[2][3] Born in Lancaster, South Carolina, Robinson threw right-handed, batted left-handed and was listed as 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall and 205 pounds (93 kg).

Robinson made his major league debut for the New York Yankees on May 6, 1943, playing in only one game before leaving to serve in the United States Coast Guard for the remainder of World War II.

[8] Robinson began the 1947 season as the Yankees' starting catcher, and was named as a reserve player for the American League in the 1947 All-Star Game.

[10][11][12] Having a surplus of catchers in 1948 with Berra, Sherm Lollar and Gus Niarhos, the Yankees decided to trade Robinson, along with Fred Bradley and Bill Wight, to the Chicago White Sox for Eddie Lopat in February of that year.

[1] During a pennant race late in the 1950 season, Robinson was involved in a critical play during a game against the Cleveland Indians on September 24.

[15] Heavy smoke from a Canadian forest fire forced the Indians to turn on the lights in Cleveland Stadium for the Sunday afternoon game.

[1] In 610 games played in the big leagues, Robinson collected 478 hits, including 74 doubles, 11 triples and 61 home runs.

[22][23] He later managed the Winston-Salem Twins and won another title with the Shelby Colonels, winning the 1961 Western Carolina League championship despite having a losing record.