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Robin Evan Roberts (September 30, 1926 – May 6, 2010) was an American Major League Baseball starting pitcher who pitched primarily for the Philadelphia Phillies (1948–1961). He spent the latter part of his career with the Baltimore Orioles (1962–1965), Houston Astros (1965–66), and Chicago Cubs (1966). Roberts was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976.[1]

Key Information

After retiring from Major League Baseball, he coached the University of South Florida college baseball team for nine seasons, leading them to six conference titles.

Early life and education

[edit]

Roberts was born in Springfield, Illinois, the son of an immigrant Welsh coal miner. He arrived in East Lansing, Michigan as part of an Army Air Corps training program.[2]

He attended Lanphier High School. After World War II, Roberts returned to Michigan State College to play basketball, not baseball.[2] Roberts led the Spartans' basketball team in field-goal percentage in 1946–1947, was captain of the team during the 1946–1947 and 1949–1950 seasons, and earned three varsity letters in basketball. He wore number 17 for the Spartans.[3] After his second season playing basketball, Roberts tried out for the Michigan State baseball team, becoming a pitcher because it was the position that coach John Kobs needed most.[2]

After playing for Michigan State and spending his second summer playing in Vermont with the Barre–Montpelier Twin City Trojans, he was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies.[4]

Professional career

[edit]

Philadelphia Phillies

[edit]

Roberts made his Major League Baseball debut with the Philadelphia Phillies on June 18, 1948. In 1950, he led his Phillies, whose overall youth earned them the nickname the Whiz Kids, to their first National League pennant in 35 years. Roberts started three games in the last five days of the season, defeating the heavily favored Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field, in a pennant-deciding, season-ending, 10-inning game. This marked his 20th victory of the season, and Roberts became the Phillies' first 20-game winner since Grover Cleveland Alexander in 1917. Roberts also started Game 2 in the 1950 World Series against Allie Reynolds. He allowed two runs and ten hits in ten innings as the Phillies lost 2-1.

From 1950 to 1955, Roberts won at least 20 games each season, leading the National League in victories from 1952 to 1955. He led the National League in games started six times, in complete games and innings pitched five times, and he once pitched 28 complete games in a row, with one of those games lasting 17 innings. During his career, Roberts never walked more than 77 batters in any regular season. He helped himself with his bat, hitting 55 doubles, 10 triples, and five home runs with 103 RBIs.

Roberts' 28 wins in 1952, the year he was named the Sporting News MLB Player of the Year award, were the most in the National League since 1935, the year when Dizzy Dean won 28 games.

Although he had 28 wins in 1952, Roberts had his best season, based on a career high wins above replacement (WAR) in 1953, posting a 23–16 record[5] and leading National League pitchers in strikeouts with 198.[6] In a career-high 346+2⁄3 innings pitched, he walked just 66 batters, and his 2.75 ERA was second in the league behind Warren Spahn's 2.10.

One of the most memorable highlights of his career occurred on May 13, 1954, when Roberts gave up a lead-off home run to Bobby Adams of the Cincinnati Reds, then known as the Cincinnati Redlegs, but then went on to retire 27 consecutive batters to win 8–1, on a one-hit game.

Roberts consistently (11 out of 14 years) had a better winning percentage than did the Phillies in games in which he had no decision. Overall, the Phillies were 1,020–1,136 from 1948 to 1961, a winning percentage of .4731. Roberts was 234–199 in that span, for a winning percentage of .5404.

Roberts pitched for the Baltimore Orioles from 1962 to 1965.

After the 1961 season, Roberts was sold to the New York Yankees, who acquired the slumping pitcher from the Phillies for slightly more than the $20,000 league waiver price.[7]

On February 6, 1962, the Phillies announced that Roberts' uniform number 36 would be retired by the team on March 21, 1962, when the Yankees would visit Clearwater to play the Phillies in a spring training game. It was the first uniform number to be retired by the organization.[8] Roberts started for the Yankees in the spring game, gave up four runs in three innings, and was the winning pitcher in the Yankees' 13–10 victory.[9] He was released by the Yankees in May 1962 without having appeared in a regular-season game for the Yankees.

