Glove Whisperer Steps into College World Series Limelight

OMAHA, Neb. — Delroy Robinson from Champaign has repaired countless baseball gloves over the years, but never on such a grand stage.

During Tuesday’s College World Series showdown between Louisville and Oregon State, ESPN’s cameras highlighted Robinson as he skillfully re-laced the glove of Cardinals first baseman Tague Davis.

The NCAA took to social media, sharing on X: “Any place. Father of bullpen assistant coach Cam Robinson, re-lacing Davis’s glove mid-game.”

Robinson, upon arriving at the stadium, got a call from his son Cam—a former Louisville player now on the staff—who urgently needed his glove-fixing expertise. Delroy promptly returned to his vehicle to fetch his tool kit. From his front-row seat next to his wife, Micki, he managed to fix the glove within an inning.

Louisville secured a 7-6 victory, remaining in the race for an NCAA championship.

“It was an unusual situation,” Robinson remarked.

Known fondly as the “Glove Whisperer,” Robinson has been rejuvenating gloves for years, aiding players from Little League to Louisville. He continues to receive gloves in his mailbox on Healey Street for repairs—always at no cost.

“It’s just a hobby,” he admitted, somewhat shyly, regarding the newfound attention after Tuesday.

The Cardinals, with Champaign Central alum Jake Munroe leading the charge, now face Coastal Carolina, needing wins today and Thursday to reach the weekend’s championship series.

“This is Cam and Jake’s platform, Louisville’s stage,” Robinson stated. “I never intended to take the spotlight. This is their time. I was just giving back.”