Cal State East Bay baseball senior Ryan Robinson recently shared his thoughts on Black History Month.

A native of Murrieta, Calif., the right-handed pitcher appeared in six contests with one start for the Pioneers in 2020. He compiled a 1-0 record in 7.2 innings pitched while recording five strike outs.

"Black History Month is a very meaningful month to myself and my family," said Robinson. "As someone who idolizes one of the biggest heroes in baseball Jackie Robinson since I was a kid, knowing the importance he played in African American history means the world as it allows myself to go and play the sport I love the most with anyone of any ethnicity. Learning about historic figures who paved the way for African Americans to prosper in this country connects deep to all of us in the Robinson family.

"Family to me means everything. They are the people who mold you into the person you become and always push me to strive for better as not only an athlete but a student and person as well. Coming from an interracial family I am exposed to a lot of different cultures and that helps to develop an open mind."