Baltimore Orioles

[edit]

Roberts signed with the Baltimore Orioles on May 21, 1962.[10] He went 42–36 with a 3.09 ERA in 3+1⁄2 seasons with the Orioles.[11]

In Roberts' final year in Baltimore, he was the first road roommate and mentor to Jim Palmer, who made his major league debut in relief of Roberts in the third inning of a 12–9 loss to the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park on April 17, 1965.[12] Palmer said 47 years later, "Robin Roberts helped teach me even though he knew I was probably going to take his job."[13] Dissatisfied with his new role as a spot starter and long reliever, Roberts requested his release, which was granted by the Orioles on July 27, 1965.[11]

Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs

[edit]

Roberts signed with the Houston Astros on August 5.[14] He signed with the Chicago Cubs on July 13, 1966, with the additional capacity of assisting pitching coach Freddie Fitzsimmons. Roberts was also reunited with fellow Whiz Kid Curt Simmons.[15] His final major league game was with the Cubs on September 3, 1966, at Forbes Field. He was released by the Cubs on October 3, 1966.[16] He pitched for the Reading Phillies during 1967.[17]

Baseball Hall of Fame

[edit]

Roberts was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976. Ahead of the August 1976 induction, Roberts was named honorary captain of the National League for the 1976 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which was hosted by the Phillies at Veterans Stadium.[18]

Coaching career

[edit]

Germantown Academy

[edit]

From 1971 to 1975, Roberts coached the Germantown Academy boys varsity baseball team in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.[19] The 1972 Germantown team went 22–1 and won the Inter-Ac League championship with a record of 10–0. Roberts' son was a member of that team.[20] An annual baseball player award is named in Roberts' honor.

University of South Florida

[edit]

After one season as a color commentator on Phillies broadcasts in 1976, Roberts coached the University of South Florida baseball team in Tampa, Florida from 1977 to 1985. He led the team to its first NCAA Tournament in 1982 and won six conference titles with the Bulls. He was named the Sun Belt coach of the year each season from 1978 to 1982. His uniform number 36 was the first to be retired by the team,[21] and he was honored on the center field wall at the team's since demolished Red McEwen Field; he also is honored on the new USF Baseball Stadium.[citation needed]

Other endeavors

[edit]

During the baseball off-season, Roberts toured with the Robin Roberts All-Stars basketball team. The team played against other touring squads, such as the Harlem Globetrotters.[citation needed]

Roberts was also the president of the Gold King Seafood Company in Philadelphia, even during his baseball career. This was central to an appearance Roberts made on What's My Line? in 1957, where the panelists had to decipher what else he did besides play baseball.[22][23]

Legacy

[edit]
Robin Roberts's number 36 was retired by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1962.

In his 19-season career, Roberts compiled a 286–245 record with 2,357 strikeouts, a 3.41 ERA, 305 complete games, 45 shutouts, and 4,688+2⁄3 innings pitched in 676 games. He is second to Jamie Moyer for the major league record for home runs allowed by a pitcher (505) and holds the record for most consecutive opening day starts for the same team with 12, from 1950 to 1961.

As a switch hitter, Roberts posted a .167 batting average (255-for-1525) with 107 runs, 55 doubles, 10 triples, 5 home runs, 103 RBI and 135 bases on balls. Defensively, he recorded a .967 fielding percentage.[5]

Roberts is the only pitcher in major league history to defeat the Braves franchise in all three cities that the team has been based in: Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta.

Roberts's record for home runs allowed can largely be attributed to his durability and his tendency to pitch inside the strike zone. Roberts threw 4,688+2⁄3 innings during his 19-year career, 21st on the all-time innings pitched list. Roberts challenged hitters to put the ball in play, issuing relatively few walks (1.7 per 9 innings pitched) and strikeouts (4.5 per 9 innings pitched).

In 1962, the Philadelphia Phillies honored Roberts with the retirement of his uniform number, 36.

In 1966, Roberts was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

In 1969, in conjunction with Major League Baseball's 100th anniversary, the Phillies conducted a fan vote to determine the Phillies all-time team. On August 5, 1969, at Connie Mack Stadium, the Phillies honored the members of the all-time team, including Roberts as the only right-handed pitcher. He was also honored as the greatest Phillies player of all time.

In 1978, the Philadelphia Phillies inducted Roberts as the first Phillie in the Philadelphia Baseball Wall of Fame (along with Connie Mack as the first Athletics player in the Wall of Fame).

In 1983, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Phillies, Roberts was selected as one of only two right-handed pitchers on the Phillies Centennial Team.

In 1985, during Roberts' last game as coach of the South Florida Bulls baseball team, the team retired his number 36.

