a youth coach and instructor, as well as coached a few seasons in the minors. He also started his own academy, Canes Academy, which he continues to run in 2023.
- Miami Herald, May 18, 1986: Robles won't talk major leagues ... yet
- Miami Herald, March 22, 1988: Leadoff hitter Robles sparks Hurricanes
- Newport News Daily Press, April 26, 1990: Pilots
Made the Majors:1,379-32.8%
Never Made Majors:2,823-67.2%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:560
10+ Seasons in the Minors:344
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