Royals Bolster Lineup With Trio of Signings
GUELPH - The Guelph Royals Baseball Club is excited to announce today a series of signings.
Utility player Chris Robinson, catcher Tony Hrynkiw, and infielder Kyle Kush have all signed for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Robinson, 30, returns to the Royals after beginning the season with the Welland Jackfish.
The former Winnipeg Goldeye, who made his Royals season debut on Sunday, began his career in the IBL with Guelph over a decade ago before playing professionally with the Winnipeg Goldeyes and Schaumburg Boomers.
The Morehead State alum said he is thrilled to return to the blue and white.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to be back with Guelph. I have a lot of fond memories of playing here as it is where I got my start. Playing here in my first stint with guys like Sean Reilly, Frankie Hare, Jeremy Ware, 'Juice' (Justin Interisano), and 'Tebo [former field manager Dave TeBoekhorst] really helped me get to where I went in my career. They always had my back as a kid coming in to play with the big boys. Mixed that in with the fact that this organization has always been so good to me and I am very thrilled to be back. I feel like I am coming home."
Royals manager Dino Roumel said Robinson was a no-brainer of an addition.
"He's a pro, someone who has played professionally. He's a great clubhouse guy and has played in Guelph before, so it's a homecoming for him. I have known him for a long time, so picking him up was an easy decision."
Hrynkiw also returns to the Royals after originally signing with the team for the 2022 season only to get injured in his season debut.
The former Ontario Blue Jay has already suited up in four games for the Royals this season and has batted .333.
Guelph's starting catcher said this is a great landing spot for him.
"I'm more than thrilled to be a part of such an amazing organization coached by an even better man. I played for Dino back when we were both in the Ontario Blue Jays organization and it's safe to say I couldn't wait to be sharing the same uniform as him again."
Roumel said adding someone of Hrynkiw's character and skill set was a no-brainer.
"I can't tell you how excited I am to have Tony here with us this year. I've known Tony for a few years and his energy and love for the game is so infectious. He has always been an outstanding defender and has the ability to get the most out of our pitching staff. Tony is a huge addition on and off the field."
Rounding out the signings is infielder Kyle Kush, who recently finished his college career at Canisius College.
The Guelph, Ontario native made his season debut over the weekend and wasted no time making an impact, batting .500 in the three games he played in.
Kush said he is happy to be back with his hometown team.
"I'm super excited to be back. We have a great group of guys this year and it's just fun showing up to the ballpark every game. I think we have all the right pieces to make a lot of noise this year."
Roumel said the addition of Kush is a significant one.
"Kush is a Guelph guy and a great team guy. He's a character guy and you need those kinds of guys. He's also talented but more than anything, he is just a guy you love to have around."