OT: RIP Robin Roberts

[Robextend]

From MLB.com:

"Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts, who spent 19 years in the big leagues, mostly with the Phillies, died on Thursday from natural causes in his Temple Terrace, Fla., home. He was 83."

Tough week for baseball....

[calvindog]

My condolences to his family and loved ones.

[barrysloate]

Robin was a great pitcher, that's very sad. My condolences too.

[Kawika]

One of the "Whiz Kids" of my youth. All those ancient boys of summer, old men now or sadly gone. RIP Robin Roberts.

[quinnsryche]

I spent the afternoon with Mr. Roberts about 20 years ago and he was not only a gentleman but very cordial and accomodating to all. He will be greatly missed, may the Lord be with his family. Goodbye Robin!

[Section103]

I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr Roberts at an All Star Game a few years back. He looked to be in great condition and was very gracious. Despite his age, I was surprised to hear the news. I will remember him well.

[vintagehofrookies]

By far one of the nicest HOFers I have met as well as one of the nicest human beings I have met!
RIP Mr. Roberts,
Dan

[Scott L.]

A sad day in Philly......RIP.

lg_robin1.jpg

[fkw]

[sgbernard]

Too bad, by all accounts a great guy. My dad remembers watching Roberts pitch in the minors.

[GoldenAge50s]

My first ML game I ever saw--May 9 1953 @ Ebbetts Field--Got to see Preacher Roe & Robin Roberts!

Robin goes all the way, takes a 1 run lead into the bottom of the 9th--2 out & Jackie draws a walk. Campy follows w/ a line-drive HR for a Dodger 7-6 win!

Still have my ticket stub saved from my youth!

RIP Robin! You were SOME kind of pitcher!

[tedzan]

Robin was always one of the finest gentleman to see at a BB card show. While autographing the items you presented
to him, he would smile at you and have a friendly conversation.

I saw him a few months ago at the Philly Show. A huge crowd lined up to see him and get his autograph. He appeared
to be quite robust; and, looked like he could go out to the mound and pitch a few innings.

If Roberts had pitched on better teams during his career, he would have won 350 games.

This news is really stunning to me, today.


May GOD BLESS his soul and comfort his family.


TED Z

[Peter_Spaeth]

He won 286 even on those mostly bad teams. As I recall Bill James ranked him #16 of all time, well ahead of some pitchers who typically would be thought of as ranked higher.

[tbob]

With Ernie Harwell and Robin Roberts passing this week, it's a sad day for baseball, two tremendous human beings and real gentlemen.
RIP.

[greenmonster66]

I met him several times at autograph signings,class act! Great individual who always took the time out to talk with fans! RIP and God Bless him and his family!

[Chris-Counts]

Roberts was one of the all-time greats and a truly underrated pitcher. Rest in peace, Robin ...

[HRBAKER]

Saw Mr. Roberts @ the All-Star Fan Fest in St. Lou last summer. When he signed this card he asked me where the rest of it was and grinned. A real gentleman.

[joeadcock]

May God be with him and his family.

Frank

[ethicsprof]

a very sad day.
i remember watching him pitch when i was a young fella and saw him as one of my all time favorites.

my sympathy and condolences to family and friends,

barry

[mets41]

My parents got me hooked on baseball by taking me to Connie Mack Stadium in Philly for a game against the Dodgers on my 8th birthday (8/25/59). My mother opted to join my father and me because Roberts pitched for the Phillies (Roberts was her favorite). Even tho I no longer root for the Phillies I was sorry to hear of his death.

Dan

[tjb1952tjb]

Here's a stat you'll never see again: Robin Roberts won 286 games and had 305 complete games. Hard to imagine. He was truly an Iron Man. He was my dad's favorite pitcher.............RIP

[Ladder7]

Born in Illinois went out in FLA, sweetness. My goal as well... Thankyou Mister Roberts.

[DaveH]

I always liked this card of him.

[Robextend]

My dad used to say Roberts and Jim Bunning were two of the best and most underrated pitchers he ever seen.

[FrankWakefield]

Many of us found Mr. Roberts to be a kind, gracious gentleman. I believe he was that. His passing gives me pause, baseball benefits from the gentleman ballplayers. Wish there were more today. But when I'm at a park and hear the crap the kids shout at them in hopes of an autograph, then I think we are partly to blame for the present state of affairs. Partly...

I wrote Mr. Roberts nine years ago, asking for an autograph or two. I thanked him for playing the game, and how well respected he was. Told him I was a Cardinals fan, but admired his competitiveness and abilities. I asked about Curt Simmons being a team-mate, then a competitor, about how he tried to pitch to Stan Musial, and what he thought of current players. He signed one of the 2 3x5 cards I sent with an SASE, sent along the signed Induction Day card below, and took a stab at my questions on the other 3x5. I didn't ask him about his golf, but he described it nonetheless.

Baseball could do with a few more like Mr. Roberts.

Frank W.

[Rob D.]

I was fortunate to be able to talk baseball with Mr. Roberts when I was in college. It was a great experience.

[tedzan]

Frank W

Thank you for sharing your Robin Roberts story with us. Robin was a fine gentleman to meet with at Shows. His Whiz Kids
teammate, Richie Ashburn, was just as classy. Both of them would engage you in some very enthusiastic conversations.
Their autographs were always very clear and consistent.

Here are some cards of Robin and Richie from my youth. I'll never forget the 1950 BaseBall season. Everyday, I thank GOD
for being born when I was....for I saw some of the greatest BaseBall games ever played....from 1947 to 1967.

May GOD Bless Robin and comfort his family and friends.





TED Z

[Rob D.]

Wonderful cards, Ted. Thanks for sharing them.