Cubs History: Robin Roberts Defeats Braves in All Three Cities
The Atlanta Braves have played in three different cities. On this day in 1966, Chicago Cubs pitcher Robin Roberts became the only pitcher to defeat the Braves when they called all three cities home.
By this time in 1966, Chicago Cubs pitcher Robin Roberts was winding down his career. The future Hall of Famer struggled in what would be his final season, posting a 5-8 record with a 4.82 ERA and a 1.446 WHiP. While Roberts still had solid command, he just was not the pitcher he had been.
That was evident in his stint with the Cubs. Signed on July 13 after being released by the Astros, he had nothing left in the tank. Over his 48.1 innings, he allowed 73 baserunners and eight homers, posting a 6.14 ERA. However, Roberts still had one last historical moment left in his right arm.
On this day in 1966, the Cubs and the Braves had played to a 2-2 draw through 12 innings. Roberts, having been demoted to the bullpen, was summoned into the game, with the hope that he would be able to turn back the clock once again. While he allowed two hits and a walk in his two innings of work, he earned what would be his final career win in the Cubs 4-2 victory. In doing so, he became the only pitcher to defeat the Braves while they called Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta home.
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Roberts almost bookended his career with victories over the Braves organization. His final victory came in his second to last game, as he made just one more appearance. On September 3, he was battered for four runs on four hits and a walk. While he remained on the Cubs roster, he would not pitch again.
Meanwhile, back in 1948, Roberts’ fourth career appearance came against the Boston Braves as part of an Independence Day double header. He threw a complete game in the second contest, allowing just two runs on ten hits and five walks to earn his third career victory. If only Roberts could have had two more outings!
Robin Roberts was still able to make history in his second to last game. On this day in 1966, the Cubs pitcher defeated the Braves, becoming the only pitcher to defeat the franchise in each of the three cities they called home.