Philadelphia Phillies: 50 greatest players of all-time

There is a strong case for Robin Roberts to be the best pitcher in franchise history, but he barely missed out to No. 2. Still, Roberts had an impressive career and holds a significant place in franchise history.

Born in 1926, Roberts joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1948, starting a historic 14-year tenure with the club. During this time, Roberts pitched in 529 games, starting 472. He threw 272 complete games, 35 shutouts, and had a 234-199 record. Roberts finished his time as a Phillie with a 3.46 ERA, 1.171 WHIP and 2.61 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Roberts’ prime came from 1950 to 1956, when he was selected in seven-straight All-Star games. He received MVP votes every year, but never received a Cy Young vote, as it wasn’t introduced until 1956. In this time, Roberts won 157 games, struck out 1,121 batters, walked 396, and posted a 3.13.

Throughout his career, Roberts led the league in starts six times, strikeout-to-walk ratio, innings pitched and complete games five times, wins and walks per nine innings four times, strikeouts twice and WHIP and shutouts once. He led the league in wins above replacement six times as well, although they obviously didn’t know that until now.

In franchise history, Roberts ranks first in pitching wins above replacement, innings pitched, complete games and appearances, second in wins and strikeouts, and 10th in strikeout-to-walk ratio. He is one of only five former players to have his number retired by the team.

Roberts was voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976, reaching the 75 percent threshold in his fourth year of eligibility.