.jpg) Roberts with theCotuit Kettleers in 2019 | |
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1950-03-01)March 1, 1950 (age 75) Asheville, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1970–1972 | North Carolina |
| Position(s) | Catcher |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1978–1998 | North Carolina |
| 1999 | UNC Asheville |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 780–428–3 (.645) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
| All-Atlantic Coast Conference (1970–1972) | |
Thomas Michael Roberts (born March 1, 1950) is a former Americanprofessional baseball player andcollege baseballcoach. He played for theNorth Carolina Tar Heels from 1970 through 1972, and then inMinor League Baseball in 1972 and 1973. He returned to the Tar Heels as their coach, serving in the role from 1978 through 1998. His son,Brian Roberts, playedMajor League Baseball.
Roberts attendedDobyns-Bennett High School inKingsport, Tennessee, and theUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At North Carolina, he playedcollege baseball for theNorth Carolina Tar Heels baseball team as acatcher. A member of the Tar Heels from 1970 through 1972, Roberts was named All-Atlantic Coast Conference in all three seasons.[1]
TheKansas City Royals selected Roberts in the 34th round of the1972 MLB Draft. He played for the Royals' organization inMinor League Baseball in 1972 for theBillings Mustangs of theRookie-levelPioneer League,[2] and in 1973 for theWaterloo Royals of theClass AMidwest League.[3]
Roberts became thehead coach of the Tar Heels in 1978, and held the position through 1998.[1][4] Roberts then coached for theUNC Asheville Bulldogs for one season.
In 1984 and again in 2000, Roberts managed theWareham Gatemen, acollegiate summer baseball team in the prestigiousCape Cod Baseball League (CCBL). In 2004, he returned to the CCBL to become manager of theCotuit Kettleers.[5] Roberts has led the Kettleers to league championship titles in 2010, 2013, and 2019, and has managed several future major leaguers at Cotuit such asYan Gomes,Charlie Blackmon, andBradley Zimmer.[6]
Roberts' son,Brian Roberts, played for him on the Tar Heels and went on to play inMajor League Baseball.[7]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
