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Robin RobertsRobin Roberts was one of the best major league pitchers of his era. He was born September 20, 1926 in Springfield, Illinois. He made his Major League debut on June 18, 1948 with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies "Whiz Kids" won the National League pennant in 1950. It was their first pennant in 35 years. During the final five games against the heavily favored Brooklyn Dodgers, Robin Roberts started three of them. The Phils defeated the Dodgers in the final game of the season in a ten inning thriller to win the pennant. It was Robin's 20th win of the season. He became the first Phillies pitcher to win 20 games since Grover Cleveland Alexander did it in 1917. Unfortunately the Phils lost the World Series to the New York Yankees in four staright games. Robin Roberts won 20 games each season between 1950 and 1955 and led the National League in wins from 1952 to 1955. He led the league in games started six times and complete games and innings pitched five times, and ran off a string of 28 complete games in a row. In 1952 he won 28 games which was the most wins in the National League since 1935 when Dizzy Dean won 28. Robin won the Sporting News Player Of The Year that season. Robin's best season overall was in 1953. He won 23 and lost 16. His 198 strike outs led the National League and he pitched a career high 346 2/3 innings, walking only 66 batters.His 2.75 earned run average was second to Warren Spahn's 2.10. During a game on May 13, 1954 against the Cincinnati Reds, Robin gave up a lead off home run to Bobby Adams. He then proceeded to retire the next 27 in a row for a one hitter. After the 1961 season, the Phillies sold Robin Roberts to the New York Yankees. But he was released before ever playing a regular season game. The Phillies announced that his number 36 would be retired before the 1962 season. It was and still is very unusual for a player to have his number retired while still playing. He spent 3 1/2 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles compiling a record of 42 and 36. He finished his playing career with the Houston Astros and the Chicago Cubs. He retired after the 1966 season. In 19 seasons, Robin Roberts record was 286 and 245. He finished with 2,357 strike outs, a 3.51 ERA and an unbelieveable 305 complete games. He recorded 45 shut outs and pitched 4,688 2/3 innings. He played in 676 games. Robin held the Major League record for most home runs given up, 505, until Jamie Moyer recently past him. Robin also holds the Major League record with 12 opening day starts for the same team. He is the only Major League pitcher to defeat the Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves. He is ranked number 74 on The Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players and is a member of the Philadelphia Phillies Wall Of Fame He was inducted into Baseball's Hall Of Fame in 1976. Robin Roberts past away recently on May 6, 2010. The Phillies will hang his jersey in the dug out for each home game for the rest of the 2010 season. They will also wear a "36" patch on their uniforms. Here are some of Robin Roberts stats and accomplishments: * Seven-time All-Star. (1950–56) * Five-time top 10 in MVP voting (1950, 1952–55) * Six-time 20+ game winner (1950–55) * Four-time win champion (1952–55) * Twice led the league in strikeouts (1953–54) * Led league in shutouts (1950) * Six-time league leader in games started (1950–55) * Five-time league leader in complete games(1952–56) * Five-time leaguer leader in innings pitched (1951–55) * Pitched 300+ innings six times (1950–55) * 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.
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