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The Robesonian

Scribbles from the Notebook: Opening Night Edition
Thoughts, quotes and observations from the press box as the Red Springs Red Robins made their long-awaited return to professional baseball.

By Chase Murphy | The Robesonian | Summer Intern
Red Springs, NC – May 23, 2025

Pregame:
“So here’s the thing: the Robins forgot their road jerseys. Not a joke. They rolled into Lumberton with only the plain white scrimmage tops — no logo, no lettering, just blank canvas and chaos. I overheard someone say they looked like they were sponsored by the DMV. I’ve decided to call them ‘The Ghost Birds’ until further notice.”

Top 1st
“Crabtree walks out with his cap pulled low and his lineup card in hand. The white jerseys were a mistake — but McSwain doesn’t look like he’s sweating it. Literally.”

Bottom 1:
“Strikeout. Strikeout. Flyout. McSwain looks like he’s checking boxes on a to-do list.”

Top 2:
“The Mayor singles. McSwain can hit, too? Stubbs unloads a 3-run bomb? We’re up 4-0 and I’m thinking we're going to win a championship this August."

Bottom 2:
“McSwain still hasn’t broken a sweat. One fan behind me just yelled, ‘Let’s go, Doc Holliday!’ I might adopt it.”

Top 3:
“Fleisher with another RBI. This team is aggressive, balanced and completely unaware it’s supposed to be an smalltown underdog.”

Bottom 4:
“And there it is. The first crack. McSwain gives up 3. The bullpen’s getting loose. My nerves are not.”

Top 5:
“BRUCE. BROWNING. A missile to left. That’s his first career homer, and folks, it will not be his last.”

Bottom 6:
“This one hurts. Lumberton puts up a six-spot. McSwain looks human again. I crossed out three paragraphs of praise mid-sentence.”

Top 9:
“Down 11-8. Three outs left. No magic tonight. Just lessons.”

Final Note:
“We lost the game. But we gained a team. If this is what Opening Night looks like, imagine what July might bring. This is going to be a roller coaster ride this summer ... Time to go file a story, then find a Cook Out on my way back to The Springs."