TAMPA - Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and former University of South Florida baseball coach Robin Roberts passed away May 5 at his home.

"Today is a sad day for the entire USF family and we send our deepest condolences to his relatives and family," said USF Director of Athletics Doug Woolard.  "In his honor, our baseball program will celebrate Robin and his phenomenal contributions to America's pastime next weekend during our final homestand against UConn."

One of baseball's greatest pitchers, Roberts became USF's head coach in November of 1976. He was 262-240-2 in a nine-year span that began with the 1977 season and ended with the 1985 campaign. Roberts was selected Sun Belt Coach of the Year four times - 1978, 1980, 1981 and 1982. The former Philadelphia Phillie directed USF to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1982 and won a pair of Sun Belt Conference Championships in 1981 and 1982.

A native of Springfield, Ill., he attended Michigan State University on a basketball scholarship. He won 286 games in a Major League career that spanned 19 seasons, including 14 with Philadelphia. The seven-time All-Star was the starting pitcher in five All-Star games.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced at this time.