Robinson Cano

August 12, 2011 | Filed under: Our People | Posted by: Manuel

Baseball Player Robinson Cano

Robinson Cano was born Robinson José Canó Mercedes in the 22nd of October, 1982 in The Dominican Republic, and names Robinson by his Father after the great baseball player Jackie Robinson.

He is known for currently (2011) playing the position of second baseman for MLB New York Yankees team.

His father, José Canó, signed with the Houston Astros in 1980, and pitched in six games for the Astros in 1989. Robinson was named after baseball legend Jackie Robinson.

While he did reside in the United States for the span of three years (seventh trough ninth grade int he Newark school system in New Jersey), Cano (As you can probably tell by his accent) grew up in the Dominican Republic. In the Dominican Republic Robinson attended San Pedro Apostol High School in San Pedro de Macoris where he played both basketball and baseball for the school. He also played for his hometown team Estrellas Orientales in the winter league.

CARREER

While Robinson Cano was recruited right out of high-school by the Yankees in 2001, it wasn’t until the season of 2005 when he got called to play in the Major leagues for the Yankees, Robinson replaced Tony Womack for the position of second basemen . While considered a top prospect, he came close to being traded a number of times, one of those being to the Texas Rangers as part of an offer made by the Yankees to the Texas Rangers in 2004 to finalize the trade of Alex Rodriguez the the Yanks.

While in AAA league for the Yankees, Robinson Cano hit .333 in 108 times at bat in his final season before being called to the majors.

Rob Cano

Robinson Cano Wins Homerun Derby 2011

In 2011 Robinson Cano was the winner of the home-run Derby with is father being his pitcher, he also set a record with hitting 12 home-runs in the final round. Because of his Father being part of the ordeal, Robinson says that was a great moment for both of them.

Outside of the field, Robinson is also known for giving back tot he community, and just like another great Dominican baseball player (Albert Pujols) he takes trips to the Dominican Republic to donate his time and money to help out families in less fortunate situations than he is in. He donates toys and helps out schools that provide education to the poverty stricken families stating that “you don’t know which one of those kids can be the next great somebody from here, so coming here to help them and show them they can be anything they want”.

Cano also practices in Dominican Republic, he has even recruited some of his Yankee partners like Francisco Cervelli to go practice along with him in the off-season. in an interview with the YESNetwork Francisco says training with Cano and his Father in the Dominican Republic was one of the best choices he has ever made. “These guys they know what they are doing”, said Francisco of Robinson Cano and his Father.