Dave Roberts – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dave Roberts made a name for himself in baseball history as one of the rare guys to go straight from the amateur draft to the majors. David Wayne Roberts played ten seasons in Major League Baseball from 1972 to 1982, mostly as a third baseman and catcher for the San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, and Philadelphia Phillies. His career kicked off with a lot of hype as the first overall pick in the 1972 MLB Draft, making him just the sixth player to skip the minors altogether.

Roberts’ journey through pro baseball really shows what perseverance and adaptability can look like when you’re up against inconsistent performance. He didn’t always hit well or find the perfect defensive spot, but he stuck around the majors for a full decade. His ability to play almost anywhere—every position except pitcher and shortstop with the Rangers—became his calling card.

Let’s look at Roberts’ path from Oregon college baseball to the big leagues, the ups and downs in his stats, and what he did after hanging up his cleats in 1982. His story gives us a peek into what professional baseball was like in the ‘70s and early ‘80s, when players bounced between teams more often and utility guys were a big deal for their flexibility.

Early Life and Background

David Wayne Roberts was born on February 17, 1951, right in the heart of an era when baseball had a special place in American life. His childhood and family environment really shaped his future as a professional baseball player.

Birthplace and Childhood

Roberts arrived on February 17, 1951, so he was 21 when he debuted in Major League Baseball in 1972. He didn’t come up in a traditional baseball hotbed, but he developed his athletic skills in a supportive community.

As a kid, Roberts showed off some natural athletic ability that went beyond just baseball. He tried his hand at different sports, and that helped him build the coordination and physical skills he’d need later as a pro third baseman and catcher.

The ‘50s and ‘60s were a pretty magical time for baseball in America. Roberts grew up watching legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron, and those guys inspired plenty of kids, including him, to chase baseball dreams.

Family and Upbringing

Roberts’ family played a big part in his baseball journey. His parents really backed his athletic interests and encouraged him to go after his passion for the game.

The family put a lot of value on hard work and dedication. Roberts took those lessons to heart, and they helped him stay focused as he moved from amateur to pro baseball.

Discipline and perseverance became second nature thanks to his upbringing. His family’s commitment created the steady environment he needed to succeed.

Early Interest in Baseball

Roberts fell in love with baseball early on. He spent hours practicing his swing and working on fielding, and he showed a lot of promise as both a hitter and a defender.

Local coaches saw his potential and gave him the kind of guidance that helped polish his skills. His knack for playing multiple positions, especially third base and catcher, made him a standout to scouts and coaches.

By his teens, Roberts had made a name for himself in his local baseball scene. His consistent play and versatility caught the attention of professional scouts, setting him up for the next step.

Amateur Baseball Career

Dave Roberts built up a strong reputation in amateur baseball, which led to his selection as the first overall pick in the 1972 MLB draft. His high school and college achievements, plus some international recognition, showed off the talent that made him a top prospect.

High School Athletic Achievements

Roberts went to Lebanon Union High School in Oregon, where he really started honing his baseball skills. He was more than just a baseball guy in high school, though.

He showed promise as a player who could handle multiple positions. His solid fundamentals and natural talent made college scouts take notice.

His high school performance set the stage for what came next. He was good enough to earn opportunities at the college level.

College Baseball Experience

Roberts played college ball at the University of Oregon. Those years with the Ducks were crucial for his growth as a player.

At Oregon, he sharpened his game and gained the kind of experience that helped him get ready for pro baseball.

His college career drew the attention of major league scouts. The San Diego Padres saw enough in him to make him their top pick.

Roberts’ time at Oregon gave him the foundation he needed for what was coming. His performance there led directly to his draft selection.

Key Awards and Recognitions

Roberts picked up some impressive recognition in amateur baseball before turning pro. The highlight was probably his time with Team USA in international competition.

He won a silver medal with Team USA in the 1970 Amateur World Series. That international experience really showed what he could do on a bigger stage.

The silver medal helped establish him as a top amateur player. It proved he could compete at the highest levels.

His success with Team USA, plus his college play, made him a hot draft prospect. That recognition helped lock in his status as the top pick in the 1972 draft.

