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Fresno State's student-run newspaper

The Collegian

Fresno State's student-run newspaper

The Collegian

Hit the road Mackin, don̢۪t ya come back

Junior Robin Mackin has decided not to return to Fresno State after redshirting this season to play with the Canadian Olympic team.
Juan Villa / The Collegian

Jim: Fresno State softball player Robin Mackin said she is not returning to Fresno State next season.

Mackin took a year off to train with the Canadian National Softball Team for the Beijing Olympics this summer.

Apparently Mackin said she had been thinking about this for a long time.

I find it quite ironic that Mackin wants to quit as soon as new freshman sensation Morgan Melloh shatters all of her records.

Does she not realize that she and Melloh were going to be the one-two punch next season to bring a national championship back to Fresno State?

Her decision makes no sense to me.

Kim: You have to admit that it isn̢۪t a huge surprise she̢۪s chosen to pursue her options. She̢۪s got talent and another school might be better for her.

It also must have been kind of hard for her to leave for one season and the next thing she knew, a young talent helped people to almost forget her name.

Of course we would never forget her, but her absence wasn̢۪t as detrimental to the team as we thought it would be.

Jim: Mackin said she wants to pursue another option, “possibly at Division I.â€Â

This seems like a slap in the face to the Fresno State program. The Bulldog softball program is one of the best, if not that, in the country.

So what are we Fresno State fans supposed to think when we see Mackin next season wearing the uniform of another school.

If she “loved all the fans and the community supportâ€Â then why leave? Sounds to me like the lure of the bigger-budget programs may have swayed Mackin.

Kim: Maybe everything Fresno State had just wasn̢۪t enough. She has experienced playing softball at one of the highest levels possible and that probably opened her eyes.

Fresno State was nice, but the exposure at other schools is what she wants.

I agree with the fact that the reputation of Fresno State softball is not a bad one, but maybe it wasn̢۪t enough.

Jim: I don̢۪t think the softball program has anything to worry about though.

Margie Wright is the best coach in the country and knows how to find talent. She will definitely find a new pitching phenom like Mackin and Melloh.

Mackin will probably feel a bit foolish when Fresno State returns to the promised land in Oklahoma City for the NCAA Championships.

Kim: As long as she doesn̢۪t take a season off to play somewhere else, we will have three more seasons of the Melloh attack.

It̢۪s sad to say that not only is this most likely the last time we̢۪ll be writing about Mackin, this is the last time we̢۪ll be writing together.

So, I guess it̢۪s time to say so long to two great things.

With change, though, comes bigger and better.

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Comments (40)

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  • D

    Dudley Do-RightMay 28, 2008 at 10:13 pm

    The comment never said she gave up 18, he said she was the losing pitcher in a 18-2 loss.

    Reply
  • D

    Dudley Do-RightMay 29, 2008 at 5:13 am

    The comment never said she gave up 18, he said she was the losing pitcher in a 18-2 loss.

    Reply
  • T

    TwidleMay 27, 2008 at 2:25 pm

    Lets take a good look at this, those that know her know why she left…..Not for selfish reasons because there isn’t a selfish bone in her body. Those that know what immature and selfish people you are, most simply are the ones lashing out at her because that’s the only way you know how to deal with it. Make her look bad before she decides to give the real reasons for leaving which will make you all look like you truly are, immature and selfish people.

    Lets do some comparisons, Morgan (who got tutored by Robin the last time she was there by the way) has most wins…..is that stat a pitcher only stat, no absolutely not as you need to have enough games and you need your team to score runs. Most strike outs, once again if you pitch enough games you will get lots of strikeouts, lets look at the strikeouts per game and see how this fairs. Morgan 8.8 K/7 inning game, Robin 10.3 K/7 inning game. Hmmmm.

    Let us also remember when Marge put this schedule together she knew Mackin would not be there and this was before she had gotten Morgan, I wonder if the schedule was a little light because of those two factors….you be the judge. Let us also look at Morgan’s ERA in the regional’s, last years Mackin’ was 0.77. Oh and do you remember the game VS LSU, 9 innings and Fresno was the home team, numerous opportunities to bring in the winning run but could Marge and those spectacular seniors this year do that, NO they couldn’t and in fact JC had a batting average of 0.00!!!!! What was Morgan’s ERA in the regional’s you ask, well 2.26. Hmmmm.

