State College Spikes infielder/designated hitter Kyle Morgan was promoted to the Pittsburgh Pirates Single-A affiliate, the West Virginia Power.
The parent club made the move during the weekend while State College was finishing its six-game road trip.
"I'm so happy for him that I don't know what to do," Robinson said. "He's a very fine young man, he works hard, he comes to the ballpark with a great frame of mind every day, no matter what's going on in his life. He's a positive influence in the clubhouse, he's got a chance to be a left-handed hitter with some juice."
As the season progressed, Morgan became one of the Spikes' most productive offensive players. In only 20 games with State College, Morgan emerged as the team leader in home runs (3) and RBIs (17) in 67 at-bats. This was despite sharing playing time at DH and at first base with Justin Byler.
"He was our main RBI guy, main home run hitter right now, before he left," Byler said. "We got plenty of kids that haven't got a lot of at-bats because he was playing infield and outfield, they'll finally get a chance to show what they can do. I think we'll be fine with the players that are going to step in and take over for him."
It isn't just the offensive production that has to be replaced with Morgan -- it is also what he brought to the clubhouse. Morgan was one of the elder statesmen on the team, spending 33 games with State College last season. He became one of the leaders of the team that was finding its way before last week.
"He was definitely a leader in his own way," Robinson said. "He didn't try to lead by being vocal or telling other people what they should or shouldn't do or how they ought to do. He just went out every day and did his job. He was an easy guy to follow, he just had the type of personality that people wanted to gravitate to."
Along with Byler, Morgan became one of the emotional leaders. It wasn't odd after games to see Morgan in his locker laughing, smiling, or joking with Byler in the clubhouse.
"I don't think we have to worry about a loss for words, I think Byler will definitely be able to pick up the slack," Robinson said. "They were good together. One was the set-up guy; the other was the punchline guy. But I know Mr. Byler well enough to know that he's very happy for one of his good friends."
Morgan played his first game with West Virginia in the South Atlantic League Sunday, going 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in a 12-6 loss to the Rome Braves.
Meanwhile, back in State College, the Spikes will now try to figure out how to replace Morgan's bat and versatility in the lineup.
He had been sharing time with Byler, who will continue to get at-bats at designated hitter and should get some playing time at first as well, although Robinson said he'd try to keep Byler and Baker in the lineup most of the time.