In 1992, Roberts was one of 30 members of the charter class of former Michigan State University Spartan athletes, coaches, and administrators inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame.[24]

In 1998, the Wilmington Blue Rocks retired Roberts's number 36 at the Carolina League All-Star game held at the Blue Rocks' Frawley Stadium. He was the first former player to ever have his number retired by the team.[25]

In 1999, he ranked No. 74 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players,[26] and was a nominee for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. In 2020, The Athletic ranked Roberts at number 72 on its "Baseball 100" list, complied by sportswriter Joe Posnanski.[27]

On May 18, 2003, Roberts' number 36 was among the first two uniform numbers retired by the Michigan State baseball program.[28]

On July 21, 2003, Roberts returned to Montpelier, Vermont, to accept two honors: The Vermont Mountaineers retired his number from his playing days with the Barre-Montpelier Twin City Trojans, and Governor Jim Douglas presented him a proclamation that made the day "Robin Roberts Day" in the State of Vermont.[4]

On April 3, 2004, the Phillies new ballpark, Citizens Bank Park, officially opened, with a statue of Roberts outside the first-base gate.

Also in 2004, Roberts was a member of the inaugural class inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.

Robin Roberts Stadium in Roberts's hometown of Springfield, Illinois is named in his honor.[29]

Roberts was an outspoken critic of Little League Baseball. His remarks on the organization appeared in a 1975 Newsweek article, titled "Strike Out Little League".[30]

In 2013, the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award honored Roberts as one of 37 Baseball Hall of Fame members for his service in the United States Army Air Force during World War II.[31]

Roberts coached his son, Dan Roberts, in high school. His son went on to coach the Army Black Knights, leaving that job after an alcohol-related arrest, Batavia Muckdogs, and Clearwater Threshers.[19][32]

Death

[edit]
The Philadelphia Phillies wore a patch commemorating Roberts during the 2010 season.

Roberts died of natural causes on May 6, 2010, aged 83, at his home in Temple Terrace, Florida.[33] For the remainder of their 2010 season, the Philadelphia Phillies wore a commemorative #36 patch on their uniforms and hung his jersey in their dugout during home and away games.[34]

Career statistics

[edit]
  • Seven-time All-Star (1950–1956)
  • Five-time top 10 in MVP voting (1950, 1952–1955)
  • Six-time 20+ game winner (1950–1955)
  • Four-time win champion (1952–1955)
  • Twice led the league in strikeouts (1953–54)
  • Led league in shutouts (1950)
  • Six-time league leader in games started (1950–1955)
  • Five-time league leader in complete games (1952–1956)
  • Five-time leaguer leader in innings pitched (1951–1955)
  • Pitched 300+ innings six times (1950–1955)
  • Ranks 28th on the all-time wins leaderboard
  • Second-most home runs allowed by a pitcher, with 505
  • Holds five Philadelphia Phillies team records as of 2010: most complete games pitched, most games pitched, most innings pitched, most hits allowed, and most losses

Books

[edit]

Roberts wrote two books about his baseball experiences, The Whiz Kids and the 1950 Pennant (1996, ISBN 1-56639-466-X)[35] and My Life in Baseball (2003, ISBN 1-57243-503-8), both co-authored with C. Paul Rogers, III, a Southern Methodist University Law School professor.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Robin Roberts (baseball)

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from Grokipedia
Robin Roberts (September 30, 1926 – May 6, 2010) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played 19 seasons in (MLB) from 1948 to 1966. Known for his durability and effectiveness as a right-handed starter, he spent the bulk of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, appearing in 529 games for the franchise and establishing himself as its all-time winningest pitcher with 286 victories. A seven-time National League (NL) All-Star from 1950 to 1956, Roberts was renowned for his workhorse style, leading the NL in wins four times (1952–1955) and in five consecutive seasons (1951–1955). His career totals include a 3.41 (ERA), 2,357 strikeouts, 305 complete games, and 45 shutouts over 4,688⅔ , earning him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976. Born in , Roberts initially attended on a but developed into a standout for the Spartans' team. He signed with the Phillies in 1948 and made an immediate impact in the minors with the , striking out 17 batters in his professional debut—a complete-game victory—before earning a promotion to the majors later that season. Roberts debuted in MLB on June 18, 1948, against the , and quickly became a cornerstone of the Phillies' rotation during their 1950 "Whiz Kids" pennant-winning campaign, where he posted a 20–14 record and started Game 2 of the . At the peak of his career in the early , Roberts achieved extraordinary consistency, winning 20 or more games in six straight seasons from to 1955 while throwing at least 300 innings each year—a Major League record for consecutive seasons that still stands. His 28 victories in marked the most by an NL pitcher since 1935, and he led the league in complete games eight times overall. Despite allowing a then-record 505 home runs over his career (later surpassed in ), Roberts' control and endurance defined an era of pitching dominance, culminating in his Hall of Fame election on the first ballot with 86.9% of the vote. After leaving in 1961, he pitched for the Baltimore Orioles, Astros, and Cubs, retiring at age 39 following the 1966 season.