    Robin will be remembered by me as the best overall pitcher/person/player that has ever walked the grounds at Fresno State.

    Oh ya, another point, how do Mackin and Melloh compare in offensive numbers…..Oh yes you’ve become very quite again.

    Look, I am tired of reading these post that twist things around to allow them to attempt to take down someone who is very well respected.

    Unfortunately things people read are sometimes believed and all the negative here is nothing but garbage laid out by people that want to do her harm because of jealousy, they simply cannot not live under the same strong values that Mackin has and as a result they can do nothing but bash. Let go as I am sure Robin has.

    Ah yes one more point, Hawaii comment, first it is no wonder she wanted to get out with people like you. Second, if I remember correctly and I do, she was very ill prio to that but went anyway and even ptched that first game. Good for her under all that she was going through and by the way the stats state she gave up 7 not 18, but good try!!!!!

    Reply
  • T

    TwidleMay 27, 2008 at 9:25 pm

    Lets take a good look at this, those that know her know why she left…..Not for selfish reasons because there isn’t a selfish bone in her body. Those that know what immature and selfish people you are, most simply are the ones lashing out at her because that’s the only way you know how to deal with it. Make her look bad before she decides to give the real reasons for leaving which will make you all look like you truly are, immature and selfish people.

    Lets do some comparisons, Morgan (who got tutored by Robin the last time she was there by the way) has most wins…..is that stat a pitcher only stat, no absolutely not as you need to have enough games and you need your team to score runs. Most strike outs, once again if you pitch enough games you will get lots of strikeouts, lets look at the strikeouts per game and see how this fairs. Morgan 8.8 K/7 inning game, Robin 10.3 K/7 inning game. Hmmmm.

    Let us also remember when Marge put this schedule together she knew Mackin would not be there and this was before she had gotten Morgan, I wonder if the schedule was a little light because of those two factors….you be the judge. Let us also look at Morgan’s ERA in the regional’s, last years Mackin’ was 0.77. Oh and do you remember the game VS LSU, 9 innings and Fresno was the home team, numerous opportunities to bring in the winning run but could Marge and those spectacular seniors this year do that, NO they couldn’t and in fact JC had a batting average of 0.00!!!!! What was Morgan’s ERA in the regional’s you ask, well 2.26. Hmmmm.

    Robin will be remembered by me as the best overall pitcher/person/player that has ever walked the grounds at Fresno State.

    Oh ya, another point, how do Mackin and Melloh compare in offensive numbers…..Oh yes you’ve become very quite again.

    Look, I am tired of reading these post that twist things around to allow them to attempt to take down someone who is very well respected.

    Unfortunately things people read are sometimes believed and all the negative here is nothing but garbage laid out by people that want to do her harm because of jealousy, they simply cannot not live under the same strong values that Mackin has and as a result they can do nothing but bash. Let go as I am sure Robin has.

    Ah yes one more point, Hawaii comment, first it is no wonder she wanted to get out with people like you. Second, if I remember correctly and I do, she was very ill prio to that but went anyway and even ptched that first game. Good for her under all that she was going through and by the way the stats state she gave up 7 not 18, but good try!!!!!

    Reply
  • P

    Pat MurrayMay 14, 2008 at 11:45 pm

    Robin Mackin will likely hold one school record for years and years and years. She’ll always be remembered for being the losing pitcher in the worst loss in school history (an 18-2 rout against Hawaii) in 2006. Aloha.

    Reply
  • P

    Pat MurrayMay 15, 2008 at 6:45 am

    Robin Mackin will likely hold one school record for years and years and years. She’ll always be remembered for being the losing pitcher in the worst loss in school history (an 18-2 rout against Hawaii) in 2006. Aloha.