All that amateur success gave him the foundation for his pro career. Competing internationally toughened him up for the challenges of major league baseball.

Professional Baseball Career

Dave Roberts played ten seasons in Major League Baseball from 1972 to 1982, mostly as a third baseman and catcher. His career started with the unique distinction of being the first overall pick in the 1972 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, and he became one of only six players to go straight from the draft to the majors.

MLB Debut and Early Seasons

Roberts made his MLB debut on June 7, 1972, just a day after the Padres drafted him. He jumped right into the second game of a doubleheader against the Pirates in the 12th inning at third base, going 0-for-3 in his first outing.

He spent most of his rookie year as the Padres’ regular third baseman. Roberts finished 1972 with a .244 batting average, five home runs, and 33 RBIs. The team shifted him to second base in mid-September after Dave Hilton came up from the minors.

His sophomore season in 1973 was tough. Roberts started as the regular second baseman but got off to a rough start, going 1-for-16 in his first five games. After hitting just .083 with no extra-base hits, he went down to Triple-A Hawaii on May 1.

Roberts bounced back in the minors, hitting .375 in 22 games. He came back to replace Hilton and put up career-high numbers at third base. In 1973, he hit .286 with 21 home runs and 64 RBIs.

San Diego Padres Tenure

Roberts’ years with the Padres were pretty up and down, with lots of position changes. In 1974, he struggled, batting just .194 in April and not hitting any home runs. Things didn’t get better in May; he hit .163.

By July 21, 1974, after batting .178 in 88 games, Roberts lost his starting job to Dave Hilton. He wrapped up the season with a .167 average and not much offense.

In 1975, Roberts started in the minors while the Padres tried Mike Ivie at third base. Roberts hit .262 with 12 homers and 71 RBIs in 121 games for Hawaii. He returned in late August and finished strong, batting .283 in 33 games.

In 1976, the Padres brought in Doug Rader from the Astros, so Roberts ended up back in the minors. The team switched him to catcher, undoing their earlier experiment with Ivie. Roberts’ offense dipped to a .249 average with 10 homers.

The Padres briefly sold Roberts’ contract to the expansion Toronto Blue Jays after the 1976 season, but then got him back in exchange for reliever Jerry Johnson. That move let Gene Tenace get more time at first base.

Houston Astros and Subsequent Teams

Roberts signed with the Houston Astros as a free agent on December 10, 1980, after two seasons with the Texas Rangers. The 1981 strike-shortened season limited his time with the Astros.

He played in just 27 of the team’s 110 games in 1981. Roberts hit .241 with one home run and five RBIs in 54 at-bats. Even with limited playing time, he stayed flexible, playing four different positions.

The Astros traded Roberts to the Phillies at the end of spring training in 1982 for a minor league pitcher. His final season played out a lot like his time in Houston, with not much action.

Roberts played only 28 games for the Phillies in 1982, picking up just six hits in 33 at-bats. He spent time on the disabled list, which really cut down on his chances to contribute. When 1983 rolled around, Roberts started on the disabled list again, and the Phillies released him on May 17 without him playing that year.

Versatility: Catcher and Infield Roles

Roberts’ adaptability really stood out during his career. With the Texas Rangers from 1979-1980, he played everywhere except shortstop and pitcher. In 1979, he got into 44 games, splitting time between the majors and Triple-A Tucson.

His 1980 season with Texas was his busiest since 1974, playing in 101 games. Roberts started 37 games at third base, 33 at shortstop, 22 at catcher, five in right field, and four each at first and second base.

Career Position Summary:

• Primary positions: Third base, Catcher
• Secondary positions: First base, Second base, Shortstop, Right field, Center field, Left field
• Never played: Pitcher

Roberts’ defensive flexibility let teams use him as a utility player late in his career. That versatility kept him on the field even when his bat cooled off. He batted .238 with 10 homers in 1980, hitting double digits in home runs for the first time since 1973.

He finished with career stats of a .239 batting average, 49 home runs, and 208 RBIs over ten seasons. Roberts put up these numbers while playing for four teams and handling a ton of different positions.

