The former major league outfielder spent 10 seasons in the bigs, amassing 991 total bases via hits and stealing another 243 of them. It was one base in particular, though, that made him a legend to Red Sox fans.
"That's very humbling, to have a career in the major leagues, yet be remembered so well in a baseball town like Boston for doing just one thing," Roberts said of his steal in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS, according to Sign On San Diego.
The steal, of course, came in the bottom of the ninth inning, with the Red Sox on the brink of elimination against the Yankees. Mariano Rivera threw over to first base several times, once very nearly picking off Roberts. But the speedy pinch runner, then 32 years old, got his chance and took off on the first pitch home. Jorge Posada's throw was nearly perfect, as was Derek Jeter's tag, but No. 31 was too fast.
Roberts was safe, and the Red Sox wouldn't lose another game that postseason.
"It's definitely something that I'll always remember," he said, according to the North County Times. "To be part of that group, and do it for a city that wanted it so badly and was so educated about baseball and so passionate was special.
"We're never gonna be forgotten."
That he won't, but on Monday night, he'll have another chance to be cheered by the Boston crowd, as he returns to Fenway Park as the first base coach of the Padres. It won't be Roberts' first trip back to Fenway — that came in June 2007, when he was with the Giants — but now as a coach and not a player, and after a year spent battling Hodgkin's lymphoma, the 39-year-old will be able to enjoy this trip a bit more.
"That's the only place on earth where I'm received like that," Roberts said. "Even in my hometown, around San Diego County, it's not like that. People see me in Boston — not even just in New England, but wherever there are Red Sox fans — and come up and thank me. They want to shake my hand or give me a hug. Believe me, I'm the one who feels honored."
After winning the World Series with the Red Sox in '04, the Sox traded Roberts to his hometown Padres in order to give him the well-deserved opportunity to play a starting role. He signed with the Giants in '07, but nagging injuries forced him out of the game after playing just 52 games in '08. He spent a brief time with NESN, filling in for Jerry Remy during the '09 season, and the Sox welcomed him to throw out the first pitch before a game in April '09.
Roberts was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in March 2010, and he was given a clean bill of health this February.
"It's always good to go back," Roberts told the North County Times. "When I think of Fenway or Boston, the thoughts are great. I think very fondly of the time I spent there."
The feeling in Boston is most certainly mutual.