    Reply
  • '

    'Dogs Outta The BagMay 14, 2008 at 8:22 pm

    TeacherToBe… Obviously you are not watching the same softball games that Wow is… I guess you have never heard of Amanda Scott, Lindsay Parker, Kristin Hunter, and Jamie Southern… I am pretty sure there are no comparisons that can be made to the “freshman pitcher”… Mommabulldog, please listen to Maxim and remember that you probably are a lot older than Wow and you should know better… I am glad that you are defending your daugther(probably), but obviously telling Wow to put a pacifier in their mouth was your best defense… MaximRedHeadLover is right, it’s about the girls, and they probably have been through a lot this season… I personally can’t wait to see who quits next, then see us all turn our backs on them…

    Reply
  • '

    'Dogs Outta The BagMay 15, 2008 at 3:22 am

    TeacherToBe… Obviously you are not watching the same softball games that Wow is… I guess you have never heard of Amanda Scott, Lindsay Parker, Kristin Hunter, and Jamie Southern… I am pretty sure there are no comparisons that can be made to the “freshman pitcher”… Mommabulldog, please listen to Maxim and remember that you probably are a lot older than Wow and you should know better… I am glad that you are defending your daugther(probably), but obviously telling Wow to put a pacifier in their mouth was your best defense… MaximRedHeadLover is right, it’s about the girls, and they probably have been through a lot this season… I personally can’t wait to see who quits next, then see us all turn our backs on them…

    Reply
  • M

    MaximMay 14, 2008 at 10:40 am

    Ok somebody let the Kat out of the Bag…mommabulldog let’s calm down here. Where did the focus from Robin being attacked go to someone’s mother putting down people? Look we are all rooting for the Dogs here as Regionals approach. The only reason why this blog is getting out of hand is because people are not looking at the stats. WOW…has a good point as far as Robins stats and her accomplishments. Even though I am disgusted by the writers for this blog and the newspapers for putting down Mackin, I am still looking forward to the Dogs overcoming all of this nonsense. We all just need to take a deep breath and hope that the Dogs can get over this first hurdle because it has been a while. I remember the feeling of losing that last game to Cal and Stanford my last years and I do not wish that upon anyone of these girls. I hope that they can keep going strong and beat their opponents one game at a time. With the competition in this Regional, I’m sure they will have no problem mowing them down one by one. I just hope that you parents don’t forget the bigger picture here: Be there for your daughters because they have been through a lot this season. These girls are strong, mentally and physically and I hope they can win this Regional.
    And as far as mommabulldog putting down my teammate like that…all I have to say is that you out of all people should be the bigger person here with your age and experience.
    It’s hard to get the fight out of the Bulldog!

    Reply
  • M

    MaximMay 14, 2008 at 5:40 pm

    Ok somebody let the Kat out of the Bag…mommabulldog let’s calm down here. Where did the focus from Robin being attacked go to someone’s mother putting down people? Look we are all rooting for the Dogs here as Regionals approach. The only reason why this blog is getting out of hand is because people are not looking at the stats. WOW…has a good point as far as Robins stats and her accomplishments. Even though I am disgusted by the writers for this blog and the newspapers for putting down Mackin, I am still looking forward to the Dogs overcoming all of this nonsense. We all just need to take a deep breath and hope that the Dogs can get over this first hurdle because it has been a while. I remember the feeling of losing that last game to Cal and Stanford my last years and I do not wish that upon anyone of these girls. I hope that they can keep going strong and beat their opponents one game at a time. With the competition in this Regional, I’m sure they will have no problem mowing them down one by one. I just hope that you parents don’t forget the bigger picture here: Be there for your daughters because they have been through a lot this season. These girls are strong, mentally and physically and I hope they can win this Regional.
    And as far as mommabulldog putting down my teammate like that…all I have to say is that you out of all people should be the bigger person here with your age and experience.
    It’s hard to get the fight out of the Bulldog!

    Reply
  • T

    TeacherToBeMay 14, 2008 at 8:09 am

    Thank you, Kim and Jim. You wrote what a lot of people have been thinking.

    For someone to post a negative comment on here about freshman pitcher Ashley Cox says a tremendous amount about that particular poster.

    Hopefully at Arizona State, Ms. Mackin will discover the happiness she apparently could never find at Fresno State.

    Reply
  • T

    TeacherToBeMay 14, 2008 at 3:09 pm

    Thank you, Kim and Jim. You wrote what a lot of people have been thinking.

    For someone to post a negative comment on here about freshman pitcher Ashley Cox says a tremendous amount about that particular poster.

    Hopefully at Arizona State, Ms. Mackin will discover the happiness she apparently could never find at Fresno State.

