The first man with the name of Dave Roberts to play for the San Diego Padres, this incarnation was a Pitcher who was an original Padre, arriving as an Expansion Draft Selection from the Pirates organization.

Roberts did not do much in San Diego's inaugural year, but he improved in 1970, going 8-14 over 181.2 Innings with a 3.81 ERA.  His 1971 Season proved to be Robert's best year in Baseball, when despite his losing 14-17 Record, he had a sweet ERA of 2.10, with a 1.109 WHIP.  Roberts was sixth in Cy Young voting, the only season he ever received Cy Young votes, and he was easily the best player on the team.  

Despite that strong campaign, San Diego traded him to Houston, but he never did equal 1971.