Please be advised that this submission contains graphic references to an attempted suicide, which may be triggering for some readers and listeners.

Former San Francisco Giants player Drew Robinson is talking openly about his personal mental health struggles, and in the process is inspiring a mental health awareness movement.  He found his way through the depths of depression and despair, and found a new mission in baseball, on the other side, helping others.

Reporter Kris Ankarlo explored Robinson’s story as part of KCBS Radio’s ongoing commitment to mental health coverage and awareness – this piece aired as part of our weeklong series, “I’m Listening.”

And, in the reporter’s words:

Athletes are under intense pressure to perform, and it's a performance that is ultimately for the pleasure of the fans. The stress brings joy, but it also takes a toll on the performer. Robinson's story is an extreme example of that dichotomy, serving as a reminder that people often project a surface of calm or happiness even as they privately deal with extreme stress and anxiety.

I wanted to hit the theme of second chances, without being cliche. I chose to construct this story around a rule in baseball that allows a runner to reach first, even after striking out. The metaphor followed Robinson's story as he recovered from his gunshot wound and turned toward helping others dealing with mental health crises.

The sound design and intonation were included in the script notes, and very much a part of the "writing" of this piece. Writing is about more than the words on the page, the timing and selection of sound elements and the choice and placement of actualities are all part of the mosaic.

For example, about a third of the way into the piece the script called for a delivery to convey a sense of pressure and anxiety culminating in a ringing tone to depict a breaking point. It was a direct attempt to pull the audience into the sort of stress someone like Robinson deals with on a daily basis. The fan actualities were purposely chosen to show how the mindset of people in the stands stood in opposition to the players on the field.

Supplemental link:

https://www.audacy.com/kcbsradio/news/local/drew-robinson-uses-second-chance-at-life-for-mental-health

Baseball Rules, and Life

KCBS Radio