    Reply
  • M

    mommabulldogMay 14, 2008 at 1:18 am

    hey wow.. why dont you get a life and stop trying to put everyone down? like bashing other people on the team? you are so childish.. go play with your dollies and shove that pacifier in your big mouth…

    Reply
  • M

    mommabulldogMay 14, 2008 at 8:18 am

    hey wow.. why dont you get a life and stop trying to put everyone down? like bashing other people on the team? you are so childish.. go play with your dollies and shove that pacifier in your big mouth…

    Reply
  • M

    mommabulldogMay 14, 2008 at 1:17 am

    hey wow.. why dont you get a life and stop trying to put everyone down? like bashing other people on the team? you are so childish.. go play with your dollies and shove that pacifier in your big mouth

    Reply
  • M

    mommabulldogMay 14, 2008 at 8:17 am

    hey wow.. why dont you get a life and stop trying to put everyone down? like bashing other people on the team? you are so childish.. go play with your dollies and shove that pacifier in your big mouth

    Reply
  • W

    Wow...May 13, 2008 at 9:38 pm

    And… if Robin was going to ASU, pretty sure that they are a top 5 team and not just in the top 10…. Wow… I love you Maxim…

    Reply
  • W

    Wow...May 14, 2008 at 4:38 am

    And… if Robin was going to ASU, pretty sure that they are a top 5 team and not just in the top 10…. Wow… I love you Maxim…

    Reply
  • W

    Wow...May 14, 2008 at 4:38 am

    And… if Robin was going to ASU, pretty sure that they are a top 5 team and not just in the top 10…. Wow… I love you Maxim…

    Reply
  • W

    Wow...May 13, 2008 at 9:32 pm

    Oh… and funny that the Bulldogs won the WAC in 06 and the WAC tourny in 07… Wait… wasn’t Mackin the MVP of the tourny? Pretty sure the ‘Dogs got second in the WAC to a Nevada team that has never won it before and fourth out of eight teams at the WAC tourny… no placements on the All-WAC tourny team and only two girls, albeit, Morgan and Jenna Cervantez made the WAC league team… Wow…. yeah she really isn’t that good…

    Reply
  • W

    Wow...May 14, 2008 at 4:32 am

    Oh… and funny that the Bulldogs won the WAC in 06 and the WAC tourny in 07… Wait… wasn’t Mackin the MVP of the tourny? Pretty sure the ‘Dogs got second in the WAC to a Nevada team that has never won it before and fourth out of eight teams at the WAC tourny… no placements on the All-WAC tourny team and only two girls, albeit, Morgan and Jenna Cervantez made the WAC league team… Wow…. yeah she really isn’t that good…

    Reply
  • W

    Wow...May 14, 2008 at 4:32 am

    Oh… and funny that the Bulldogs won the WAC in 06 and the WAC tourny in 07… Wait… wasn’t Mackin the MVP of the tourny? Pretty sure the ‘Dogs got second in the WAC to a Nevada team that has never won it before and fourth out of eight teams at the WAC tourny… no placements on the All-WAC tourny team and only two girls, albeit, Morgan and Jenna Cervantez made the WAC league team… Wow…. yeah she really isn’t that good…

    Reply
  • W

    Wow...May 13, 2008 at 9:29 pm

    Wow… apparently it seems that watching from the stands has made Len, Sandra F. and JWood602 know it alls and also bitter that they never made the varsity team. Morgan is not now, or will she ever be on the same level as Robin; mentally, talent-wise, and especially, academically. Plese be serious… pretty sure Morgan has not made an Olympic team… While she is a nice girl, she is also playing on a team and in a sport that is at its all time low talent-wise… When you have Ashley Cox pitching actual innings in a Divison I softball game, you know the sport has gone downhill… Also how many girls are on leave from teams this year for the Olympics? Only two… and surprisingly, they are not for the USA team… Caitlin Lowe, Andrea Duran, and etc. are all graduated… There are no longer college girls making the cut for the USA team. Coincidence? I don’t think so… If you think this is all bull…please check The Fresno Bee sports section in the next couple of days…

    Reply
  • W

    Wow...May 14, 2008 at 4:29 am

    Wow… apparently it seems that watching from the stands has made Len, Sandra F. and JWood602 know it alls and also bitter that they never made the varsity team. Morgan is not now, or will she ever be on the same level as Robin; mentally, talent-wise, and especially, academically. Plese be serious… pretty sure Morgan has not made an Olympic team… While she is a nice girl, she is also playing on a team and in a sport that is at its all time low talent-wise… When you have Ashley Cox pitching actual innings in a Divison I softball game, you know the sport has gone downhill… Also how many girls are on leave from teams this year for the Olympics? Only two… and surprisingly, they are not for the USA team… Caitlin Lowe, Andrea Duran, and etc. are all graduated… There are no longer college girls making the cut for the USA team. Coincidence? I don’t think so… If you think this is all bull…please check The Fresno Bee sports section in the next couple of days…