Career Highlights and Stats

Dave Roberts put together an 11-season career in Major League Baseball from 1972 to 1982, hitting .239 with 49 home runs and 208 RBIs in 709 games. He played both third base and catcher, which made him a real asset to four different teams over his career.

Notable Games and Stellar Performances

Roberts showed off his defensive skills mainly at third base and behind the plate. His ability to cover multiple positions made him a go-to guy for his teams when rosters got tight or late-inning situations popped up.

He showed some power in his middle years, hitting 49 career home runs, but people mostly knew him for his glove. His longest run came with the San Diego Padres, where he built his reputation as a reliable defender.

Roberts also spent time with the Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Key Career Statistics: ERA, WAR, and More

Roberts played in 709 games over 11 seasons, collecting 208 RBIs and 194 runs scored. His .239 batting average reflects his role as more of a glove-first player.

He picked up 483 career hits and managed to keep his strikeouts in check for the era. His 49 home runs came steadily, not in big bursts, but he always had some pop.

His defensive value across so many positions gave him more worth than his offensive numbers alone.

Awards and Achievements

Roberts’ biggest achievement was sticking around in Major League Baseball for 11 seasons during a pretty competitive time. Playing for four teams showed that he brought value wherever he went.

His defensive versatility kept him in the lineup. Roberts could handle third base and catching duties, and that made him a useful piece for multiple teams.

He played in both the American League and National League, which gave him experience with different styles of play.

Retirement and Life After Baseball

Dave Roberts wrapped up his playing days in 1982 after injuries and limited time with the Phillies made it tough to keep going. After he retired, he moved into coaching and baseball operations, staying connected to the sport that shaped his life.

Transition to Retirement in 1982

Roberts faced a tough final season in 1982, dealing with nagging injuries that just wouldn’t let up. He managed to get into only 28 games for the Phillies and picked up 6 hits in 33 at-bats.

His injury issues lingered into 1983. He actually started that year on the disabled list, and the Phillies let him go on May 17, 1983, without him playing a single game that season. That move officially ended his ten-year MLB run.

The shift from being an active player to suddenly retiring felt abrupt. For a decade, Roberts bounced between teams and roles, proving himself as both an infielder and a catcher.

He wrapped up his career with a .239 batting average, 49 home runs, and 208 RBIs, playing for four different teams.

After hanging up his cleats, Roberts landed a job with the San Diego Padres in their baseball operations department. This gig kept him in the game and let him put his playing experience to work behind the scenes.

Coaching and Mentoring Roles

Roberts tried his hand at managing right after his playing days. In 1984, he took over the Eugene Emeralds in the Northwest League, a Royals farm club.

Managing wasn’t easy. The Emeralds finished a rough season at 19-55, the worst record in the league that year.

That tough start ended up being his only shot at managing a pro team. Later, Roberts joined the Cleveland Indians as their first base coach in 1987.

That coaching job gave him a chance to see the game from the dugout and pass on what he knew to the players. Even though his time coaching was short, Roberts brought a lot to the table, especially with his experience playing different positions.

He mentored younger players during his coaching stints, drawing on his own journey as a versatile utility player.

Community Involvement

Roberts stuck close to his Oregon roots after retiring. People in the state recognized his contributions to both baseball and the community, honoring him with induction into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.

That honor celebrated not just his pro career but also his impact on Oregon sports. He went to Corvallis High School and the University of Oregon before becoming the first overall pick in the 1972 MLB Draft.

Later in life, Roberts faced a tough diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in May 2010. While undergoing chemotherapy, he kept working with the Padres’ baseball operations department.

His fight against cancer showed the same grit he displayed during his playing days. Roberts’ varied experience with different teams and roles gave him unique insight for his post-retirement work in baseball and his efforts in the community.

Financial Overview and Net Worth

Dave Roberts managed to build a solid financial foundation during his ten years in the majors, from 1972 to 1982. Most of his earnings came from player contracts with four MLB teams, and he made some modest investments after retiring.

Career Earnings

Roberts brought in his income through contracts with the Padres, Rangers, Astros, and Phillies. Back in the 1970s and early ’80s, salaries in baseball were nowhere near what they are today.

