Roberts Was Nothing But Class

There's always the fear that meeting the actual legend can be quite different from the real man and the legend he's portrayed to be. I can't count the number of times when I've been introduced to a living legend and their boorish arrogance forced me into seeing them in a much different light as nothing but louts. Willie Mays comes to mind.

That was my fear when I first introduced myself to Robin Roberts at a public function three years ago. I never saw Roberts pitch live, since I wasn't even thought of by the time he retired. But being the child of a sports-crazy family, who like all Philadelphia sports fans who grew up during the 1930s and '40s revered the 1950 Whiz Kids, it was almost as if I knew Robby. My father told me about his many exploits, though my father's one regret as a fan was that he never got to meet Robby in person.

In my case, meeting the man surpassed the legend. Robby was gracious, a real man of the fans, embracing everyone who knew who he was and recalled his greatness. Robby carried with him an old-school, sportsman's charm, something that's sorely missing with most of today's pro athletes. You thought when meeting him, there was a reason why he was so special on the mound, why he was able to start three of the last five games in the 1950 season while lugging the Phils on his shoulders toward their first National League pennant in 35 years. Roberts possessed true character--a winning character. After basking in his glow for about 30 minutes, it's as if you knew the man his whole life. He was that secure with himself, another rare quality most pros lack today.

So when I told Robby my father was a big fan, yet never got a chance to meet him in person, the great man just nodded with a smiling grin on his face. I'm sure there are countless others across the Delaware Valley that could relate to any meeting they had with Roberts. He could always make you feel welcome, like you're not intruding on his space. When I heard Robby died today at the age of 83, it struck an emotional cord. I was pleased to hear the Phillies will be honoring Roberts the rest of the season, wearing his No. 36 on their right sleeve the rest of this season and hanging his No. 36 jersey in their dugout for both home and away games.

Three years ago, Roberts told me then he still kept track of the Phillies, knew everyone's name and watched almost every game. He touched so many lives on the field, but he also carried a significant aura off it, as a man of dignity, respect, a true legend who exuded nothing but class. As I was leaving the function some time later, I received a little tap on my shoulder. I turned and was surprised to see it was Robby. "You have a cell phone?" he asked. I said, 'Yeah," clumsily reaching around looking for it. I gave it to him and he asked for my father's number. I heard my father pick up the phone and Robby said, "Hello, sir, this is Robin Roberts ..."

Sorry to see you go, Robby. He wasn't only a Hall of Fame player--but a Hall of Fame person.

Here's what they're saying about Roberts:

"Robin Roberts was a Phillies treasure, a Hall of Fame pitcher and a Hall of Fame person. He will be sorely missed. Having known Robin since the late 1960s, this is a personal loss as well as one felt by the entire Phillies organization and our fans," David Montgomery.

[pullquote quote=""When I think of Robin there is definitely one word that comes quickly to mind: class. He was a class act both on and off the field. He was definitely one of the most consistent quality pitchers of all time, and the way he lived his life was exemplary. Every young baseball player should model their life after Robin," Bill Giles."]

"Baseball and the Phillies not only lost one of the greatest pitchers the game has ever known but the Carpenter family also lost a true friend. He was my idol as I grew up with the 1950 Phillies," Ruly Carpenter, former Phillies president.

"Robin was a true gentleman of the game, a Hall of Famer in every sense. He was so proud to be a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and served as a Hall of Fame Board member with great distinction, thoughtfulness and a fondness for the Museum's role in preserving the game and its history. Cooperstown will miss one of baseball's most compassionate and caring individuals, and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family," Jane Clark, Chairman, National Baseball Hall of Fame.

"Robin was such a giant in baseball. Not only was he the face of the Phillies in the 1950s, but he was among the most dominant hurlers to ever step on to a pitching mound. His legacy will be his Hall of Fame career and his important role in establishing the players' association, but his hallmark was the class and dignity with which he led his life. Robin's warm heart and humorous personality made him a fan favorite and there's not a person who met him who did not become richer because of that. He was a dear friend, a frequent visitor to Cooperstown and we'll miss him very much," Jeff Idelson, President, National Baseball Hall of Fame.

"I was saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Robin this morning. He and his late wife Mary were wonderful people. Robin will always be remembered for his Hall of Fame pitching career, but those closest to him will remember him more for his dedication to his family, the baseball players association, the Baseball Hall of Fame, and his coaching influence on young men at many levels. He was a special guy, I can't say how many times I refer to his career accomplishments as the epitome of what a pitcher should strive to be. Anyone who knew Robin, or had a chance to work with him in any way, knows what a kind man he was. Donna and I join everyone in praying for his family during this tough time," Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt.

"I enjoyed spending time with Robbie on the golf course or at the ballpark and listening to his baseball stories. He was a walking history of the game and I will miss him dearly. My deepest sympathies go out to his family," Hall of Famer Steve Carlton.

"Robin Roberts – a truly great all-time pitcher and Hall of Famer in baseball, but even more, truly a great human being who I will miss dearly, as will all Phillies and baseball fans across America," Senator and Hall of Famer Jim Bunning.

"A fine gentleman – great pitcher and a personal friend – happy to know Robbie. As a pitcher, he challenged everyone," teammate Stan Lopata.

"Greatest friend and greatest pitcher I ever saw. One in a million – well respected for his ability and as a person," teammate Bob Miller.

"Robin was a great guy and a great pitcher. He was always interesting to talk with and a great representative of the Phillies and Major League Baseball. He loved the game and was a mentally tough guy. You could tell that by the number of complete games he pitched. You don't see those guys anymore, and probably never will," Charlie Manuel.

"Robin was one of the only guys I have ever known to have actually played with my great-grandfather. Robin would always tell me stories about people in my family being that he was from my hometown, but especially about my grandfather and my great-grandfather. He would make it a point to tell me good things about them. That was how much of an overall good guy [Robin] was. He will definitely be missed and remembered. And being that he was from Springfield, Ill., he definitely has a special place in my heart," Jayson Werth.

"Every time he came around the clubhouse he would start talking about pitching. He talked with me about my slider, and anything he had to say I was all ears. Another thing about Robbie was that he never talked about the way things were when he played the game. He realized that the game changed with time. I was really fortunate to be able to talk with a living legend about pitching," Brad Lidge.

"This is very sad news. We are losing somebody who was a part of Phillies and baseball history, a real legend. Even though he had been out of the game for so long he still got a standing ovation when he was introduced to our fans. We just saw him in Spring Training and he looked fine. This is a real loss," Shane Victorino.

"Almost every day I look at the Phillies Hall of Fame jerseys that hang in the hallway by the clubhouse. I try to appreciate what he did as a pitcher. Looking back at the impact he had on the game, it was special. He would always kid around when he came by and would be concerned about how I was and how my family was doing. I feel like I lost a friend. He bled Phillies red. He was a true Phillie top to bottom," Jamie Moyer.