    Reply
  • W

    Wow...May 14, 2008 at 4:29 am

    Wow… apparently it seems that watching from the stands has made Len, Sandra F. and JWood602 know it alls and also bitter that they never made the varsity team. Morgan is not now, or will she ever be on the same level as Robin; mentally, talent-wise, and especially, academically. Plese be serious… pretty sure Morgan has not made an Olympic team… While she is a nice girl, she is also playing on a team and in a sport that is at its all time low talent-wise… When you have Ashley Cox pitching actual innings in a Divison I softball game, you know the sport has gone downhill… Also how many girls are on leave from teams this year for the Olympics? Only two… and surprisingly, they are not for the USA team… Caitlin Lowe, Andrea Duran, and etc. are all graduated… There are no longer college girls making the cut for the USA team. Coincidence? I don’t think so… If you think this is all bull…please check The Fresno Bee sports section in the next couple of days…

    Reply
  • J

    JWood602May 13, 2008 at 7:50 pm

    When is Mackin’s transfer to Arizona State going to become official? Apparently she’s been looking at ASU for some time now. With senior ace pitcher Katie Burkhart graduating, the Sun Devils are in need of a new #1 pitcher. I guess what Fresno fans said was true: Mackin wanted to go somewhere that she didn’t have much competition to become the #1 starter. That’s kind of sad.

    Reply
  • J

    JWood602May 14, 2008 at 2:50 am

    When is Mackin’s transfer to Arizona State going to become official? Apparently she’s been looking at ASU for some time now. With senior ace pitcher Katie Burkhart graduating, the Sun Devils are in need of a new #1 pitcher. I guess what Fresno fans said was true: Mackin wanted to go somewhere that she didn’t have much competition to become the #1 starter. That’s kind of sad.

    Reply
  • J

    JWood602May 14, 2008 at 2:50 am

    When is Mackin’s transfer to Arizona State going to become official? Apparently she’s been looking at ASU for some time now. With senior ace pitcher Katie Burkhart graduating, the Sun Devils are in need of a new #1 pitcher. I guess what Fresno fans said was true: Mackin wanted to go somewhere that she didn’t have much competition to become the #1 starter. That’s kind of sad.

    Reply
  • S

    Sandra F.May 10, 2008 at 11:34 am

    Lost in all of this conversation is the fact the team improved after Robin Mackin was no longer on the team. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. Good pitcher? Yes. The right fit for the program? Maybe not.

    Good luck at Arizona State, Robin.

    Reply
  • S

    Sandra F.May 10, 2008 at 6:34 pm

    Lost in all of this conversation is the fact the team improved after Robin Mackin was no longer on the team. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. Good pitcher? Yes. The right fit for the program? Maybe not.

    Good luck at Arizona State, Robin.

    Reply
  • S

    Sandra F.May 10, 2008 at 6:34 pm

    Lost in all of this conversation is the fact the team improved after Robin Mackin was no longer on the team. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. Good pitcher? Yes. The right fit for the program? Maybe not.

    Good luck at Arizona State, Robin.

    Reply
  • L

    LenMay 9, 2008 at 12:53 pm

    I don’t think there are any Bulldog fans out there who don’t wish Robin Mackin the best of luck in her future. She’s a remarkable young woman and I enjoyed meeting her. With that said however, it is clear that Fresno State found an even better pitcher in Morgan Melloh. While their styles are almost completely opposite, Melloh seems to be the whole package. Melloh has already broken the school-record and Western Athletic Conference record for wins in a season, as well as strikeouts in a season. Melloh is on the verge of becoming the first 40-game winner in Fresno State history and could finish the season with close to 500 strikeouts. That’s stunning.

