Alumni Spotlight: Gold Glove Winner Roger Metzger, '70
Roger Metzger, '70, arrived at St. Edward's University in 1966 with a dream — to play major league baseball. He realized that dream in 1969 when he was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Cubs, and he went on to play for the Houston Astros from 1971 to 1978.

Baseball and the brothers.
A product of the Catholic Youth Organization baseball program in San Antonio, Metzger first heard about St. Edward's through the Holy Cross Brothers who taught him in high school. He chose to come to the hilltop because he felt he would have a better chance to play than at a bigger school. "I'm glad St. Edward's took me," he said. "My motive may not have been the best for picking the school, but I couldn't have been happier doing it any other way."

It's outta here!
Metzger made his presence known on the St. Edward's baseball field. He was the first player to hit a home run over the fence at Lucian-Hamilton Field; in 1967, he was an all-conference shortstop in the Big State Conference; in 1968, he was selected as an alternate to the Olympic baseball team; and in 1969, he maintained a .414 batting average and was named to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' All-American baseball team.

Baseball plus a degree really adds up.
Metzger left St. Edward's after his junior year in 1969 and began working with the Chicago Cubs. In 1971, he was traded to the Houston Astros. Even though his focus was on baseball, Metzger felt strongly about finishing his degree, so he returned to St. Edward's and graduated with a BS in Mathematics in 1972.

From minor league to MVP.
As a shortstop, his reputation with the Astros quickly rose — in 1971, he was named Texas-Born Minor League Player of the Year by Houston baseball writers. In 1973, he set the team record for most triples in a season, earned the National League Gold Glove Award and was named Astros MVP. He continued to play with the Astros until 1978 when he was traded to the San Francisco Giants and subsequently retired from major league baseball. Following his retirement, Metzger taught mathematics at Brenham High School; currently, he works as the job procurement officer at the Brenham State School.

In May, the Alumni Association and university Athletics hosted a ceremony at Lucian-Hamilton Field to retire Metzger's jersey. A permanent display was mounted on the outfield fence to mark Metzger's distinction as the first athlete from St. Edward's to have his jersey retired. The number 14 in St. Edward's baseball will always be associated with Metzger and his successes.