Early life and education

Early life

Robin Evan Roberts was born on September 30, 1926, in . He was the fifth of six children—four boys and two girls—born to Tom Roberts, a Welsh immigrant coal miner, and Sarah Roberts, who was from . The family had immigrated to the in 1921, settling in where Tom sought work in the local coal mines. Later, Tom's employment shifted to a position at the Sangamo Electric factory. Roberts attended East Pleasant Hill School, a two-room schoolhouse, for eight years, where he excelled academically, winning blue ribbons in math, , and . Roberts grew up in a working-class household in Springfield, where his early fascination with developed through informal sandlot games and listening to radio broadcasts of Cubs and Cardinals contests alongside his father. His father's background as a coal miner from also influenced family life, as Roberts' first was a brought over by Tom. As a youth, Roberts participated in basketball, football, and baseball in grade school and local youth activities, showing natural athletic talent but without any organized professional or semi-professional involvement prior to high school. These formative experiences in Springfield laid the groundwork for his later pursuit of formal education and organized sports.

Education

Roberts attended Lanphier High School in , where he graduated in 1944. During his time there, he participated in multiple varsity sports, including , football, and , demonstrating early athletic versatility and promise. In , he showed particular skill, leading an intramural team to a championship while scoring 22 points in a key game during his sophomore year at nearby Springfield High before transferring to Lanphier due to a district boundary change. His involvement in at Lanphier marked the beginning of his pitching experience, where he displayed potential but had not yet emerged as a dominant force on the mound. Following high school and a brief stint in the Army Air Corps Training Program in East Lansing during World War II, Roberts enrolled at Michigan State University, initially focusing on basketball. He majored in physical education with a minor in history, eventually earning his bachelor's degree in 1948. At Michigan State from 1945 to 1947, Roberts also joined the Spartans baseball team under coach John Kobs after the program needed pitchers, transitioning from an outfield tryout to the mound based on his strong arm. Over two seasons, he compiled a 9-6 record, highlighted by his first no-hitter in school history against the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in 1946 and notable strikeout totals that underscored his growing command on the mound, though his win-loss mark did not fully reflect his effectiveness. He continued excelling in basketball, captaining the team and leading it in scoring during the 1946-1947 season, earning recognition as the Michigan Collegiate Player of the Year by the Detroit Free Press. During his college years, Roberts honed his pitching skills through summer semiprofessional play, including stints with the Twin City Trojans, where he posted strong records of 11-8 in 1946 and 18-3 in 1947. These performances drew attention from Major League Baseball scouts, who noted his emerging fastball and improved control—traits that would define his professional style. After his junior year in 1947, he departed Michigan State to pursue professional baseball opportunities, building on the foundational development from his academic and athletic experiences.