    Melloh has better control, and her strikeout to walks ratio is significantly better than Mackin’s. For all of her strengths, Mackin walked more batters than one should expect from a pitcher of her quality. Melloh has the better earned run average, the better strikeouts to walk ratio, the better freshman record (by far), the WAC records, etc. Melloh was just named the WAC Pitcher of the Year and the WAC Freshman of the Year. Mackin last season did not win the league Pitcher of the Year award; it went to a pitcher from Hawaii. Under Mackin, the Bulldogs never quite made it past being considered a borderline Top 25 team. They were still a good team with her, but just not as good as Melloh has made the team this season. A true sign of a great pitcher is one who can lead you, and Melloh is that type of pitcher.

    The bottom line is that Mackin was a good pitcher but one who has been replaced by a better pitcher. I know that is difficult for some people to take. People should be celebrating the talented freshmen that have really taken over for the Bulldogs this year and given the program new life. It’s not good to keep rehashing issues. Kim and Jimmy said it perfectly: Mackin is gone and let’s move forward. At least Robin won’t have to keep that useless blog charade going on any longer.

    Change is often good, and oftentimes team chemistry improves (no matter what the sport) when a player who doesn’t want to be there actually leaves. When the name on the back of the jersey becomes more important than the name on the front, it’s definitely time to go.

    Reply
  • L

    LenMay 9, 2008 at 7:53 pm

    I don’t think there are any Bulldog fans out there who don’t wish Robin Mackin the best of luck in her future. She’s a remarkable young woman and I enjoyed meeting her. With that said however, it is clear that Fresno State found an even better pitcher in Morgan Melloh. While their styles are almost completely opposite, Melloh seems to be the whole package. Melloh has already broken the school-record and Western Athletic Conference record for wins in a season, as well as strikeouts in a season. Melloh is on the verge of becoming the first 40-game winner in Fresno State history and could finish the season with close to 500 strikeouts. That’s stunning.

    Melloh has better control, and her strikeout to walks ratio is significantly better than Mackin’s. For all of her strengths, Mackin walked more batters than one should expect from a pitcher of her quality. Melloh has the better earned run average, the better strikeouts to walk ratio, the better freshman record (by far), the WAC records, etc. Melloh was just named the WAC Pitcher of the Year and the WAC Freshman of the Year. Mackin last season did not win the league Pitcher of the Year award; it went to a pitcher from Hawaii. Under Mackin, the Bulldogs never quite made it past being considered a borderline Top 25 team. They were still a good team with her, but just not as good as Melloh has made the team this season. A true sign of a great pitcher is one who can lead you, and Melloh is that type of pitcher.

    The bottom line is that Mackin was a good pitcher but one who has been replaced by a better pitcher. I know that is difficult for some people to take. People should be celebrating the talented freshmen that have really taken over for the Bulldogs this year and given the program new life. It’s not good to keep rehashing issues. Kim and Jimmy said it perfectly: Mackin is gone and let’s move forward. At least Robin won’t have to keep that useless blog charade going on any longer.

    Change is often good, and oftentimes team chemistry improves (no matter what the sport) when a player who doesn’t want to be there actually leaves. When the name on the back of the jersey becomes more important than the name on the front, it’s definitely time to go.

    Reply
  • L

    LenMay 9, 2008 at 7:53 pm

    I don’t think there are any Bulldog fans out there who don’t wish Robin Mackin the best of luck in her future. She’s a remarkable young woman and I enjoyed meeting her. With that said however, it is clear that Fresno State found an even better pitcher in Morgan Melloh. While their styles are almost completely opposite, Melloh seems to be the whole package. Melloh has already broken the school-record and Western Athletic Conference record for wins in a season, as well as strikeouts in a season. Melloh is on the verge of becoming the first 40-game winner in Fresno State history and could finish the season with close to 500 strikeouts. That’s stunning.

    Melloh has better control, and her strikeout to walks ratio is significantly better than Mackin’s. For all of her strengths, Mackin walked more batters than one should expect from a pitcher of her quality. Melloh has the better earned run average, the better strikeouts to walk ratio, the better freshman record (by far), the WAC records, etc. Melloh was just named the WAC Pitcher of the Year and the WAC Freshman of the Year. Mackin last season did not win the league Pitcher of the Year award; it went to a pitcher from Hawaii. Under Mackin, the Bulldogs never quite made it past being considered a borderline Top 25 team. They were still a good team with her, but just not as good as Melloh has made the team this season. A true sign of a great pitcher is one who can lead you, and Melloh is that type of pitcher.

