Steve Rogers – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Steve Rogers played all 13 of his MLB seasons with the Montreal Expos. He became one of the most accomplished pitchers in franchise history and retired in 1985.

The right-handed pitcher from Missouri built a remarkable career. He earned five All-Star selections, won an ERA title, and still holds the record as the winningest pitcher in Expos history with 158 victories.

Rogers led the National League in earned run average in 1982 with a 2.40 mark and won a career-high 19 games. That season really cemented him as one of baseball’s elite pitchers in the early 1980s.

He went from being a petroleum engineering graduate at the University of Tulsa to the ace of Montreal’s rotation. That journey stands out as one of the more compelling career arcs in baseball during the 1970s and 1980s.

From his fairy tale rookie season in 1973 to his final appearance in 1985, Rogers saw it all in professional baseball. He faced playoff heartbreak, collected individual accolades, and eventually dealt with the physical toll that ended his career.

His story covers early struggles, peak years, and a lasting impact on the Expos organization. That impact even stretched beyond his playing days.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Stephen Douglas Rogers was born on October 26, 1949, in Jefferson City, Missouri. His parents had ambitious family plans that, well, didn’t quite pan out as expected.

His baseball journey started modestly in high school but really took off at the University of Tulsa. There, he helped lead his team to multiple College World Series appearances and earned All-American honors.

He got selected fourth overall in the 1971 amateur draft after his college career.

Family Background and Upbringing

Stephen Douglas Rogers arrived as the eldest of six kids in Jefferson City, Missouri. His dad, Doug Rogers, worked as a dentist, and his mom Connie managed the busy household.

The Rogers family tried to plan their children’s arrivals, but reality didn’t exactly cooperate. They had three children by the time they’d hoped to have just one.

“Planning wasn’t their forte, let’s put it that way,” Rogers once joked about his parents’ approach. Despite the bigger family, Steve grew up with a stable foundation.

Growing up in Jefferson City, Rogers soaked up Missouri’s rich baseball culture. The area had a reputation for producing baseball talent, which definitely helped his development.

High School Baseball Journey

Rogers’ high school baseball career got off to a slow start. He didn’t even make the team until his junior year.

That year, he saw very little action. He pitched in only two games, so he barely got any varsity experience.

His senior year went much better. Rogers became a key pitcher for his team and helped them make a deep playoff run.

The team reached the semi-finals of the state high school championship tournament. Rogers pitched well throughout the playoffs, but his team lost a tough 2-0 game in the semi-finals to Jerry Reuss, who later pitched in the majors.

That strong senior season put Rogers on the radar for professional scouts. Tom Greenwade, the legendary Yankees scout who signed Mickey Mantle, started following Rogers closely.

University of Tulsa and College World Series Appearances

The Yankees picked Rogers in the 67th round of the 1967 draft, but his dad and Greenwade agreed he wasn’t ready for pro ball yet.

“Rookie ball would have chewed me up and spit me out,” Rogers admitted later. Greenwade suggested Rogers to Gene Shell, the baseball coach at the University of Tulsa.

Shell didn’t feel convinced at first. After seeing Rogers pitch poorly in an American Legion game, Shell even called Greenwade to question his recommendation.

Despite those doubts, Rogers enrolled at the University of Tulsa in fall 1967. He grew three inches after his freshman year, which definitely helped.

The University of Tulsa baseball team was loaded with talent during Rogers’ years. In his sophomore season (1969), the team reached the championship game of the College World Series.

Rogers’ senior year in 1971 brought even more success. The team advanced to the College World Series semi-finals, and Rogers earned All-American honors.

He graduated with a degree in petroleum engineering, balancing academics and athletics.

1971 Amateur Draft Selection

Rogers’ college success made him a hot prospect for the 1971 amateur draft. His size, talent, and experience appealed to several MLB teams.

The Montreal Expos picked Rogers fourth overall in the secondary phase of the 1971 amateur draft. That high selection showed the team’s belief in his potential.

The Expos sent Rogers to their Triple-A affiliate, the Winnipeg Whips of the International League. Most college players started in lower minor league levels, so this was a bit unusual.

Rogers felt disappointed by the minor league assignment. He thought he was ready for the big leagues right away after college.

But he got a reality check when he faced the powerhouse Rochester Red Wings. Their lineup included future major leaguers Don Baylor, Al Bumbry, and Bobby Grich.

“They pinned my ears back and said, ‘Son, you got a ways to go,'” Rogers recalled about those first pro games.

Major League Debut and Immediate Impact

Steve Rogers debuted in Major League Baseball on July 18, 1973, against the Houston Astros. He quickly made a name for himself as a strong pitcher for the Montreal Expos.

