Biography of Preacher Roe

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"Preacher" Elwin Charles Roe was born February 26, 1916 in Ash Flat, Arkansas, the son of Dr. C.E. and Elizabeth Ducker Roe. Graduated from high school in Viola, Arkansas and attended Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas, where he averaged 18 strikeouts per game. He was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1938. Preacher's first and only major league game with the Cardinals was August 22, 1938. Preacher Roe and Mozee Clay married on September 7, 1938 and they had two sons, Elwin C. Jr. and Tommy. Roe went on to play in the Cardinal minor league system through 1943. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1944 and was the opening day pitcher that year. In 1945 he led the National League with 148 strikeouts. What followed then were several bad years with the Pirates after being knocked unconscious while coaching a girls high school basketball game for Hardy, Arkansas.

"Why anyone would think it was a good idea to get a photo of me with a bat is beyond me."

Girls Basketball Team, Hardy, Arkansas

Branch Rickey took him into the Brooklyn Dodger family in 1948. There he became one of the greatest pitchers of the era. Losing the pennant in 1951 yet going on to make the "Pitcher of the Year" title by The Sporting News for his 22-3, National League record of .880. Pitching in 3 World Series (1949, 1952, 1953), Preacher stayed with the Dodger organization until 1954 when he bought a grocery store in West Plains, MO, and retired from baseball in a gentlemen's agreement with Brooklyn Dodger owner, Walter O'Malley.

After retirement from baseball, Preacher continued to stay active. He organized and coached youth baseball in the local Missouri area, was President of the West Plains Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club Board of Directors, and on the Methodist Church Board of Directors. After a full and eventful life, including being in the Arkansas, Missouri, and Dodger Hall of Fame, Preacher took up golfing at the age of 77.

1952 Brooklyn Dodger All Star Players