He played for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1970 through 1972, and then in Minor League Baseball in 1972 and 1973.

Roberts attended Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, Tennessee, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

A member of the Tar Heels from 1970 through 1972, Roberts was named All-Atlantic Coast Conference in all three seasons.

[1] The Kansas City Royals selected Roberts in the 34th round of the 1972 MLB Draft.

[5] Roberts has led the Kettleers to league championship titles in 2010, 2013, and 2019, and has managed several future major leaguers at Cotuit such as Yan Gomes, Charlie Blackmon, and Bradley Zimmer.