"Robin Roberts, spunky Phillies' right-hander with the violent fast ball, has been sized up as a bargain among bonus players. His signature fee after leaving Michigan State was $25,000.
He started with Wilmington last year, won nine, lost one, and averaged nine strikeouts per game. He then moved up to the Phils to win 7, lose 9, and fan 84. Robin beat Cincinnati three out of three. He hits an occasional homer."
-1949 Philadelphia Bulletin Phillies
"Born September 30, 1926, in Springfield, Illinois, Robby is six feet tall and weighs 190. He throws right-handed and bats left-handed. Married, he received a $25,000 bonus to sign with the Phillies in 1948 and spent only two months in the minors. Through September 18 he had won 19 games, lost eight."
-1950 Philadelphia Inquirer Phillies
"Robin soared high in 1950, his second full major league season. In winning his 20th game on the last day of the campaign, he copped the National League pennant for Philadelphia, in a do-or-die stand against the rampaging Dodgers.
His final record was 20-11 and he tied for the league in shutouts with five. He pitched three shutouts in a row and won seven straight.
Robin signed for a big bonus. He had a 15-15 record in 1949."
-1951 Bowman No. 3 (Bowman Gum, Inc.)
"Robin's strong right arm helped the 1951 Phillies salvage some satisfaction from a season that was mostly disappointing. He chalked up a 21-15 record. He started the most games in the National League (39) and pitched the most innings (315.0). He recorded an earned run average of 3.03."
-1952 Bowman No. 4
"One of the great young pitchers in baseball. Robin worked in 44 games for the Phillies in 1951, his record was 21-15 and his earned run average was 3.03. He walked 64 men and struck out 127 in 315.0 innings.
His 20th win in 1950 came in extra innings on the last day of the season against the Dodgers and won the pennant for the Phillies."
-1952 Red Man, Red Man National League All-Star Team, No. NL-18
"The Philadelphia Phillies signed Robin for a $25,000 bonus right off the Michigan State campus. He started out in 1948 with Wilmington and was brought up to the Phils in mid-season after posting a 9-1 record. Robin won 7 games for the Phillies in '48 and had a 15-15 record in '49.
In 1950 he helped Philadelphia win the pennant, winning 20 and losing only 11. Robin hurled six shutouts in '51 and had a 2-hitter against the Pirates."
-1952 Topps No. 59
"A really great young pitcher, 1952 was Robin's third straight year in which he won at least 20. He won 28 games last year, the most for any major league pitcher. It was the first time a National Leaguer has won that many games since 1935. He started the most games, 37, and had the most complete games, 30.
Robin was signed by the Phillies for a reported bonus of $25,000."
-1953 Bowman No. 65
"A great pitcher, Robin won the most games in baseball in 1952, with 28. He also started the most games, 37; had the most complete games, 30; pitched the most innings, 330.0, and faced the most batters, 1,310. He lost only 7 and his earned run average was 2.59. This was his third straight year with 20 or more wins.
He is a graduate of Michigan State."
-1953 Red Man No. NL-11
"Robin is one of the best young pitchers in baseball. He's good to watch on the mound and he has a smooth, easy delivery. Robin's control is excellent and he's a pretty good hitting pitcher.
He tied for the most wins in the National League in 1953, with 23 after winning 28 games in '52, and also had the most starts, complete games, innings pitched and strikeouts.
During the off-season, Robin handled a local TV program in Philadelphia. He lives on a street called Robinhood Road."
-1954 Bowman No. 95
"Robin in 1953 again proved himself one of baseball's best young pitchers. He tied for most games won, 23, while losing 16. His earned run average of 2.75 was second best in the National League. He started the most games, 41; had the most complete games, 33; pitched the most innings, 337.0; struck out the most men, 198, and faced the most batters, 1,412.
Robin won 28 in 1952, 21 in 1951 and 20 in 1950."
-1954 Red Man No. NL-18
THE BEST FIELDING PLAY I'VE EVER SEEN
"The play came this year, 1954, and was made by Duke Snider of the Dodgers. They were a run ahead in the last of the 12th. We had two men on, at first and second, with two out. Willie Jones hit a long drive to left center. If the ball were to fall for a hit, we would win 6-5. Snider leaped high against the wall to win the game for Brooklyn. It was a shock to the Phillies, but I've never seen a better catch."
-Robin Roberts, 1955 Bowman No. 171
"In 1955 Robin led the National League in wins for the third time. He also topped the league in complete games for the fourth straight year. A great pitcher, he's won over 20 games every year since 1950."
-1956 Topps No. 180
"Although Robin's record in 1956 fell off a little, he ranked fourth in strikeouts and second in fewest walks. A blazing fastballer, he led the National League in victories in 1952, 1954 and 1955. Robin thrives on work, and from 1951 to 1955 hurled the most innings in the loop.
After graduating from Michigan State, Robin signed with the Phils for $25,000 in 1948- an investment that's paid off handsomely."
-1957 Topps No. 15
"Robin had trouble getting started last year. But anyone who has followed his 10-year career knows he'll be back strong this season. He has won the most games in the league three times and has five times led the circuit in innings pitched and has five times led the NL in complete games.
He was on the All-Star team in 1950, 1951, 1953, 1945 and 1955."
-1958 Topps No. 90
"The back and arm trouble that plagued Robin the past two seasons lessened in 1958. As a result he was fifth in National League earned run averages.
Robin is a Michigan State graduate."
-1959 Topps No. 352
1959 Season Highlights
-April 10: Starts 10th Opening game. Beats Reds, 2-1, on 5-hitter. Has no-hitter going until 6th inning.
-May 31: Blanks Braves on four hits.
-June 20: Has no-hitter until 7th inning in 6-3 win over Cubs.
-July 4th: Strikes out seven Braves to win, 2-1.
-August 4: Defeats Cubs with 5-hitter.
-September 6: Beats Pirates on four hits.
-September 11: Shuts out Giants with 3-hitter.
"Robin was named top National League pitcher three times."
-1960 Topps No. 264
"Robin has pitched a total of 14 innings in four different All-Star Games. He led the National League in most wins in 1952, '53, '54 and '55."
-1961 Topps No. 20
WINS 28 GAMES
Philadelphia, September 30, 1952
"The Philadelphia Phillies ace right-hander, Robin Roberts, won 28 games this season, losing only 7.
Playing with a weak team, Robin was the National League's only pitcher to win more than 20 games, winning 10 more than the runner-up.
Roberts is already equalling all-time pitching records. Here are some of the reasons he is certain to reach the Hall of Fame.
With perfect control, such as few pitchers have ever had, he seems never to tire and is always willing to work. He is seldom removed for a relief pitcher.
The gamest of players, he is tough to hit in tight spots, and usuallly improves as the game goes on. His skilled assortment of pitches has earned him the respect of top hitters like Snider, Aaron, Mays, Banks and Musial, who say, 'Robin is the best around today.' "
-1961 Nu-Scoops Extra No. 444
"Robin joins the New York Yankees this year after establishing himself as one of the top National League pitchers of all time with the Phils. The right-handed ace won 20 games for six consecutive seasons, 1950-55, picking up 28 wins in 1952.
In the minors, Robin struck out 18 batters in a game in 1948."
-1962 Topps No. 243
