Baseball: Robinson signs with Gordon College

The former Jackson County baseball standout has signed with Gordon College, which is fresh off a third-place finish in the Junior College World Series.

Robinson’s initial plan was to play at Piedmont College, but that fell through late. That, however, opened up the opportunity with Gordon College, which is located in Barnesville.

“When the opportunity at Piedmont fell through, we were all pretty concerned,” Jackson County baseball coach Tommy Fountain said. “But in the end, this is a much better opportunity for Austin, as he gets to head to one of the best JUCO’s in the country.”

Gordon College went 40-25 this past year after reaching the semifinals of the JUCO World Series.

Robinson becomes the fourth member of the Panthers’ senior class of 2012 to move on to college baseball. A four-year starter for Jackson County, he hit over. 300 all four years with the Panthers.

He played shortstop and second base and pitched during his prep career. Robinson was either a first or second-team all-region selection all four seasons.

Piedmont College recruited Robinson heavily, but when that opportunity didn’t materialize, Fountain contacted Gordon College assistant coach Blake Parrot (who Fountain coached at Pike County) and explained the situation.

Parrot immediately arranged for a workout for Robinson. Within a few days, Gordon College extended an offer.

Though it took about a month to complete all the paper work, the process is now over for Robinson. “We’re extremely excited for Austin and the fact that all of the hard work he has put in is paying off,” Fountain said.

Robinson will be a middle infielder for Gordon.

Now that he’s signed on with Gordon College, Robinson will now face a couple of former Jackson County players who are also playing junior college baseball — Trey Sorrells (Andrew College) and Tony Holton (Middle Georgia).