Roberts completely dominant versus Braves

Decades ago, pitchers were expected to finish what they had started. The closer was rare and the set-up man even more so. The complete game was common place.

Philadelphia Phillies starter Robin Roberts defined the role of the starting pitcher. The future Hall of Famer pitcher completed 305 games in his 19-year career.

Over the course of three seasons between 1952 and 1954, Roberts pitched 13 consecutive complete games against the Braves. In that time, Roberts had a 12-1 record against his opponents from Boston and Milwaukee.

But on Aug. 24, 1954, the Milwaukee Braves finally got to the Phillies ace. The right-hander was relieved in the seventh after giving up six hits, five runs and one walk through six complete innings.

Opposing pitcher and future Hall of Famer Warren Spahn, pitched a complete game for the Braves, allowing the Phillies just one run on seven hits.

Roberts took the loss in a 5-1 defeat.

In the 13 complete games prior to the loss on Aug. 24, Roberts’ only loss came on June 12, 1954 when Braves pitcher Jim Wilson threw a no-hitter.

For the winningest pitcher in the National League from 1952 to 1955, losing was difficult – and uncommon.

“I never slept when I lost. I’d see the sun come up without ever having closed my eyes,” Roberts said. “I’d see those base hits over and over and they’d drive me crazy.”

Roberts never missed a start in the 1950s. He was one of the game’s most consistent and productive pitchers with six consecutive 20-win seasons from 1950 to 1955.

Roberts led the National League in innings pitched from 1951 to 1955 and complete games from 1952 to 1956. He was named an All-Star in seven consecutive seasons, from 1950 to 1956.

“I don’t think anyone was ever able to concentrate in a baseball game any better than I was,” Roberts said. “I stood out there in total isolation, just throwing that ball as well as I could. Nothing bothered me.”

Roberts was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Aug. 9, 1976.