Steve Rogers
Steve Rogers was the most successful pitcher in Montreal Expos' history, winning 158 games in 13 seasons north of the border, before an arm injury ended his career. The right-hander from Missouri was instrumental in the Expos' first post-season appearance. In Game Five of the 1981 NL Division Series against the Phillies, Rogers hurled a shutout to send Montreal to the LCS. In that series against the Dodgers, Rogers won Game Three, but lost Game Five when he allowed Rick Monday's pennant-winning homer in relief.
Played For
Montreal Expos (1973-1985)
Best Season: 1982
In addition to his 19 wins, Rogers led the National League with a 2.40 ERA, and threw four shutouts.
Where He Played
Starting pitcher, in all but six of his 399 career games.
Born
Stephen Douglas Rogers was born on October 26, 1949, in Jefferson City, MO.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: P
Primary Team: MON
College: Tulsa
Major League Debut
July 18, 1973
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1973
Dave Winfield
George Brett
Dave Parker
Brian Downing
Frank White
Bill Madlock
Frank Tanana
Steve Rogers
Randy Jones
Uniform Numbers
#45 (1973-1985)
Similar Players
Burt Hooton, Bill Doak, Bill Singer
Related Players
Rogers defeated Philadelphia ace Steve Carlton twice in the 1981 NLDS... Pete Rose collected the 3,000th hit of his career off Steve Rogers, on May 5, 1978... Rick Monday blasted a solo-homer off Rogers in the top of the ninth in Game Five of the 1981 LCS, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 win. The loss is still remembered by Montreal fans as "Blue Monday."
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1991 |
BBWAA |
0 |
% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1981 National League Division Playoffs
1981 National League Championship Series
Post-Season Notes
In four post-season games, Rogers was 3-1 with 0.97 ERA and two complete games. His only loss was in relief against Los Angeles in the 1981 NLCS. Manager Jim Fanning's decision to use Rogers in that game, on two-days rest, is still debated by Expo fans.
Transactions
June 8, 1971: Drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 1st round (4th pick) of the 1971 amateur draft (Secondary Phase); May 21, 1985: Released by the Montreal Expos; June 3, 1985: Signed as a Free Agent with the California Angels; July 2, 1985: Released by the California Angels; August 8, 1985: Signed as a Free Agent with the Chicago White Sox.
All-Star Selections
1974 NL
1978 NL
1979 NL
1982 NL
1983 NL
Replaced
Bill Stoneman, who had been a staple in the Montreal rotation for five years and was very popular.
Replaced By
A few guys slipped into the Expos' 1985 rotation in place of injured Rogers. Veteran Dan Schatzeder was one, and rookie Joe Hesketh was another.
Best Strength as a Player
Durability. For a decade (1974-1983), Rogers really didn't miss a turn in the rotation, averaging 14 wins per season.
Largest Weakness as a Player
Hitting. Rogers had ten extra-base hits in nearly 900 at-bats. However, he did drive in two runs in his Game Five NLDS win in 1981, which sent the 'Spos to the League Championship Series.
Learn More about Steve Rogers
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