Robin Roberts was a true workhorse. The majors’ leader in complete games during the 1950s, he led the Senior Circuit in the category every year from 1952 through 1956. He also put together a streak that will never again be seen. From August 28, 1952 until July 3, 1953 he completed 28 consecutive starts.

In the third game of his streak, Roberts threw all 17 innings of a 7-6 September 6 win over the Boston Braves. Five days later he went the distance against Cardinals. In the final 30 days of the ’52 season, Roberts logged 80 innings across eight starts, completing and winning them all. He finished the year with a career-high 28 wins to go along with a stingy 2.59 ERA – the lowest of his career.

In ’53 Roberts was even better. He continued the streak of consecutive complete games by finishing his first 20 starts.

Then on July 9th a quintet of Brooklyn Dodger Hall of Famers got to him. Roberts began the game three scoreless innings, before surrendering a two-run homer to catcher Roy Campanella in the fourth. Shortstop Pee Wee Reese tacked on another Dodger run with an RBI single in the 5th.

Roberts regained control in the next two frames, holding Brooklyn scoreless. Then in the 8th, things fell apart.

Reese opened with a line drive single to left. Duke Snider doubled him to third before Jackie Robinson’s sacrifice fly drove Reese home. Gil Hodges‘ tripled to left-center to score Snider, tie the game, and knock Roberts out of the box. With that, the complete game streak ended after 28 starts.

Roberts rebounded by going the distance in each of his next four starts and six of his next seven. He finished ’53 with league-leading and career-best numbers in starts (41), innings (346 2/3), complete games (33), and WAR (9.8).

By the time Roberts hung up his spikes in 1966 he owned 305 complete games. Among big leaguers who debuted since 1925, only Warren Spahn has more.

In discussions about the best pitchers of the 1950s, the Braves lefthander often overshadows Roberts. Spahn had 20 or more wins in eight of the decade’s ten seasons and an MLB-leading 202 victories during that span.

Roberts wasn’t far behind with six 20-win campaigns and 199 victories of his own. The Philadelphia ace bested Spahn in WAR and had the most of any National Leaguer, position players included. Only the great Mickey Mantle had a higher figure. 

Often overlooked, Robin Roberts deserves recognition among baseball’s greatest pitchers. His career remains unforgettable.

Reach Jim Smiley, the author of this story at CooperstownExpert@gmail.com

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