When it came to getting hitters in the hole, Robin Roberts was a master. The natural by-product of his advantage is that Roberts almost never gave hitters a free pass. Quite the opposite; Roberts slid his fastball into the strike zone and by the best of hitters as though it were a runaway comet streaking across a sheet of ice.From 1948 to 1966, Robin Roberts went 286-245 for largely inferior teams (aside from the pennant-winning 1950 “Whiz Kids” Philadelphia Phillies), but his superior ability and class always gave fans a reason to cheer.Today, those cheers have turned into pleas for the days of yore – the great Robin Roberts can no longer take the hill.
Robin Roberts’ demise came as a surprise
The sure-shot pitcher died from natural causes in his comfortable home in Temple Terrace, Florida, reports USA Today.No indications of ill health had made it to the media, although Roberts was 83 years old.He is survived by four sons, a brother, seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.Robin Roberts is the second high-profile member of the Philadelphia Phillies family to have died within the past year, as broadcaster Harry Kalas died at the beginning of the 2009 season.
Robin Roberts was the main man for Philly from 1948 until 1961
Robin Roberts played in the Majors for 19 years (14 in Phil.) and always kept the strike zone under control.This ensured that batters always had to pay attention when they faced him, but it also means that he was frequently within the strike zone and prone to the long ball.He surrendered 505 home runs in his career, more than any Major League pitcher.But Roberts was nevertheless one of the best right-handers within the National League during his tenure with Philadelphia.Robin Roberts deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Grover Cleveland Alexander and Steve Carlton as the greatest pitchers in Philadelphia Phillies franchise history.Always a workhorse, Roberts’ most outstanding season was 1952, when he led the NL with 28 victories, nearly becoming the first pitcher since Dizzy Dean to win 30.
Roberts was always a Phillies fan
His son Jim Roberts told Reuters that he never missed the Phillies when they were on television.The old Whiz Kid took special enjoyment from the Phillies’ recent success (two World Series appearances over the past two seasons)..Yet Robin Roberts had humility; his slider was as good as any in the history of the game.
Sources
USA Today
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2010/05/hall-of-famer-robin-roberts-dead-at-83/1
Robin Roberts
http://daily.phanaticmag.com/2010/05/phillies-hall-of-famer-robin-roberts.html
