You may recall my May contest, posted on May 1st, was to guess the year and player of the final "Cards from the Old Man" card. Only three people, Night Owl, madding, and omegawax guessed the right year, 1959. No one guessed the right player.
Well, here he is.
Robin Roberts died 4 days after that contest post and I didn't post anything about it. I had been thinking about him because I knew this card post was coming so it was sad to hear the news of his passing.
Robin Roberts had a very nice 19 year career. Hall of Fame nice according to the BBWAA who elected him to the Hall of Fame in 1976. Roberts pitched in 676 games, posting a 286-245 record. He had a 3.41 ERA to go along side his amazing 305 complete games (36th all-time) and 45 shutouts. He even found time to earn 25 saves along the way. He threw 4,688.2 innings, striking out 2,357 (40th all-time). Roberts won 20 or more games 6 times, including a career high of 28. He threw 300+ innings 6 times, the same 6 years he won 20 or more games. He had 20+ complete games 8 times, including a staggering 30+ complete games twice.
What a great way to end this series! I got to see Roberts two months before his passing. He looked great. I interviewed him in the early 90s when I was just getting started. It did not go well, but a young kid interviewing one of the greats of the game isn't always a great idea. You forgot to mention that he served up more longballs than anyone... I love 1959 Topps! I don't have any HOF cards myself... Very nice
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