Billy Jo Robidoux hit line drives, saw 6 majors seasons
Starting his second season in the majors in 1986, Billy Jo Robidoux spoke to The Evening Express about how he got there and what he intended to do.
"Staying within myself and hitting line drives is what got me to the big leagues," Robidoux told The Express. "Now that I'm here, I don't see any reason why I should change."
Robidoux saw 18 games the Brewers the previous season. He then saw 56 that year. His career eventually saw him play in six major league campaigns for three different clubs.
Robidoux' career began in 1982, taken by the Brewers in the sixth round of the draft out of Ware High School in Massachusetts.
Robidoux started with the Brewers at rookie Pikeville. He made single-A Beloit in 1983 and AA El Paso in 1985. He then jumped to Milwaukee that September.
Robidoux saw 18 games for the Brewers down the stretch in 1985, including the season finale in Boston where he hit two home runs.
He returned to Milwaukee for 56 games in 1986, where he hit .227 with one home run. Knee injuries shortened his season. He saw another 23 games in 1987.
In July 1988, back in Milwaukee, Robidoux spoke with The Wisconsin State Journal about trying to take advantage of his latest chance.
"I've stopped looking ahead," Robidoux told The Journal. "After getting hurt in '86, I learned too many things can happen."
Robidoux saw 33 games for the Brewers in 1988. He moved to the White Sox for 1989 and saw another 16, then the Red Sox in 1990 and saw 27. He also played 22 games at AAA Pawtucket in 1990. That season in 1990 marked his last as a pro.
In 2007, Robidoux was inducted into the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame. He spoke of his career and injuries then to MassLive.
"I had injuries because I always played the game hard," Robidoux told MassLive. "I'd run into walls trying for a catch. I'd slide hard trying to break up a double play. When you play baseball that way, you can get hurt."
- Portland Evening Express, April 7, 1986: Billy Jo Robidoux: His time has arrived
- Wisconsin State Journal, July 9, 1988: Robidoux takes a third swing
- MassLive, Jan. 22, 2017: Ware's Billy Jo Robidoux part of Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame class
Made the Majors:1,487-31.6%-X
Never Made Majors:3,221-68.4%