Robinson gets a hearty welcome in return to area

For many of the fans at the Cardinals Caravan on Friday, the main attraction wasn't journeyman pitcher Jason Simontacchi or up-and-comer Jimmy Journell.

It was Southeast Missouri State University product Kerry Robinson.

Robinson, who played for Southeast in the 1993 and '94 seasons, is entering into his fifth year in the majors and his third year with the Cardinals. Robinson played in 124 games last season, batting .260.

Robinson, who received a standing ovation when he was introduced for a question-and-answer session, admitted that he's heard he has a bit of a following in Southeast Missouri.

"I've heard rumors I have a big fan club," he said.

Robinson said the Cape Girardeau stop is one of his favorites on the Caravan tour.

"This is definitely special for me to come back to Cape," he said. "I remember coming to one of these as a senior."

Walking across Southeast's campus almost a decade ago, Robinson said he dreamed of putting on a major-league uniform.

"I knew what I wanted to do as a profession," he said.

For Robinson, a St. Louis native, playing for the Cardinals makes his trip to the big leagues that much more rewarding. But playing for such a talented club can have its share of disadvantages.

"It's a catch-22," Robinson said.

While collecting only 377 at-bats the past two years, Robinson has had the opportunity to play for clubs competing for a trip to the World Series.

"At the same time I'd like to be a starter," Robinson said.

With J.D. Drew likely out through the early part of the season because of an injury, Robinson is expected to have a chance in spring training to play himself into a starting role.

-- Jeremy Joffray