Former MLB Pitcher Robertson Killed in California Motorcycle Crash
By Jim Greene
Published on June 29, 2010
Former major league pitcher Jeriome Robertson was killed recently when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed in his Central California hometown of Exeter, about 55 miles southeast of Fresno. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported the death of an unnamed rider; former Exeter High School baseball coach Steve Garver confirmed Robertson's identity.
According to the CHP, Robertson, 33, was attempting to take a turn at 70 mph on his 2007 Yamaha Warrior when he lost control. The Warrior is a large cruiser-style motorcycle, its weight and engine size are about that of a Harley Davidson of the same class.
Rookie Star Had Short Major League Career
Robertson's short major league pitching career began late in the 2002 season with the Houston Astros. In 2003, his first full season, his record was 15 wins and nine losses, still the most wins ever by an Astros rookie and the most among all major league rookies that year.
In 2004, Robertson was traded to the Cleveland Indians, who released him before the season ended. He subsequently played in the minor league organizations of the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds, then in the Chinese Professional Baseball League of Taiwan, for the Newark (N.J.) Bears of the independent Atlantic League, and in the Mexican League.
Garver said Robertson frequently showed up at Exeter High School baseball practice to encourage the players. In 1995, with Garver as his coach, Robertson helped the team win the California Interscholastic Federation Central Section championship.
Former Coach Praises Robertson's Efforts with Kids
"He was great with the kids," said Garver. "He always wanted to help out and do whatever he could for the high school kids."
The tragic death of Jeriome Robertson is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of motorcyclists. While his actions may have been a contributing factor, many motorcyclists exercising abundant caution are injured or killed in collisions because car drivers just aren't paying enough attention. A collision that might leave the occupants of a car merely shaken can be devastating for a motorcyclist.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you need professional legal representation. An experienced motorcycle attorney will make sure that insurance companies and the courts take into account the unique factors involved in motorcycle accidents and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve to help with medical bills, repair bills, loss of income, and other expenses.
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