Coral Springs, Fl. Mike Roberts, Founder of The Florida Pokers, passed away early Thursday morning unexpectedly at the age of 73. Coach Roberts was the person who single handedly changed the landscape of travel baseball in South Florida back in 1990 when he founded The Pokers.

From 1990-92 the Pokers were a American Legion team made of 3 local high schools. As he began to showcase the players and travel around the country, he quickly realized he needed to make some changes. From 1992 - 2005, The Florida Pokers became one of the most respected 18u Travel Baseball programs in the United States. At the highest point, The Pokers were rated the #9 Amateur Program in the country.

One regret of Coach Roberts was that he never reached the Connie Mack World Series. Three times his teams made it to the final of the SE Regional in Memphis.

Regardless of all the wins though, Coach Roberts was a mentor of young men (and more recently of the younger generation). Over 300 players came through his program from 1990-2005 and went on to earn degrees in college with over 3 dozen being drafted and a handful making it all the way into the Majors. There are still 4 active players playing in the majors with another dozen in the minors. Countless others made it to play in the College World Series at schools such as Miami, LSU, Florida, Florida State, Tulane, Clemson, Indiana, FAU, UCF and many others.

Over the past 7 years, he has been assisting his son Lenny Roberts with relaunching the younger generation Pokers. The Pokers now have teams at 8,9,10,11,12, 13 and 14u. Coach Roberts was involved with teaching and mentoring these young boys as well. His passion for the game can be found in so many of his former players that are now back working with young players and coaching in High School.

Von Stertzbach (founder of Clutch Baseball) is a big part of the Pokers family as he is currently involved with the 14u, 13u, 11u and 10u teams. Other players such as Danny Core, Tim McNab, Mike Rodriguez, Cameron Demming, David Kopp, Chuck Jeroloman and Alex Silversmith have been involved too.

Coach Todd Fitzgerald, head coach at Douglass HS, still runs the 12u Florida Pokers after spending over 10 years assisting Coach Roberts.

The Florida Pokers Family as well as the Travel Baseball Community around the country will miss his presence on and off the field.

The Roberts Family is accepting visitors at the following address at the times listed:

Friday Dec 28th

Faline Roberts
793 NW 123 rd Dr.
Coral Springs, Fl. 33071
954-753-2180

Saturday, Sunday and Monday following services

Lenny Roberts
1827 NW 124th Ave
Coral Springs, Fl. 33071
954-752-4682

Service for Coach Roberts is Monday Dec 31 at 10am

Temple Beth Orr
2151 Riverside Dr.
Coral Springs, FL.

For Donations: Checks can be made out in the memory of Mike Roberts to Poker Baseball Club, Inc. so that his passion for helping the youth of our society can continue.

It can be mailed to the 1827 nw 124 ave Coral Springs 33071 

Thanks for all your support. My family really appreciates the outpouring of support we have received from so many individuals and teams since thursday. 

Lenny Roberts