NORFOLK, Va. -- Old Dominion head baseball coach Chris Finwood has announced that Logan Robbins has been promoted to assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
“We are so excited to announce that Logan Robbins will be elevated to fill our assistant coach vacancy,” said Finwood. “I have known Logan since he was 16 years old and have watched him grow in the game as a college and professional player and now as a college coach.”
Robbins, who has served as a volunteer assistant at Old Dominion for the past two seasons, fills the assistant coach/recruiting coordinator vacancy following Karl Nonemaker's departure for Auburn.
“I am grateful to Old Dominion University for giving me this opportunity and to Coach Finwood for believing in me," said Robbins. “It's an exciting time to be a Monarch. My goal is to help our players earn their college degree while helping them grow as men. I look forward to continuing the success of our baseball program each and every day.”
During his two seasons as a volunteer assistant at ODU, Robbins has helped guide the Monarchs to a combined 69-45 overall record, including a 37-win season this past spring. The 2017 Monarchs finished second in Conference USA during the regular season and were ranked as high as No. 25 in the country during the season, marking the first time an ODU has been ranked since 2007.
Robbins, a former shortstop at WKU and in the minor leagues, played a key role in Old Dominion's success both at the plate and in the field in 2017. The Monarchs improved their team average by 36 points from .253 to .289 from 2016 and also set a school record with a .976 team fielding percentage.
“He brings fantastic energy and passion to the job every day,” said Finwood of Robbins. “I know that everyone associated with ODU baseball will benefit from him filling a larger role within our program.”
Prior to ODU, Robbins spent the 2015 season at Kentucky Wesleyan College in his hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky. He helped lead the Panthers to a 32-18 record, as the team led the league in multiple offensive categories, including batting average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage.
As a player, Robbins was a two-year starter for WKU during Finwood's tenure with the Hilltoppers. He was drafted in the 10th round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves.
Robbins graduated from WKU with a degree in Bachelor of Science and Education.
What Others Are Saying About Robbins
“I had the good fortune of managing Logan when he was a player in the Braves system and there was no harder worker than Logan and he maximized his talents to the fullest with his time as a professional baseball player. There is no doubt his dogged determination has shown up as a college baseball coach and as recruiting coordinator, I highly doubt anyone will outwork Logan.”
- Jonathan Schuerholz, Atlanta Braves, Assistant Director of Player Development
“Logan is a tireless worker and will be a great recruiter on the national level. I do know that Logan will work as hard as anyone to make sure the ODU baseball program and university become a better place. His knowledge is unprecedented and I'm sure he is already getting to work. I was blessed to have him on my staff. He has true family values and will always make sure that is a staple of his success.”
- Todd Lillpop, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Head Coach
“As a former teammate of Logan's, it was great playing with a guy who wanted to win and work hard day in and day out. Not only on the field but also off the field, to be the best at whatever he had his hand in. A guy who was encouraging and a joy to be around each day. A real team guy and a pleasure to play ball with. I think Logan modeled a verse in the Bible that I have tattooed on me Mark 9:23 saying ‘Everything is possible for him who believes.'”
- Robbie Ross, Boston Red Sox, Pitcher
“I couldn't be more excited for ODU baseball. Logan is a long-time friend and former teammate who I respect on and off the field. Along with Coach Finwood, Logan will continue to lead the ODU program into the national spotlight with his energy, hardwork, knowledge and love of the game. Logan's greatest strength is his love for his players and his belief in developing successful men and ballplayers. Logan is the kind of man I hope my boys play for in the future and I look forward to seeing his future with the Monarchs.”
- Wade Gaynor, Detroit Tigers, Former 3rd Round Pick
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