Phillies remember Robin Roberts

Current and former Phillies officials and players remember Hall of Famer Robin Roberts, who died this morning at age 83.

* "Robin Roberts was a Phillies treasure, a Hall of Fame pitcher and a Hall of Fame person. He will be sorely missed. Having known Robin since the late 1960s, this is a personal loss as well as one felt by the entire Phillies organization and our fans," David Montgomery, team president

* "When I think of Robin there is definitely one word that comes quickly to mind: class. He was a class act both on and off the field. He was definitely one of the most consistent quality pitchers of all time, and the way he lived his life was exemplary. Every young baseball player should should model their life after Robin," Bill Giles, team chairman.

* "Baseball and the Phillies not only lost one of the greatest pitchers the game has ever known but the Carpenter family also lost a true friend. He was my idol as I grew up with the 1950 Phillies," Ruly Carpenter, former Phillies president.

* "Robin was a true gentleman of the game, a Hall of Famer in every sense. He was so proud to be a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and served as a Hall of Fame Board member with great distinction, thoughtfulness and a fondness for the Museum's role in preserving the game and its history. Cooperstown will miss one of baseball's most compassionate and caring individuals, and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family," Jane Clark, Chairman, National Baseball Hall of Fame.

* "Robin was such a giant in baseball. Not only was he the face of the Phillies in the 1950s, but he was among the most dominant hurlers to ever step on to a pitching mound. His legacy will be his Hall of Fame career and his important role in establishing the players' association, but his hallmark was the class and dignity with which he led his life. Robin's warm heart and humorous personality made him a fan favorite and there's not a person who met him who did not become richer because of that. He was a dear friend, a frequent visitor to Cooperstown and we'll miss him very much," Jeff Idelson, President, National Baseball Hall of Fame.

* "I was saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Robin this morning. He and his late wife Mary were wonderful people. Robin will always be remembered for his Hall of Fame pitching career, but those closest to him will remember him more for his dedication to his family, the baseball players association, the Baseball Hall of Fame, and his coaching influence on young men at many levels. He was a special guy, I can't say how many times I refer to his career accomplishments as the epitome of what a pitcher should strive to be. Anyone who knew Robin, or had a chance to work with him in any way, knows what a kind man he was. Donna and I join everyone in praying for his family during this tough time," Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt.

* "I enjoyed spending time with Robbie on the golf course or at the ballpark and listening to his baseball stories. He was a walking history of the game and I will miss him dearly. My deepest sympathies go out to his family," Hall of Famer Steve Carlton.

* "Robin Roberts – a truly great all-time pitcher and Hall of Famer in baseball, but even more, truly a great human being who I will miss dearly, as will all Phillies and baseball fans across America," Senator and Hall of Famer Jim Bunning.

* "A fine gentleman – great pitcher and a personal friend – happy to know Robbie. As a pitcher, he challenged everyone," teammate Stan Lopata.

* "Greatest friend and greatest pitcher I ever saw. One in a million – well respected for his ability and as a person," teammate Bob Miller.

* "Robin was a great guy and a great pitcher. He was always interesting to talk with and a great representative of the Phillies and Major League Baseball. He loved the game and was a mentally tough guy. You could tell that by the number of complete games he pitched. You don't see those guys anymore, and probably never will," Charlie Manuel.

* "Robin was one of the only guys I have ever known to have actually played with my great-grandfather. Robin would always tell me stories about people in my family being that he was from my hometown, but especially about my grandfather and my great-grandfather. He would make it a point to tell me good things about them. That was how much of an overall good guy [Robin] was. He will definitely be missed and remembered. And being that he was from Springfield, Ill., he definitely has a special place in my heart," Jayson Werth.

* "Every time he came around the clubhouse he would start talking about pitching. He talked with me about my slider, and anything he had to say I was all ears. Another thing about Robbie was that he never talked about the way things were when he played the game. He realized that the game changed with time. I was really fortunate to be able to talk with a living legend about pitching," Brad Lidge.

* "This is very sad news. We are losing somebody who was a part of Phillies and baseball history, a real legend. Even though he had been out of the game for so long he still got a standing ovation when he was introduced to our fans. We just saw him in Spring Training and he looked fine. This is a real loss," Shane Victorino.

* "Almost every day I look at the Phillies Hall of Fame jerseys that hang in the hallway by the clubhouse. I try to appreciate what he did as a pitcher. Looking back at the impact he had on the game, it was special. He would always kid around when he came by and would be concerned about how I was and how my family was doing. I feel like I lost a friend. He bled Phillies red. He was a true Phillie top to bottom," Jamie Moyer.

* "On behalf of the members and staff of the Major League Baseball Players Association, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Robin Roberts. Known as one of the greatest pitchers of his era, Robin's legacy extends far beyond the diamond. Robin played an important role in establishing the Major League Baseball Players Association as a bona fide labor organization, by helping the players of his day understand the benefits to be gained by standing together as one. Robin and his peers had the foresight to hire Marvin Miller as the MLBPA's first executive director in 1966, a decision that has since benefitted all Major Leaguers and their families." Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Michael Weiner