Helmar “This Great Game” Card #22 – Robin Roberts (Philadelphia Phillies)

This finely composed Helmar art card features Robin Roberts, the durable right-hander who defined postwar pitching excellence for the Philadelphia Phillies. Captured in the midst of his signature follow-through, Roberts’ form is taut with precision and balance—the embodiment of mechanical grace and fierce competitiveness. The artist’s palette of crimson, violet, and deep green perfectly evokes the era’s aesthetic, casting a warm glow that recalls twilight games at Shibe Park. The carefully modeled folds of his uniform and the subtle sheen on his glove reflect the same quiet discipline that made Roberts a master craftsman on the mound. The composition is confident yet understated—much like the man himself.

Robin Evan Roberts was born in Springfield, Illinois, in 1926 and starred at Michigan State before debuting with the Phillies in 1948. By 1950, he had become the heart of the famous “Whiz Kids,” leading the club to its first pennant in 35 years. Known for pinpoint control, unrelenting work ethic, and a fastball that seemed to gain life as the game wore on, Roberts recorded six consecutive 20-win seasons from 1950 to 1955. He completed more than 300 games over his 19-year career and was a seven-time All-Star, finishing with 286 wins and over 2,300 strikeouts. Roberts was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976, remembered not only for his extraordinary endurance but for his sportsmanship and quiet leadership both on and off the field.

Helmar’s “This Great Game” series celebrates baseball’s legends through hand-painted artistry and timeless design. Card No. 22 honors Robin Roberts—whose mastery of craft, character, and control made him one of the most respected pitchers of his generation.

Original gouache painting by Sanjay Verma.