By Anna Bedell 

People in town know Dr. Charles “Randy” Robinson as an ophthalmologist, but few people know that in 2020 he became an All-Star baseball player.  

Robinson plays for a local amateur sports team, the Bristol Mustangs, a member of the 35+ division of the Connecticut North Men’s Baseball League.  

“I joined the Mustangs in 2017 and play either right field or second base,” said Robinson in a phone interview.  

At the end of the 2020 season, he was voted an All-Star by his teammates. 

“Half the team was ineligible,” said Robinson. “I only played in the all-star game, probably based upon my efforts, or my enthusiasm…not based on innate skill.”  

Robinson is the oldest member of the Mustangs. 

A Baltimore, Maryland native, Robinson moved to Bristol with his wife, Ann, in 1989.  

He started a two-man practice, Bristol Eye Associates, in July of that same year. After 30 years, his partner retired in 2020. In November, Robinson joined another practice, Bristol Eye Center.  

Robinson received his undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Cornell University, and completed medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. 

On Nov. 22, 1980, he met Ann, who was originally from Philadelphia. She was a nurse at the same hospital when he was at med school at the University of Pennsylvania, he said.   

“We met at a party at my house,” said Robinson. “But then I didn’t meet her again until three months later when I saw her on the hospital floor and then asked her out.” 

After medical school, Robinson said he went to Boston for a year of internship and South Carolina for two years of public health service. 

He said he then went to Philadelphia for three years of ophthalmology residency and the District of Columbia for a year-long retina fellowship.  

“We moved five times before we got to Connecticut,” said Robinson. 

Robinson said Ann is currently the head of the cardiopulmonary department at Bristol Hospital. He said they often have the same patients. 

“Some may be seen in cardio rehab and others in my office,” said Robinson. “We share a lot of them at the same time.” 

He said it’s always interesting when a patient might make the connection when they see a picture of Ann on his desk and ask, “That’s your wife?”  

“Patients ask me, ‘Are you retiring?’ and I say ‘Yes’ … I just don’t know when,” said Robinson. “Probably close to the destination of our eventual grandchildren.” 

Robinson treasures his family and marriage. He and Anne both enjoy ballroom dancing, once a week.   

“She is such a wonderful person,” said Robinson. “It’s been an easy marriage.” 

He also said that he treasures the comradery he has with his Mustangs teammates. During his birthday week, there were party celebrations.  

“One was with my family–my wife, two kids and daughter’s fiancé — and the other was with my second family — the Mustangs,” said Robinson.     

“Randy the Elder” was crowned “King” by his Mustangs teammates when they roasted him for his birthday late in December at Five Corners, a Bistro & Craft Bar in Farmington.  

His teammates paid him homage with the beer, Pliny The Elder. They customized the label, he wore a crown, and Red Sox glasses in honor of his favorite baseball team.   

A little-known fact about Robinson is that he also participates in the Red Sox Fantasy Camp.   

For now, Robinson enjoys batting practice once a week. When the weather gets warmer, he will be seen at Page Park with his beloved Mustangs.