Sports

Soaring From a Golden Eagle to the Cubs

Ethan Roberts played college baseball at Tech 2016-2018. Roberts made his way through the minor leagues and on April 4, 2022 the Chicago Cubs announced Roberts made the Opening Day roster. Photos provided.

On April 4, former Tech relief pitcher Ethan Roberts made the Opening Day roster for the Chicago Cubs, completing his journey to the major leagues.

As a junior at Tech in 2018, Roberts went 6-1 with a 2.41 ERA and had 14 saves over the span of 71 innings pitched.  He led Tech to win the division back in 2018 and was a key part of the Golden Eagles’ defense.

Jason Hinchman, Tech outfielder and first baseman, said, “He was one of the nicest players I have ever played with. We could always count on him to close the game out. He was the most dominant pitcher I have ever seen, and he was a model of consistency day in and day out.”

After the 2018 season, Roberts was drafted by the Cubs in the fourth round of the MLB Draft. Roberts made his way through the minor leagues in preparation for his chance in the majors.

In 2018, Roberts began his pro career with the Eugene Emeralds in Eugene, Oregon. His stay in Eugene was short, and in 2019 he began the year with the South Bend Cubs, a High-A team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. Roberts continued his climb in the minor leagues, and on July 7, 2019, he was promoted to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

Hinchman said, “His call up to the big leagues is well deserved. He will be a great addition to the Cubs bullpen. We can’t wait to see what he’ll do.”

Ethan Roberts played college baseball at Tech 2016-2018. Roberts made his way through the minor leagues and on April 4, 2022 the Chicago Cubs announced Roberts made the Opening Day roster. Photos provided.

As Roberts continued his climb through the minor leagues, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and all minor league baseball was canceled for the season. As sports began to return in 2021, Roberts was promoted again, this time to the Tennessee Smokies in Knoxville. This was a big move in Robert’s career because the Smokies are an AA minor league team affiliated with the Iowa Cubs, a AAA baseball team, who were one step away from the major leagues.

Another big breakthrough to the major leagues happened in October, 2021, when Roberts was activated to the AAA Iowa Cubs.

Tech baseball said in a series of tweets, “Congratulations Ethan for making his MLB and Cubs debut in the 9th inning against the Brewers! Roberts is also the program’s all-time career saves leader and single season record holder and helped lead Tech to the 2018 NCAA Oxford Regional title! Welcome to the big leagues Ethan Roberts.”

Roberts’s biggest break yet happened on November 19, 2021, when the Chicago Cubs picked up his contract from the Iowa Cubs, and Roberts finally had the opportunity to make it to the major leagues.