Drew Robinson spent parts of 12 seasons in professional baseball. On April 16, 2020, four days before his 28th birthday, the San Francisco Giants outfielder survived a suicide attempt that cost him his right eye. He called 911 himself roughly 20 hours later.

Now a full-time mental health advocate, Robinson will bring his presentation "Strength Isn't Always Physical" to Montgomery on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. The event is free.

The City of Montgomery announced the presentation on Sunday as part of its ongoing community wellness initiative. Registration opens Tuesday, Sept. 1, at montgomeryohio.gov or by calling City Hall at 513-894-2121.

Robinson's path from baseball to advocacy

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Robinson was drafted by the Texas Rangers out of high school in 2010. He played within the Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals and Giants organizations before retiring in 2021.

Robinson told ESPN's Jeff Passan in February 2021, when he first went public with his story: "How can I go through this and not find a way to try to help other people or impact other people's lives? Just have this happen and just move on with my life the way I was before? There's no way."

ESPN released an E60 documentary, "Alive: The Drew Robinson Story," that same month. Robinson went on to co-found the Better Universe Foundation, a nonprofit focused on ending mental health stigma and increasing access to support. He also joined the Giants' newly created Mental Health and Wellness Department, where he serves as a bridge between players and mental health resources.

Montgomery's mental health initiative

The city's "Smashing the Stigma" platform launched in 2022 and has grown to include an annual Mental Health Fair, community presentations, and a partnership with Care Solace, a 24/7 care coordination service available to residents at no cost.

In October 2023, Montgomery hosted suicide prevention advocate Kevin Hines for a similar free presentation at Good Shepherd Church on Kemper Road. Earlier in 2026, the city began offering free cable gun locks and self-locking prescription pill vials at the Safety Center, 10150 Montgomery Road, as part of the same initiative.

How to attend

The Oct. 29 presentation is open to parents, educators, coaches, employers, and anyone interested in mental health awareness. The specific venue has not yet been announced. Registration opens Tuesday, Sept. 1, at montgomeryohio.gov or by phone at 513-894-2121.

Upcoming:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 1 — Registration opens for Drew Robinson's Oct. 29 presentation (montgomeryohio.gov)
  • Thursday, Oct. 29, 7–9 p.m. — Drew Robinson, "Strength Isn't Always Physical," free community presentation in Montgomery