Luke is now in his third year as the Wingnuts’ pitching coach. Under Robertson’s guidance, the Wingnuts led the American Association with a 3.52 team ERA in 2009 which was more than a half-run better than the next club. The Wingnuts also ranked first by healthy margins in fewest hits (836), fewest walks (319), and fewest home runs (38). Wichita’s starters earned seven complete games, also best in the league. In fact, Wingnuts’ starters combined for a 42-26 record and a paltry 3.37 ERA.
During Wichita’s inaugural season in 2008, Robertson’s staff finished sixth in the American Association with a 4.34 ERA and allowed the third fewest hits.
A former 27th round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1999, he spent three seasons in the Oakland Athletics organization, compiling a 12-12 record and striking out 240 hitters in 251.1 innings pitched. Robertson began his career in 2002, when he struck out 144 batters, while walking just 34 in 121.0 IP in the hitter-friendly California League, while pitching for the Modesto A’s. He struck out 10 or more batters five different times in 2002.
In 2003, Robertson spent the majority of the season in Modesto, and also earned a call to the Athletics’ AAA affiliate in Sacramento. Robertson spent much of 2004 rehabbing a knee injury that ultimately ended his career, but still managed to post a 3.00 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 30.0 IP between three levels of minor league ball.
Robertson played his college ball at Kansas State and Butler County Community College, going 4-1 for Butler with a 3.27 ERA in 1999. He played varsity baseball for four years at Maize High School in Wichita, earning first-team All-State honors as an outfielder his junior season. He also lettered four years in football and three in basketball at Maize.