    The bottom line is that Mackin was a good pitcher but one who has been replaced by a better pitcher. I know that is difficult for some people to take. People should be celebrating the talented freshmen that have really taken over for the Bulldogs this year and given the program new life. It’s not good to keep rehashing issues. Kim and Jimmy said it perfectly: Mackin is gone and let’s move forward. At least Robin won’t have to keep that useless blog charade going on any longer.

    Change is often good, and oftentimes team chemistry improves (no matter what the sport) when a player who doesn’t want to be there actually leaves. When the name on the back of the jersey becomes more important than the name on the front, it’s definitely time to go.

    Reply
  • M

    MaximMay 8, 2008 at 10:25 pm

    As a former teammate and continuing fan of Robin Mackin, I am so outraged by the negativity thrown in her face. Mackin was the least selfish person on the team and made it clear everyday we set foot out on that playing field. She did everything she could to get us out of jams and never once hung her head. She was and still is an amazing pitcher, and for you to slander her name is disgusting. Mackin made her decision long before the athletic dept. decided to leak it out. I cannot speak for Mackin but I will say that playing for a team that is made up of 20 or more girls and their main focus is on individuality and not a team as a whole unit, it’s not something any real athlete would want to deal with. Playing your heart out can only go so far but you can go further with the help and determination from your teammates. Mackin did not have that. She did not have anyone backing her up. Too many of the girls were focused on their own glory and self-defeats, that the road to Oklahoma was narrowing everyday. I understand why Mackin decided to leave and I am heart broken that she has chosen to, but I know she deserves better. Hopefully and God willing she will find a team that will treat her with respect and won’t look at her as if she thinks of herself and herself only. What also breaks my heart was hearing how the team treated her when she was given the opportunity to play for Canada in the Olympics. Her teammates should have been thrilled, but only a few were and the rest responded like little girls envious because it was Mackin’s turn.
    No, I think you need to get the facts right. Mackin made the right move. She will be respected by her new team, coach and fans. And if our fans really love Mackin, we will be there for her throughout her college years as an athlete.

    Reply
  • M

    MaximMay 9, 2008 at 5:25 am

    As a former teammate and continuing fan of Robin Mackin, I am so outraged by the negativity thrown in her face. Mackin was the least selfish person on the team and made it clear everyday we set foot out on that playing field. She did everything she could to get us out of jams and never once hung her head. She was and still is an amazing pitcher, and for you to slander her name is disgusting. Mackin made her decision long before the athletic dept. decided to leak it out. I cannot speak for Mackin but I will say that playing for a team that is made up of 20 or more girls and their main focus is on individuality and not a team as a whole unit, it’s not something any real athlete would want to deal with. Playing your heart out can only go so far but you can go further with the help and determination from your teammates. Mackin did not have that. She did not have anyone backing her up. Too many of the girls were focused on their own glory and self-defeats, that the road to Oklahoma was narrowing everyday. I understand why Mackin decided to leave and I am heart broken that she has chosen to, but I know she deserves better. Hopefully and God willing she will find a team that will treat her with respect and won’t look at her as if she thinks of herself and herself only. What also breaks my heart was hearing how the team treated her when she was given the opportunity to play for Canada in the Olympics. Her teammates should have been thrilled, but only a few were and the rest responded like little girls envious because it was Mackin’s turn.
    No, I think you need to get the facts right. Mackin made the right move. She will be respected by her new team, coach and fans. And if our fans really love Mackin, we will be there for her throughout her college years as an athlete.

    Reply
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    MaximMay 9, 2008 at 5:25 am

    As a former teammate and continuing fan of Robin Mackin, I am so outraged by the negativity thrown in her face. Mackin was the least selfish person on the team and made it clear everyday we set foot out on that playing field. She did everything she could to get us out of jams and never once hung her head. She was and still is an amazing pitcher, and for you to slander her name is disgusting. Mackin made her decision long before the athletic dept. decided to leak it out. I cannot speak for Mackin but I will say that playing for a team that is made up of 20 or more girls and their main focus is on individuality and not a team as a whole unit, it’s not something any real athlete would want to deal with. Playing your heart out can only go so far but you can go further with the help and determination from your teammates. Mackin did not have that. She did not have anyone backing her up. Too many of the girls were focused on their own glory and self-defeats, that the road to Oklahoma was narrowing everyday. I understand why Mackin decided to leave and I am heart broken that she has chosen to, but I know she deserves better. Hopefully and God willing she will find a team that will treat her with respect and won’t look at her as if she thinks of herself and herself only. What also breaks my heart was hearing how the team treated her when she was given the opportunity to play for Canada in the Olympics. Her teammates should have been thrilled, but only a few were and the rest responded like little girls envious because it was Mackin’s turn.
    No, I think you need to get the facts right. Mackin made the right move. She will be respected by her new team, coach and fans. And if our fans really love Mackin, we will be there for her throughout her college years as an athlete.

