Robin Roberts

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Roberts' most defining moment arrived on May 13, 1954. He surrendered a lead-off home run to Bobby Adams of the Cincinnati Reds (then known as the Redlegs), yet proceeded to retire the next 27 batters consecutively for an 8–1 victory on a one-hit gem. His durability was equally remarkable; he once pitched 28 complete games in a row, including one that stretched to 17 innings. In 1953, he posted his highest career WAR with a 23–16 record, leading the league in strikeouts (198) while walking just 66 batters across a career-high 346+2⁄3 innings. His control was exceptional, never allowing more than 77 walks in a single regular season. Roberts remains the only pitcher in major league history to defeat the Braves franchise in all three cities: Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta.

In Their Own Story

After winning the National League pennant in 1950, Roberts faced the heavily favored Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field for the season-ending game. Starting three games in five days, he secured his 20th victory of the year by defeating the Dodgers in a 10-inning thriller. This milestone made him the Phillies' first 20-game winner since Grover Cleveland Alexander in 1917. Although he started Game 2 of that World Series against Allie Reynolds and allowed two runs over ten innings, the Phillies lost 2–1. The following season, Roberts was named the Sporting News MLB Player of the Year after recording 28 wins, the most in the National League since Dizzy Dean in 1935. Even during his playing career, Roberts balanced baseball with a role as president of the Gold King Seafood Company in Philadelphia, an occupation that baffled panelists on 'What's My Line?' in 1957.

Reader's Guide

Roberts made his debut on June 18, 1948, but his path to the mound began at Michigan State College where he played basketball, wearing number 17 and earning three varsity letters. He only became a pitcher after trying out for the baseball team because coach John Kobs needed one most. In February 1962, the Phillies retired his uniform number 36 in Clearwater; Roberts started for the New York Yankees (who had acquired him) in that spring game and was the winning pitcher in a 13–10 victory before being released without appearing in a regular-season game for them. He finished his career with the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, and Chicago Cubs. Post-retirement, he coached at Germantown Academy and led the University of South Florida to six conference titles from 1977 to 1985, becoming the first coach there to have his number retired.

Did You Know?

• Roberts is the only pitcher in major league history to defeat the Braves franchise in Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta.
• He once pitched 28 complete games in a row during his career.
• Before becoming a full-time pitcher at Michigan State, he was the captain of the basketball team and earned three varsity letters in that sport.
• Roberts held the record for most consecutive Opening Day starts for the same team (12) from 1950 to 1961.
• He allowed 505 home runs, a major league record attributed to his durability and tendency to pitch inside the strike zone.