Covering the Bases: Brian Roberts

Brian Roberts was born October 9, 1977, in Durham, North Carolina. He’s the son of former UNC head baseball coach Mike Roberts. Roberts grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina which is where he wound end up staying to play college baseball under his father at UNC.

Roberts had an outstanding freshman season at UNC where he hit .427, with 102 hits, 24 doubles, 47 SB. His sophomore season he lead all of college baseball with 63 steals. He was named to the NCBWA 1st Team, The Sporting News 2nd Team and the Collegiate Baseball 2nd Team.

His father got fired from UNC before his junior season started. Due to Mike Roberts departure, Roberts decided transfer to USC (University South Carolina) under head coach Ray Tanner. Roberts carried over his dominance from the ACC to the SEC. To this day, he still owns the all time steals record in a season with 67.

In 1999 Roberts was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Orioles. After he was drafted Roberts was sent to Single A Delmarva where he batted .240 in 47 games. Next season Roberts started the year in the Gulf Coast League, however, it was a short stay. He was than called up to Fredrick and batted .301 in 48 games.

Brian Roberts made his MLB debut in 2001 and in 75 games batted .253 with Orioles. Over the next few seasons he made appearances with the Orioles, but obviously couldn’t take over the full-time second-base job due to Jerry Hairston, Jr. During spring training in 2004, Hairston fractured his finger, which put Roberts on the opening day roster. Roberts has held the full-time 2nd base position ever since.

The switch hitting 2nd baseman is the longest tenured Oriole on the team. He has been our most consistent player throughout the years offensively and defensively. His hard work and loyalty to the organization has earned him a long term contract that secures him through the 2014 season.