Former big-league pitcher Dave Roberts dies at 64

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — David Arthur Roberts, a left-handed pitcher who played for eight Major League teams including the 1979 World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates, died of lung cancer Friday. He was 64.

Roberts died at his home in Short Gap, W.Va., according to his wife, Carol, and stepdaughter Kristy Rogan.

Rogan said Roberts had developed lung cancer from asbestos exposure as a young man. During offseasons, he worked as a boilermaker and was regularly exposed to the cancer-causing material.

Roberts went 103-125 with a 3.78 earned-run average in 13 seasons, beginning in 1969 with the San Diego Padres and ending in 1981 with the New York Mets. The Pirates acquired him from the San Francisco Giants in a five-player, midseason trade in 1979 that also brought Bill Madlock to Pittsburgh.

Roberts also played with the Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs and the Seattle Mariners.
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"Dave was the consummate pro," said Tal Smith, Astros president of baseball operations. "He averaged 35 starts and 12 wins a year for the club during his four years as an Astro, but he'll really be remembered and missed for the leadership he provided and for being such a good guy."

Born in Gallipolis, Ohio, he had lived in West Virginia for more than a decade. Short Gap is about 120 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

Roberts is also survived by stepdaughter Melaney Lloyd of Short Gap and three sons, Chris Roberts of Richmond, Texas; Rick Roberts of Katy, Texas; and Kyle Roberts of Cresaptown, Md. He also had seven grandchildren.

Roberts was last hospitalized about a week ago but wanted to die at home, Rogan said.

Funeral arrangements were to be announced later Friday.