#270) DAVE ROBERTS

Dave Roberts signed as a free agent with the New York Mets on January 5, 1981. It was the eighth team for the veteran left-hander who was quoted, "The way I look at it, either I'm a bum or everybody wants me."

Roberts was a member of the 1979 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates, but not as successful in New York. He made his first appearance for the Mets on April 18, 1981. Coming on in relief and finishing the seventh inning of the 5-3 loss to the Montreal Expos at Shea Stadium. Dave made a total of seven appearances, four as a starter, to gather his 15 and 1/3 innings with New York. Roberts was released by the Mets on May 27th with an 0-3 record and 9.39 ERA. The San Francisco Giants signed him to a free agent contract on June 15th, but he would not make their major-league roster.

Dave passed away in his Short Gap, West Virginia home on January 9, 2009. The 64-year old was the victim of lung cancer he developed from asbestos exposure as a young man. During offseasons, he worked as a boilermaker and was regularly exposed to the cancer-causing material. "Dave was the consummate pro," said Tal Smith, Astros president of baseball operations. "He averaged 35 starts and 12 wins a year 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."

I created the card for Dave Roberts from an autographed index card given to me by my good friend, Jessie on October 16, 2010.