His outstanding rookie season earned him recognition as one of the National League’s top newcomers.

MLB Call-Up and First Game

The Montreal Expos chose Rogers in the first round of the 1971 MLB draft, fourth overall. After some time in the minors, he finally got called up in July 1973.

Rogers made his debut on July 18, 1973, facing the Houston Astros at the Astrodome. He pitched eight solid innings, allowing just two runs on four hits, striking out two, and walking three.

He didn’t get the decision in that first game, but the Expos won 3-2 in extra innings. Rogers impressed right away.

Just eight days later, Rogers picked up his first career win at Veterans Stadium against the Philadelphia Phillies. He threw a one-hitter, struck out three, and walked only one in a complete 4-0 victory.

Rookie Achievements and Topps All-Star Rookie Honors

Rogers’ 1973 rookie season was fantastic in several categories. He finished with a 10-5 record and a terrific 1.54 ERA in 17 games and 134 innings.

He completed seven games that year. Rogers struck out 64 and walked 49, showing pretty good command for a rookie.

He finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, just behind Gary Matthews. Even though he didn’t win, he still earned plenty of recognition.

Key 1973 Statistics:

• Record: 10-5
• ERA: 1.54
• Games: 17
• Innings: 134
• Complete Games: 7

Rogers shared the Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award with Gary Matthews. That honor highlighted his immediate impact.

Transition to the Montreal Expos’ Rotation

After his strong debut, Rogers became a key part of the Expos’ starting rotation. The team saw his potential and started building their pitching staff around him.

He transitioned smoothly to a full-time starter. That rookie performance showed he could handle regular major league competition.

The Expos gave Rogers more responsibility in the following seasons. His debut year set the stage for a 13-year career spent entirely in Montreal.

Rogers’ immediate impact helped stabilize the Expos’ rotation in the mid-1970s. His ability to throw strikes and complete games made him valuable as the franchise tried to become a contender.

That 1973 season really marked the start of his rise as one of the National League’s most consistent starters. His rookie achievements proved he belonged among the game’s elite pitchers.

Career Highlights and Peak Seasons

Steve Rogers became the winningest pitcher in Expos history and led the National League in several categories. His peak years in the early 1980s made him one of the league’s dominant starters, with multiple All-Star selections and an ERA title.

Becoming Expos’ Ace and Franchise Records

Rogers served as the ace of the Montreal Expos throughout his entire career. He holds the franchise record for most wins by a pitcher, with 158 victories and 152 losses.

He consistently delivered. Rogers reached double-digit wins in 10 of his first 11 seasons.

From 1974 to 1985, the right-hander averaged 14 wins per year. He made nine Opening Day starts for the Expos, including eight in a row from 1976 to 1983.

Rogers showed impressive durability. He threw 129 complete games and 37 shutouts in 399 career appearances.

He pitched 2,837.2 innings and struck out 1,621 batters. His career ERA of 3.17 shows how well he limited runs.

No other player with at least a ten-year career spent their entire time with the Expos franchise.

All-Star Selections and ERA Leader Seasons

Rogers earned five NL All-Star selections between 1974 and 1983. His most memorable All-Star moment came in 1982 when he pitched the first three innings at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.

That 1982 season was his best. Rogers finished 19-8 with a 2.40 ERA, leading all National League pitchers and earning the ERA title.

He threw four shutouts that year and notched 179 strikeouts with only 65 walks. That season also brought his first career Opening Day win, a complete-game shutout against Philadelphia.

In 1983, Rogers led the National League in shutouts with five, matching his career high from 1979.

He played a big role during the Expos’ playoff run in 1981. Rogers posted a 0.97 ERA in four postseason games, going 3-1 with two complete games.

His peak seasons from 1978 to 1982 really established Rogers as one of the National League’s best pitchers.

Postseason Achievements and Playoff Legacy

Steve Rogers delivered his best stuff on baseball’s biggest stage. He finished with a 3-1 record and a 0.98 ERA in four postseason appearances.

His finest moment came in the 1981 playoffs, when he led the Montreal Expos to their first and only LCS appearance. Unfortunately, they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a heartbreaking finish.

1981 Playoff Run and LCS Performance

Rogers dominated during the 1981 postseason, helping Montreal reach its greatest heights. He struck out 11 batters and allowed just three earned runs in 27.2 playoff innings.

He threw two complete games and one shutout in those playoffs. His 0.98 ERA showed how he elevated his game when the pressure was on.