Professional baseball career

Philadelphia Phillies

Robin Roberts signed with the Philadelphia Phillies as an amateur free agent in 1947 for a $25,000 bonus following a dominant summer season with the Twin City Trojans of the Minnesota League, where he posted an 18-3 record and 2.33 . He made his major league debut on June 18, 1948, at age 21 against the in , allowing five hits over eight innings in a 2-0 loss after walking the first batter he faced; Roberts later recalled feeling nervous in his initial big-league appearance. His rookie season was marked by adjustment challenges, finishing with a 7-9 record and 3.19 over 146⅔ innings in 20 starts, as the young pitcher worked to adapt to major league hitters while splitting time between the majors and the . Roberts rose to stardom during the Phillies' 1950 "Whiz Kids" season, a youthful squad that captured the National League pennant for the franchise's first in 35 years; he contributed a 20-11 record with a 3.02 ERA over 304⅓ innings, including 21 complete games, helping anchor the rotation alongside Curt Simmons. From 1950 to 1955, he achieved six consecutive 20-win seasons, a testament to his emergence as the league's premier right-handed starter, with standout performances including a 21-15 mark in 1951, leading the NL in innings pitched and complete games. His dominance peaked in 1952, when he went 28-7 with a league-leading 2.59 ERA, 330 innings pitched, and 30 complete games, earning the Sporting News National League Player of the Year award despite the Phillies finishing fourth. Roberts continued his excellence through 1955, leading the NL in wins again with 23-16 in 1953, 23-15 in 1954, and 23-14 in 1955 while consistently logging over 300 innings each year; he also topped the league in complete games five times from 1952 to 1956 and innings pitched four times from 1951 to 1954. Known for his remarkable durability, Roberts pitched at least 200 innings in 11 straight seasons from 1950 to 1960 and completed 272 of his 476 starts during his Phillies tenure, relying on a sidearm delivery and precise control rather than overpowering velocity. These efforts came amid fierce National League rivalries with the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants, though the Phillies made just one postseason appearance, losing the 1950 World Series to the New York Yankees in four games despite Roberts' strong regular-season contributions. By the late , signs of arm fatigue began to affect Roberts' performance, as the cumulative workload led to reduced effectiveness; he posted a 19-18 record with a 4.45 in before slumping to 10-22 with a 4.07 in 1957, leading the NL in losses. His struggles intensified in 1961, where he managed only a 1-10 record and 5.85 over 117 in 18 starts, prompting the Phillies to sell his to the New York Yankees on October 16, 1961, effectively ending his 14-year tenure with the club after 234 wins, the most in Phillies history at the time.

Baltimore Orioles

Roberts signed with the Baltimore Orioles as a free agent on May 21, 1962, shortly after being released by the New York Yankees, joining the team at age 35 to bolster a young roster that included third baseman Brooks Robinson. The Orioles, still transitioning from their origins as the relocated St. Louis Browns and building toward contention in the American League, benefited from Roberts' experience as a veteran starter amid a pitching staff featuring emerging talents like Steve Barber and Chuck Estrada. Over four seasons with , Roberts compiled a 42–36 record with a 3.09 , serving primarily as a reliable starter while mentoring younger pitchers such as , with whom he roomed on road trips and shared insights on pitching mechanics and endurance. In , his first year, he posted a 10–9 mark with a 2.78 over 191⅓ in 25 starts, adapting to hitters including power threats like by relying on his signature sinker and control rather than velocity. His performance peaked in 1963 with 14 wins, a 3.33 , and a league-high 35 starts across 251⅓ , though finished sixth at 86–76 without reaching the . By 1964, Roberts went 13–7 with a 2.91 and four shutouts in 31 starts over 204 , contributing to Baltimore's strong 97–65 finish in , just two games behind the pennant-winning Yankees. As Roberts entered his late 30s, his workload began to decline amid minor discomfort from accumulated wear, dropping to 15 starts and 114⅔ innings in 1965 before shifted him to the ; he managed a 5–7 record with a 3.38 that year. Despite the challenges of age and a rebuilding team that posted sub-.500 records in three of his four seasons, Roberts provided stability to the rotation and helped foster a culture of durability among the pitching staff. On July 31, 1965, after a slow start, released him, ending his tenure in .

Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs

After being released by the Baltimore Orioles on July 31, 1965, Roberts signed with the Houston Astros on August 6 as a . In his brief stint with the expansion Astros that year, the 38-year-old right-hander made 10 starts, posting a 5-2 record with a 1.89 ERA over 76 innings, including two shutouts in his first two outings at the newly opened . His debut on August 9 against his former team, the Philadelphia Phillies, resulted in a 2-0 victory, marking a strong return to the National League after two seasons in the . Roberts was released by the Astros on October 29, 1965, but re-signed with the team on March 30, 1966. He opened the season with a complete-game victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on April 12, but arm troubles limited his effectiveness thereafter. In 13 appearances (12 starts) for , he went 3-5 with a 3.82 over 63⅔ innings, including one additional on May 4 against the Chicago Cubs. Persistent elbow pain, stemming from bone chips that required surgery following the 1965 season, hampered his performance and led to his release on July 4, 1966. On July 13, 1966, Roberts signed with the Chicago Cubs as a , joining a rotation that featured fellow veteran Larry Jackson. Limited by ongoing arm issues at age 39, he appeared in 11 games (9 starts) for the Cubs, compiling a 2-3 record with a 6.14 in 48⅓ innings. His final major league victory, the 286th of his career, came on August 29 in relief against the . Roberts made his last big-league appearance on September 3, 1966, against the , after which the Cubs released him on October 4. With no further major league offers, he retired from professional baseball following a brief stint in 1967, concluding a 19-year career that bridged the end of an era for workhorse pitchers of the 1950s.

