A major league pitcher who played for the 1979 World Series Champion Pittsburg Pirates died of mesothelioma cancer recently.
Family members said Dave Roberts was exposed to asbestos while working as a boilermaker during off seasons as a young man. As a result of the asbestos exposure, he developed mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a very aggressive form of lung cancer, which can involve the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. Generally the effects of asbestos exposure aren’t seen until decades later. It is usually fatal within 18 months of diagnosis.
Roberts was a lefty with a 13-year career in the majors. Between 1969 and 1981, he played for a total of eight teams, including the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers. Roberts went 103-125 with a 3.78 ERA.
Roberts died at his home in Short Gap, Pen. He was 64.
Tags: Asbestos, asbestos exposure, Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma, mesothelioma cancer