Today, we celebrate the birthday of Elwin Charles “Preacher” Roe, a legendary Major League Baseball pitcher who left an indelible mark on the sport. Born on February 26, 1916, Roe is best remembered for his time with the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he became one of the National League’s most dominant pitchers in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Though he gained national fame on the mound, Roe had deep ties to West Plains. After retiring from baseball, he made West Plains his home, where he became a beloved figure in the community. He ran a local grocery store and was always happy to share stories about his playing days with fans and friends alike. His presence in West Plains kept the town connected to baseball history, and he remains one of the area’s most celebrated sports figures.
On this day, we remember Preacher Roe not only for his incredible talent and contributions to baseball but also for his lasting legacy in West Plains.