Hall of Fame

Robin Roberts became eligible for election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame five years after his retirement following the 1966 season, placing him on the (BBWAA) ballot starting in 1972. He received increasing support over subsequent ballots and was elected on his fourth attempt in 1976, garnering 337 votes out of 388 for 86.9 percent—well above the 75 percent threshold required for induction. Roberts was one of two players selected by the BBWAA that year, joining fellow pitcher , while the Veterans Committee added four others: , , , and Freddie Lindstrom. Prior to his election, Roberts had earned significant recognition for his on-field excellence, including seven All-Star Game selections in 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1956, and 1962, during which he started five contests—a tie for the all-time record among pitchers. The Philadelphia Phillies, where he spent the majority of his career, honored him by retiring his uniform number 36 in 1962—the first such retirement in franchise history—despite him still being an active player at the time after his trade to . In 1978, Roberts became the inaugural inductee into the Phillies Wall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place on August 9, 1976, in , where Roberts delivered a speech emphasizing his remarkable durability, his role with the 1950 Phillies "Whiz Kids" team that won the National League pennant, and his deep respect for the game of . He famously promised to return to every year for future induction weekends, a commitment he fulfilled annually until 2009. Peers and admirers, including former Phillies teammate , lauded Roberts' consistency and competitive spirit during the event. Roberts' Hall of Fame plaque in Cooperstown highlights his career achievements, including 286 wins, 2,357 strikeouts, seven 20-win seasons, and 305 complete games across 4,688 , while noting his primary tenure and loyalty with the Phillies from 1948 to 1961. It underscores his status as one of the most durable workhorses in history, leading the National League in wins from 1952 to 1955 and in games started 10 times during his career.

Career statistics

Regular season

Robin Roberts pitched in 676 regular-season games over 19 Major League Baseball seasons from 1948 to 1966, starting 609 contests for the Philadelphia Phillies (1948–1961), Baltimore Orioles (1962–1965), Houston Astros (1965), and Chicago Cubs (1966). The following table summarizes his year-by-year regular-season pitching statistics:
YearTeamGSW-LERACGSHOSVIPHRERBBKWHIP
1948PHI207-93.19900146.2148635261841.425
1949PHI3115-153.691134226.22291019375951.341
1950PHI3920-113.022151304.1282112102771461.180
1951PHI3921-153.032262315.0284115106641271.105
1952PHI3728-72.593032330.029210495451481.021
1953PHI4123-162.753352346.2324119106611981.111
1954PHI3823-152.972944336.2289116111561851.025
1955PHI3823-143.282613305.0292137111531601.131
1956PHI3719-184.452213297.1328155147401571.238
1957PHI3210-224.071422249.2246122113431281.158
1958PHI3417-143.242110269.227011297511301.190
1959PHI3515-174.271920257.1267137122351371.174
1960PHI3312-164.021321237.1256113106341221.222
1961PHI181-105.85200117.0154857623541.513
1962BAL2510-92.78600191.11766359411021.134
1963BAL3514-133.33920251.123010093401241.074
1964BAL3113-72.91840204.02036966521091.250
1965BAL/HOU2510-92.78830190.2171735930971.054
1966HOU/CHC215-84.82211112.0141666021541.446
Career totals: 609 GS, 286–245 record, 3.41 , 305 CG, 45 SHO, 25 SV, 4,688⅔ IP, 4,582 H, 1,962 R, 1,774 ER, 902 BB, 2,357 , 1.170 . Roberts led the National League in wins four times (1952–1955), in complete games five times (1952–1956), and in five times (1951–1955). His highest single-season win total was 28 in 1952. From 1950 to 1960, he averaged 295 per season. Roberts' career of 113 reflects performance 13% above league average after adjusting for ballpark and era.

