Scholarship honors Emporian who loved baseball and education

Emporia American Legion baseball program manager Lynn Roberts and his son, Troy Roberts, pose in front of the team bus in 1983.

Lynn Roberts loved baseball and dedicated many years to the American Legion baseball program, but he also knew that most American Legion baseball players would not make a living playing baseball. That's why he always stressed the importance of higher education.

To honor Roberts' memory, his family and friends have established the Lynn M. Roberts Baseball Scholarship Fund, which celebrates his love for baseball and his belief in higher education. The Emporia State University baseball scholarship will give first preference to student-athletes who participated in the American Legion baseball program in the state of Kansas .

“Baseball meant a lot to Lynn , but he also realized the importance of higher education and how it enabled the college graduate to be exposed to greater opportunities,” said his wife, Clara Roberts. “I thought this scholarship would be a good way to channel that love for baseball while increasing educational opportunities for baseball players. Our family and friends have really supported the scholarship.”

Roberts deeply respected ESU's baseball program, which produced several great coaches for the American Legion Program. Likewise, there have been a number of American Legion players who went on to play for Emporia State .

Hundreds of Emporia youth benefited from Roberts' talent through his work with the American Legion baseball program. He managed the baseball team in Emporia from 1982 to 1986, and served as president of the Emporia Baseball Club in 1983. It was truly a family effort; his son, Troy , played on the team; his daughters, Vonda and Pam, managed the concessions stand. His wife, Clara, kept game statistics.

“ Lynn enjoyed working as the manager for the American Legion, raising money for the program, helping build the new press box, driving the bus with the team to games and generally helping provide a program for boys who love to play ball,” recalled Clara Roberts. “There was a pipeline of coaches and players generated between ESU and the American Legion Program. Establishing a scholarship in Lynn 's name at Emporia State University means baseball players will have assistance in receiving a higher education and enhancing their job opportunities.”

Last Updated July 2, 2007>