CLARKSON
ATHLETICS HALL of FAME

EMERSON "STEVE" ROSER '40
Class of 1995 Inductee

Perhaps the best pitcher to ever don a Clarkson uniform Emerson Corey "Steve" Roser was a standout on the varsity baseball diamond for two years in the late 1930's under legendary coach and inaugural Clarkson Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Hank Hodge. Nicknamed "Steve" by Hodge, who said it was easier to say than Emerson, the 5'4", Rome, NY native was also called Big "Em" Roser and had a windup that seemed to reach back to second base.

In three seasons at Clarkson and in summer ball with the Watertown Collegians and Malone of the Northern New York League, Roser amassed a 20-4 career record. He has the best earn run averaged in the Northern New York League in 1938 and was selected on the circuit's all-star team.

In the spring of 1939, Roser gained the attention of professional scouts as he earned the victory in four of Clarkson's seven wins. Roser was in mid-season form in Clarkson's
7-0 opening day in over St. Lawrence at Week's Field, allowing just three scattered hits throughout the game. Later in the season, playing before a hometown crowd at Colgate, Roser hurled a four-hitter and struck out 10 batters in the Green and Gold's 30-2 triumph over the highly rated Red Raiders. On Commencement Day at Syracuse University, Roser was again pitching at top form, leading Tech to a 6-4 win. The final game of the season saw Roser once again master St. Lawrence in Clarkson's 4-3 victory as the Green and Gold won the three-game season series over the Larries for the first time in five years.

A fierce competitor, Roser also displayed his athletic skills as an intimating center for the Tech basketball teams during the winter months.

Roser passed up his senior year of college ball and signed a professional baseball contract in 1940 with the Binghamton Triplets. An ace right-handed pitcher, he credited much of his success from the experience he gained under Hodge. Roser continued his career in the major leagues. He played for the New York Yankees, alongside inaugural Clarkson Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Jack Phillips, and was a regular starter in the pitching rotation for three years under manager Joe McCarthy. He later went on to pitch for the Boston Braves.

 

William O' Flaherty
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Hall of Fame Chairman
November 18, 1995