Short Gap, Pittsburgh - David Arthur Roberts, former Pitcher for the 1979 World Series champions Pittsburgh Pirates died from Asbestos lung cancer today, after a 13 year old career with the Pirates and at the age of 64. Roberts passed away at his home, leaving behind his wife Carol and stepdaughter Kristy Rogan. Roberts had developed Asbestos lung cancer from a young age working as a boilermaker during non-season years. Roberts began his career in 1969 with the San Diego Padres and ended his career with the New York Mets in 1981 with an Earned Run Average (ERA) of 3.78. Roberts pitched for the Houston Astros between 1972 - 1975, setting a career high of 17 wins and 6 shut outs. Tal Smith, President of Astros Baseball Operations had this to say about Roberts, "Dave was the consummate pro. He averaged 35 starts and 12 wins a year for the club during his four years as an Astro, but he'll really be remembered and missed for the leadership he provided and for being such a good guy." The image on the left is of David Roberts (left) posing with Larry Dierker in a 1974 team photo with the Houston Astros.
David Roberts was born in Gallipolis, Ohio and lived in West Virginia for more than 10 years. He died at his home in Short Gap, about 120 miles to the south of Pittsburgh. Kent Tekulve, former Pirates pitcher and a teammate on the Pirates' 1979 World Series champion club had to say this about his former colleague, "There are so many players that play this game and aren't in the spotlight, but it's hard to find those like Dave who are OK with not being the star. He was the kind of player that the star players appreciated more than anything else. He took all those ugly innings. He took all those situations where we didn't have to work because he would. He was extremely durable. He didn't care that he was the 10th guy on the staff. He didn't care that he was not getting the credit. He just wanted to win."
David Roberts was born in Gallipolis, Ohio and lived in West Virginia for more than 10 years. He died at his home in Short Gap, about 120 miles to the south of Pittsburgh. Kent Tekulve, former Pirates pitcher and a teammate on the Pirates' 1979 World Series champion club had to say this about his former colleague, "There are so many players that play this game and aren't in the spotlight, but it's hard to find those like Dave who are OK with not being the star. He was the kind of player that the star players appreciated more than anything else. He took all those ugly innings. He took all those situations where we didn't have to work because he would. He was extremely durable. He didn't care that he was the 10th guy on the staff. He didn't care that he was not getting the credit. He just wanted to win."
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