All-Star Game and postseason

Roberts was selected to seven s between 1950 and 1956, a testament to his dominance as one of the National League's premier pitchers during that era. He started all five of the s in which he appeared, tying and for the most starts by a in history. These selections highlighted the high regard in which he was held by players, managers, and fans alike, even as the Phillies struggled to achieve consistent team success. In the 1950 All-Star Game at Comiskey Park, Roberts opened for the National League, pitching 2 innings and allowing no runs on 2 hits with 1 . He did not appear in the 1951 contest but returned as the starter in 1952 at Shibe Park, where he worked 3 scoreless innings to earn the victory in the National League's 3–2 win (called after 5 innings due to rain). Roberts also started the 1953 All-Star Game at Crosley Field, delivering 3 innings of one-run ball, and he pitched in the 1954 and 1955 games as well, though he surrendered runs in those appearances. He was selected for the 1956 All-Star team but did not pitch. Overall, his All-Star outings showcased his endurance and competitiveness in high-profile exhibitions, though opportunities were limited compared to his extensive regular-season workload. Roberts' postseason opportunities were even scarcer, confined to the as the Phillies, known as the "Whiz Kids," captured their first National League pennant since 1915. He made his only career playoff start in Game 2 at against the New York Yankees, dueling in a pitcher's duel that extended to 10 innings; Roberts allowed 2 earned runs on 10 hits and 3 walks over the full 10 innings, taking the loss in a 2–1 defeat. He also appeared in relief for 1 inning in Game 4, allowing no runs. The Yankees swept the series 4–0, denying the Phillies a championship. Roberts never returned to the postseason, a reflection of the Phillies' infrequent contention for division or league titles during his 14 seasons with the club.

Post-playing career

Coaching career

After retiring from his playing career in 1966, Roberts worked as a and returned to the area, serving as head baseball coach at , a preparatory school in , from 1971 to 1975. During this period, he guided the team to a 22–1 season and the Inter-Ac League championship in 1972. Roberts also coached his sons, Danny and Ricky, on the varsity squad, instilling in them the discipline and techniques he had honed as a professional pitcher. In January 1977, Roberts relocated to , to accept the position of head coach for the (USF) Bulls baseball team, marking the program's entry into its early years as a Division I competitor. He led the Bulls for nine seasons through 1985, amassing an overall record of 262 wins, 240 losses, and 2 ties. Under Roberts' direction, USF won championships in 1981 and 1982 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 1982. He earned Coach of the Year honors on four occasions (1978, 1980, 1981, and 1982), reflecting his success in building a competitive program from its foundational stages. In recognition of his contributions, USF retired his uniform number 36. Roberts retired from coaching after the 1985 season to focus on family and other interests, having never taken on roles in instruction. His tenure at both institutions highlighted his commitment to youth development at the high school and collegiate levels, where he shared insights from his Hall of Fame career to foster emerging talent.

Broadcasting career

After retiring from playing, Roberts transitioned to broadcasting, serving as a broadcaster for Philadelphia Phillies games in 1976 alongside , , and . Roberts drew on his expertise as a Hall of Fame pitcher to offer analysis during home games at , contributing to the team's broadcast team during a period of growing fan interest in the mid-1970s. Following the 1976 season, Roberts left the broadcast booth to pursue opportunities, though he made occasional guest appearances for the Phillies in later years.

Authored books

Robin Roberts co-authored several books during his retirement, focusing on his experiences with the Philadelphia Phillies and broader reflections on his career. These collaborative works emphasize the teamwork of the era, personal anecdotes from his playing days, and the historical significance of key teams, drawing on interviews, photographs, and archival material to engage fans and preserve history. His first major book, The Whiz Kids and the 1950 Pennant, published in 1996 by Press and co-authored with C. Paul Rogers III, provides a detailed account of the Phillies' improbable National League pennant win that year. The narrative highlights Roberts' own 20-win season as the team's ace pitcher, alongside stories of camaraderie among the young roster—nicknamed the "Whiz Kids"—and the challenges of their whistle-stop train trip to the against the New York Yankees. Enriched with photographs, player interviews, and era-specific anecdotes, the book underscores the underdog spirit that defined the 1950 Phillies, offering insights into post-World War II dynamics. In 2003, Roberts released My Life in Baseball, co-authored with Paul C. Rogers and featuring a by fellow Hall of Famer , through Triumph Books. This traces Roberts' journey from his early life and beginnings to his Hall of Fame induction, with a strong emphasis on his dominant years with the Phillies from 1950 to 1965, including seven 20-win seasons and his role in the team's only pennant during that span. Roberts reflects on pitching philosophies, such as his reliance on control and stamina over velocity, and shares lessons on perseverance amid trades to , , and . The avoids a solo format, instead incorporating Rogers' research to blend personal stories with statistical context, aiming to inspire readers about the integrity of the game. A 2014 reissue of My Life in Baseball under the title Throwing Hard Easy: Reflections on a Life in Baseball, published by the and again co-authored with C. Paul Rogers, includes updated photographs and an additional foreword by Roberts' brother James. This edition expands on post-career themes, such as Roberts' coaching and broadcasting roles, while reinforcing the original's focus on his 19-year major league tenure and 305 career complete games. Penned in , Roberts' writings sought to document the Whiz Kids' legacy and his contributions to baseball's for historians and enthusiasts. Roberts did not author any solo memoirs but contributed forewords or chapters to select Phillies histories, further emphasizing themes of teamwork and baseball culture in collaborative efforts.