    Reply
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    supportrobMay 7, 2008 at 10:47 am

    Kim and Jim,

    I don’t think I have ever read a more irresponsible article than this, although there are a number of them floating around Fresno these days. You speak of Robin leaving as soon as Morgan shatters all her records, she gave notice quit some tie ago and spoke with your miracle coach prior to the season ever starting to try and work things out. She chose to inform the University face to face and therefore waited until this most recent trip which was a number of weeks prior to Margie releasing it to the media, one must wonder why she picked this particular time to do it. I will not go into detail of how difficult this was for her because you don’t care in facts you simply want to attempt to discredit a decent young lady.

    You describe the Fresno State Softball program as ‘one of the best in the country’, what facts do have to back that up. A program as you state it is much more than the rankings, there is a great deal more to a program than that. You write about Robin in a derogatory way yet as I understand you never attempted to contact her to insure what you write is true.

    On your above quote in regards to her leaving after Morgan has shattered all her records is actually funny to read and shows your ignorance to what you write about. Morgan a very good freshman pitcher has yet to break any records set by Robin. Although she will break some as the season wraps up, (Robin does not care about records, she is not that shallow) at the time of posting this garbage there have been none broken.

    One should be careful with what they put in print specifically if there appears to be an attempt to slander ones character.

    Reply
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    supportrobMay 7, 2008 at 5:47 pm

    Kim and Jim,

    I don’t think I have ever read a more irresponsible article than this, although there are a number of them floating around Fresno these days. You speak of Robin leaving as soon as Morgan shatters all her records, she gave notice quit some tie ago and spoke with your miracle coach prior to the season ever starting to try and work things out. She chose to inform the University face to face and therefore waited until this most recent trip which was a number of weeks prior to Margie releasing it to the media, one must wonder why she picked this particular time to do it. I will not go into detail of how difficult this was for her because you don’t care in facts you simply want to attempt to discredit a decent young lady.

    You describe the Fresno State Softball program as ‘one of the best in the country’, what facts do have to back that up. A program as you state it is much more than the rankings, there is a great deal more to a program than that. You write about Robin in a derogatory way yet as I understand you never attempted to contact her to insure what you write is true.

    On your above quote in regards to her leaving after Morgan has shattered all her records is actually funny to read and shows your ignorance to what you write about. Morgan a very good freshman pitcher has yet to break any records set by Robin. Although she will break some as the season wraps up, (Robin does not care about records, she is not that shallow) at the time of posting this garbage there have been none broken.

    One should be careful with what they put in print specifically if there appears to be an attempt to slander ones character.

    Reply
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    supportrobMay 7, 2008 at 5:47 pm

    Kim and Jim,

    I don’t think I have ever read a more irresponsible article than this, although there are a number of them floating around Fresno these days. You speak of Robin leaving as soon as Morgan shatters all her records, she gave notice quit some tie ago and spoke with your miracle coach prior to the season ever starting to try and work things out. She chose to inform the University face to face and therefore waited until this most recent trip which was a number of weeks prior to Margie releasing it to the media, one must wonder why she picked this particular time to do it. I will not go into detail of how difficult this was for her because you don’t care in facts you simply want to attempt to discredit a decent young lady.

    You describe the Fresno State Softball program as ‘one of the best in the country’, what facts do have to back that up. A program as you state it is much more than the rankings, there is a great deal more to a program than that. You write about Robin in a derogatory way yet as I understand you never attempted to contact her to insure what you write is true.

    On your above quote in regards to her leaving after Morgan has shattered all her records is actually funny to read and shows your ignorance to what you write about. Morgan a very good freshman pitcher has yet to break any records set by Robin. Although she will break some as the season wraps up, (Robin does not care about records, she is not that shallow) at the time of posting this garbage there have been none broken.

    One should be careful with what they put in print specifically if there appears to be an attempt to slander ones character.

    Reply