Most players in Roberts’ shoes earned somewhere between $40,000 and $200,000 a year. As a utility guy covering third base and catcher, he probably landed in the lower or middle part of that range.

He spent most of his career with the Padres. The Padres, being a smaller market team, usually handed out modest contracts compared to the big franchises.

Roberts’ decade in the majors gave him steady paychecks before the free agency era really changed the game. Players back then leaned on loyalty to teams and slow salary bumps, not huge contract negotiations.

Net Worth Assessment

Trying to pin down Roberts’ exact net worth isn’t easy, since financial records from the ’70s and ’80s are pretty limited. He likely built his wealth by saving carefully, as many players from that era did.

Unlike today’s stars who rake in millions, Roberts relied on managing his money well. His long career gave him more stability than plenty of players who didn’t last as long.

Endorsement deals weren’t common for utility players back then, so his main income came from playing contracts. Most guys like Roberts focused on staying in the game as long as possible, not cashing in on single seasons.

His net worth would seem modest by today’s standards, but it was respectable for a working pro at the time.

Post-Retirement Investments

After retiring in 1982, Roberts probably chose traditional investment paths, like real estate or small businesses, or took on coaching gigs. That was pretty common among former athletes from his generation.

The pension benefits for players in the ‘70s were limited, so Roberts had to think ahead about financial security. MLB’s pension system back then just wasn’t as generous as it is now.

A lot of former players stayed in baseball through coaching, scouting, or front office jobs, which helped supplement their income. These roles also let them stay involved in the sport they loved.

Since he didn’t have access to the lucrative investment opportunities that today’s athletes do, Roberts’ post-retirement finances probably grew steadily, following the conservative habits of his era.

Legacy and Impact

Dave Roberts earned a unique spot in baseball history as one of just six players to jump straight from the amateur draft to the majors, skipping the minors entirely. His ability to handle both third base and catcher, plus his perseverance through the ups and downs, left a mark on teammates and the organizations he worked with.

Influence on the Sport

Roberts made headlines on June 7, 1972, when he became only the sixth player to go straight from the draft to the majors. The Padres clearly saw something special in their number one overall pick out of the University of Oregon.

He set an example for utility players with his defensive versatility. While with the Texas Rangers, Roberts played every position except shortstop and pitcher, helping teams juggle their rosters more easily.

Roberts found himself in the middle of a near-historic moment, too. He was at third base when Steve Arlin came within one out of a no-hitter against the Phillies on July 18, 1973. The single that broke it up bounced right over Roberts’ head, turning into a bit of Padres lore.

His .239 career batting average, along with 49 home runs and 208 RBIs over ten seasons, shows just how tough it is for players who skip minor league development.

Fan and Peer Recognition

Roberts earned respect from teammates and coaches for his work ethic and willingness to adapt. He even learned to catch after starting as a third baseman, just to stick around in pro ball.

The baseball world took note of his unique achievement in going straight to the majors, putting him in a pretty exclusive group alongside guys like Dave Winfield and Bob Horner.

Fans appreciated how he never gave up, even after being sent down to Triple-A several times. Roberts just kept grinding, determined to stick in the big leagues.

After playing, Roberts managed the Eugene Emeralds for a season in 1984 and coached first base for the Indians in 1987. These jobs showed people in the game still valued his baseball smarts.

Hall of Fame Consideration

Roberts’ career stats and achievements just don’t stack up for Hall of Fame consideration. He finished with a .239 career batting average and 49 home runs, which are solid numbers, but honestly, they’re not exactly eye-popping for his era.

The Baseball Hall of Fame hasn’t ever given Roberts a serious look for induction. Sure, he went straight from the draft to the majors, and that’s a cool bit of history, but let’s be real—it’s not enough for Cooperstown.

Oregon, though, did give him some love. In 1994, they inducted Roberts into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. That honor really highlighted his place as one of the most successful pro baseball players to come out of the state.

Roberts’ legacy feels more about his perseverance and that unusual path to the big leagues. He stands as the kind of journeyman player who squeezed every bit out of his opportunities, even when things didn’t come easy.