For Elwin Charles “Preacher” Roe, the concept of community was important. Throughout his life, we see how he embraced and contributed to the communities he joined; not only in his early years, or during his time at Harding, but also in his career with professional baseball and beyond.
Signed Preacher Roe baseball card. Courtesy of Ann Cowan Dixon Archives and Special Collections
Exhibit research and design provided by the History and Political Science Department’s Exhibit Design class, Spring 2021. Special thanks to the following students: Avery Barnett, MaryKyle Bartlett, Paxton Davis, Elijah Fisher, Bailey King, and instructor Rachel Walters. Funding provided by the Brackett Library and the Clifton L. Ganus Jr. Endowment for History and Political Science. Special thanks to Scott Goode and the Sports Information Office.
A Boy Named Preacher
Elwin “Preacher” Roe was born in Ash Flat, Arkansas on February 26, 1916. His parents were Dr. C. E. and Elizabeth Ducker Roe, and he was the second youngest of seven kids. Preacher grew up in Viola, Arkansas listening to Cardinals games and learning how to play baseball from his father, who had to turn down the chance to play baseball professionally to support his family.
Preacher and his parents, Dr. C. E. and Elizabeth Ducker Roe, courtesy of Harding University, University Communications and Marketing
The story of how Elwin Roe got his famous nickname “Preacher” is a kind of mystery. However, Preacher’s mother said that it was because the local church minister used to drive them around in his horse and buggy.
Preacher Roe as Best Athlete for Harding College in 1937-1938, courtesy of Harding College, Petit Jean 1937-1938
26 Strikeouts and a Win
Roe found a second community at Harding College where he attended from 1935 to 1939. While at Harding, he not only played baseball as a successful pitcher, but he also played basketball. During a Harding game in 1937, he struck out 26 batters in a 13-inning game. Before finishing his final semester, Roe left Harding to play in the Major Leagues.
Preacher Roe’s college career was so impressive that in 1987, Harding University inducted him into its Hall of Fame. Along with Harding, Preacher was also inducted in both the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and the NAIA Hall of Fame.
Roe at Harding’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 1987, courtesy of Harding University Sports Information Office
First image showsPreacher Roe and Branch Rickey, who helped get him signed to the Cardinals and Dodgers. The second image shows Roe with Dodger manager Burt Shotton, courtesy of Keystone Pictures USA
Welcome to the Big Leagues
In the Major Leagues, Roe played for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and finally, the Brooklyn Dodgers. He saw most success during his time with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Roe was an outstanding pitcher, even being selected as an All-Star in 1949, when he won 22 out of the 25 games he pitched. His .880 win percentage is still a national league record for a 20 game winner.
Probably the most significant moment during Preacher Roe’s time in the pro’s was the 1952 World Series. During this series, he pitched game three of the series, winning it and giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead over the Yankees, although the Yankees would go on to win the series.
Did You Know… Preacher Roe only ever hit on home run during his time in the Major Leagues. He did it while playing for the Dodgers in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 7, 1953. As the story goes, Preacher’s teammates laid down a congratulatory carpet as he crossed home plate.
Preacher Roe Night
On September 19th, 1951 while playing the Cardinals in St. Louis, Roe was honored with a “Preacher Roe Night.” Several friends and fans showed their appreciation and admiration for Roe by pitching in to buy him a new Cadillac, which was presented to him by Harding President George S. Benson. At this event of appreciation, Roe showed his love for the community he found at Harding by graciously donating his Dodgers jersey, hat, glove, and several other articles to his former college that Harding still has to this day.
Preacher Roe Night with Harding President Dr. George S. Benson, courtesy of Harding University, University Communications and Marketing
Jackie Robinson, Preacher Roe, and Gil Hodges, courtesy of Keystone Pictures USA
Breaking the Color Barrier
Roe’s time on the Dodgers coincided with the breaking of the Color Barrier in Major League Baseball. The Dodgers led the effort to integrate professional baseball with the signing of Jackie Robinson in 1947. While many of Roe’s teammates were angered by the league’s racial integration, Roe was not angry or worried about the change, stating, “they got as much right to play as anyone else.”
Back to His Roots
When he was not standing on the pitcher’s mound, Roe was giving back to the community that he loved. Roe taught math and coached basketball at the high school in Hardy, Arkansas during a few of his off seasons. After retiring from baseball in 1954, Preacher and his family moved to West Plains, Missouri, where he opened up a grocery store called Preacher Roe’s Super Market. His memoir, When Baseball was Still a Game, was published in 2005. Roe was an active member in his community up until his death on November 9, 2008.
Preacher Roe at Camp Tahkodah
Did you know…
Preacher Roe helped raise money for a local ballpark in Salem, Arkansas. The bank agreed to lend the town the loan, as long as Preacher Roe came and pitched in fundraising games each Fall until the loan was paid. The park still stands and is now called Preacher Roe Park.
The Ann Cowan Dixon Archives & Special Collection houses a collection of artifacts belonging to or pertaining to “Preacher” Roe. You can see them here.
Harding University History Exhibits 