Later life and legacy

Personal life

Roberts married Mary Kalnes in December 1949, shortly after his rookie season with the Philadelphia Phillies. The couple raised four sons—Robin Jr., Dan, Rick, and Jim—in relative privacy, with the family maintaining a low public profile despite Roberts' fame in . Mary passed away in 2005, leaving Roberts to live out his later years with support from his sons and seven grandchildren. During his playing career, the family resided in the Philadelphia suburb of Meadowbrook, , where Roberts purchased a home next door to teammate . Following his retirement, they relocated to , where Roberts spent his final decades. Although Roberts enrolled in the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserve program in 1944 and underwent training at , the end of prevented active combat duty, and his professional career proceeded uninterrupted during the Korean War era. Post-retirement, Roberts developed a passion for , becoming an avid player and investor in the Limekiln Golf Course alongside Simmons. He also contributed to community efforts as a Phillies representative from 1968 to 1973, focusing on and relations without formal roles. Known throughout his life for his integrity and clean public image, Roberts avoided controversies and was remembered by peers as a gentlemanly figure who prioritized and quiet pursuits. In his later years, he maintained physical fitness through regular walking and reflected on the value of , influenced by his parents' emphasis on learning as Welsh immigrants.

Death

In his final years, Robin Roberts resided in Temple Terrace, Florida, where his health deteriorated due to pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that required him to use oxygen support in the months leading up to his death. Roberts died on May 6, 2010, at the age of 83, from natural causes at his home in Temple Terrace. He was survived by his four sons—Jim, Robin Jr., Rick, and Dan—one brother, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandson; his wife, Mary, had predeceased him in 2005. A funeral service was held on May 10, 2010, at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Temple Terrace. The Philadelphia Phillies organization mourned his passing with an official statement describing him as "the greatest right-hander in Phillies history," and honored him by displaying his retired No. 36 jersey in the dugout for the remainder of the 2010 season while team members wore a commemorative patch on their uniforms. Roberts' remains were cremated. No significant posthumous developments related to his death have occurred as of 2025.

Legacy

Robin Roberts exemplified the workhorse starter of his era, logging 4,688.2 over 19 seasons, a volume that has fueled ongoing debates about durability in modern , where totals have dramatically declined due to emphasis on pitch counts and usage. His reliance on a precise and exceptional control—holding the all-time record for fewest walks per nine at 1.73—defined a pitching style that prioritized command over velocity or strikeouts, influencing subsequent generations of control-oriented pitchers such as , whose career walk rate of 1.80 ranks second to Roberts'. As a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Phillies' 1950 "Whiz Kids" team that captured the National League pennant, Roberts embodied the integrity and camaraderie of 1950s baseball, often described as a gentle, articulate figure who advocated for players' rights through his involvement in the . His courteous demeanor, including routinely acknowledging fans with a tip of his cap after games, became a trademark gesture symbolizing in an era of post-war optimism and team unity. Roberts' broader recognition includes ranking 74th on ' 1999 list of the 100 Greatest Players, reflecting his status as one of the premier pitchers of the . He was inducted into the Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame in 1978 as its inaugural member, honoring his franchise-record contributions. While his career intersected with baseball's desegregation era—he faced integrated lineups featuring stars like —historical accounts offer limited detailed coverage of his personal role in navigating on the field. In the analytics-driven era, Roberts' achievements endure, with a career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 86.2 underscoring his elite value as a , comparable to many contemporaries despite the era's hitter-friendly conditions. By 2025, archival materials including Hall of Fame biographies and digitized interviews, such as his 2011 video profile, continue to preserve his instructional insights on pitching mechanics and mental approach for contemporary study. Roberts' legacy also persists through the Robin Roberts Stadium in his hometown of , which celebrated its centennial season of baseball in 2025 and hosted the that year amid ongoing renovations to revitalize the historic site. Additionally, the (NECBL) annually awards the Robin Roberts Best honor, given in 2025 to Finbar O'Brien of the .

References

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