MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Former Houston Astros pitcher David
Arthur Roberts died today of lung cancer.
Roberts was 64. He died at home in Short Gap, W.Va.
His family says they believe Roberts developed lung cancer from
asbestos exposure as a young man when he worked, during the off
seasons, as a boilermaker.
Astros president of baseball operations Tal Smith says Roberts
was a "consummate pro" who averaged 35 starts and 12 wins a year
for the club during his four years with Houston.
Smith says Roberts will really be remembered and missed for the
leadership he provided and for being "such a good guy."
Roberts had a 12-year career in the majors, beginning in 1969
with the San Diego Padres and ending in 1981 with the New York
Mets.
In between, he played with the Pirates, Astros, Detroit Tigers,
Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants and the Seattle Mariners.