The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Hall of Honor
- Induction:
- 2019
- Class:
- 1992
Andre Robertson was a trailblazer for The University of Texas baseball program, becoming the first African American to earn a baseball scholarship at the school when he enrolled in the fall of 1976. He was a standout infielder for three seasons with the Longhorns, lettering each year from 1977-79. After injuries limited him during the first half of his freshman campaign — playing in just 36 of UT's 62 games that season — Robertson went on to hold down the Longhorns' starting second baseman position for his final two seasons in 1978 and 1979. Known best for his spectacular play on defense, Robertson hit .281 (125-of-444) with 74 runs scored, 74 RBI, 15 stolen bases and nine home runs in 146 games over three seasons. During that time, Texas posted a 144-33 (.814) record, including 55 wins in 1979, and 53 in 1977. Robertson shared the team lead in doubles in 1978, and his 50 hits that year were second-best among the Longhorns. In 1979, he helped lead UT to a 55-8 record, the Southwest Conference regular season and tournament titles and a fourth-place finish at the College World Series before being drafted and heading to professional baseball. Robertson was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth round of the 1979 Major League Baseball Draft and traded to the New York Yankees in 1980. Considered to be the best Yankees shortstop since Baseball Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto, Robertson played five seasons for the Yankees from 1981-85. A 1983 automobile accident and ensuing injuries the following two seasons had a significant impact on his career. As a rookie in 1981, Robertson appeared in Game 4 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He went on to play in 254 big league games, batting .251 for his career with 32 doubles, four triples and five home runs. Robertson played in a career-high 98 games during the 1983 season and finished with 22 RBI and 37 runs scored. His MLB playing days were cut short after the 1985 season, and he finished his career in the minor leagues from 1986-89, last playing in the Texas Rangers organization for the Oklahoma City 89ers. Robertson, who was a multi-sport star at West Orange High School before attending Texas, returned to his hometown of Orange, still resides there and continues to be a visible supporter of Longhorn baseball. After finishing his professional baseball career, Robertson returned to UT and completed his degree in 1992.
