Steve Rogers

Stephen Douglas Rogers (born October 26, 1949) is an American former professional baseball starting pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Montreal Expos from 1973 to 1985. Rogers led MLB in earned run average in 1982 and was a five-time MLB All-Star. Early life Rogers was born in Jefferson City, Missouri, and raised in Springfield to Doug and Connie Rogers, the former being a dentist. He pitched for his high school team in junior year and senior year, pitching them to the state championship tournament semifinals in the latter year. Rogers was scouted by Tom Greenwade of the New York Yankees, who drafted him in the 67th round of the 1967 draft. However, Rogers' father told the scout that his son was not ready, which led to Greenwade recommending Rogers to Gene Shell, coach of the University of Tulsa. During Rogers' sophomore year, the team made it to the College World Series title game, losing 10–1 to Arizona State. Rogers was named to the all-tournament team at the 1971 College World Series. While at the University of Tulsa he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Rogers graduated with a degree in petroleum engineering. Major League career The Montreal Expos selected Rogers in the first round, with the fourth overall selection, of the 1971 MLB draft. Rogers made his debut on July 18, 1973, against the Houston Astros at the Astrodome. He threw eight innings while allowing two runs on four hits, with three walks and two strikeouts. Although Rogers received a no decision, the Expos prevailed 3–2 in the tenth inning. Eight days later, he received his first career win at Veterans Stadium, against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching a one-hitter while striking out three and walking one in the 4–0 win. That year, Rogers went 10–5 with a 1.54 ERA in 17 games and 134 innings of work, having seven complete games, 64 strikeouts and 49 walks. He finished 2nd in the National League Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award voting that year to Gary Matthews. Alongside Matthews, he was awarded the Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award for that season. For 1974, Rogers had an up-and-down year. He started the season well, winning his first three starts and going 7–2 at one point, but he subsequently lost his next six games, with his ERA rising above four by the time May was over. By the time of his last start before the All-Star Game on July 23, he was 10–11.