Rogers anchored the Expos through their division series win. His consistent pitching gave Montreal the boost they needed to reach the National League Championship Series for the first time.

Fans saw why many considered him one of the National League’s premier pitchers in the early 1980s.

Iconic Matchups and Rick Monday Home Run

The 1981 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers featured Rogers in one of baseball’s most unforgettable moments. He pitched well throughout the series, keeping the Expos in the fight against the eventual World Series champs.

Rogers’ most famous playoff moment came in Game 5 of the NLCS. He pitched eight scoreless innings, giving Montreal a real shot at the World Series.

Rick Monday’s home run in the ninth inning off Rogers became legendary in Dodgers history. That shot sent L.A. to the World Series and ended Montreal’s dreams.

Even with that tough ending, Rogers’ playoff legacy stayed strong. His postseason numbers still rank among the best for pitchers with multiple playoff appearances.

Later Years and Retirement

Steve Rogers spent his final years in professional baseball battling shoulder injuries. These injuries really affected his performance, and the Montreal Expos released him in May 1985.

He tried to keep playing with two other teams, but he ended up retiring that same year. Rogers had spent all 13 seasons of his career with Montreal.

Final Seasons with the Expos

Rogers went through a tough decline in his last seasons with Montreal. He led the National League in ERA (2.40) and won a career-high 19 games in 1982, but after that, shoulder problems slowed him down.

In 1983, Rogers still showed flashes of his old self. He put together a solid 17-12 record and reminded everyone why he’d been a five-time All-Star.

But 1984 really marked the beginning of the end. Dealing with a bad shoulder, the veteran right-hander struggled through a rough season. He finished with just a 6-15 record and didn’t look like the same pitcher on the mound.

All those innings over the years started to catch up with him. His shoulder issues got worse, and he just couldn’t pitch at the same level anymore.

By 1985, Rogers’ condition had declined a lot. He pitched in only eight games for the Expos and posted a 5.68 ERA. After more than a decade with the team, the Expos let him go on May 21, 1985.

Brief Stints with Angels and White Sox

After leaving Montreal, Rogers tried to keep his career alive with other teams. The California Angels picked him up while he hoped to prove his arm could still handle the workload.

Rogers made the Angels roster, but he never got into a game. His shoulder just wouldn’t let him contribute.

The Chicago White Sox also gave him a shot. He signed with Chicago, but again, his injuries kept him from pitching.

These short stints really showed how serious his physical problems had become. The injuries that slowed him down in Montreal followed him everywhere.

Decision Against Astros Trade and End of Playing Career

Rogers didn’t finish his career with any dramatic trades or last-minute team changes. Unlike some players who chase a championship with different teams, he stuck with Montreal for his whole career.

He realized he couldn’t help the Angels or White Sox, and that meant it was time to retire.

Rogers called it a career in 1985. He finished with a record of 158-152 and a 3.17 ERA over 2,837.2 innings. His 1,621 strikeouts speak to more than a decade of high-level pitching.

The move from active player to retirement closed a major chapter for Rogers. He stands out as the only player with a ten-year or longer career who spent the whole time with the Expos.

Post-Playing Career and Legacy

After retiring from Major League Baseball in 1985, Rogers took on a consulting job with the Major League Baseball Players Association. He leaned on his time as a player representative. The Montreal Expos and baseball historians still recognize his major impact as the franchise’s top pitcher.

Transition to MLBPA and Front Office Roles

After retirement, Rogers ran into financial trouble when his real estate venture struggled in oil-dependent Tulsa. His experience as a team representative during his playing days ended up helping him out in 1987, when the Major League Baseball Players Association reached out.

The MLBPA brought Rogers on as a consultant to work on pension issues. Since he’d been active in union activities and negotiations as a player, he fit the role well.

This consulting gig gave Rogers some financial stability after baseball. He understood both the players’ and management’s sides, so he became a real asset to MLBPA operations.

The job let him stay close to baseball and use his experience to help other players.

Honors, Franchise Recognition, and Lasting Impact

Rogers really stands out in Expos history as the only player with at least a ten-year career who stuck with Montreal the whole way. He finished with a 158-152 career record, picked up five NL All-Star selections, and grabbed the 1982 National League ERA title with a sharp 2.40 mark.

His legacy isn’t just about stats, though. Rogers still leads the franchise in several pitching categories from his 13 seasons.

He pitched during the Expos’ most exciting years in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Those were the moments fans still talk about.

Rogers also helped Major League Baseball by mentoring younger players. He often acted as a go-between for management and players.

After retiring, he worked with the MLBPA, showing he cared about the sport and player welfare long after his playing days ended.