Over the course of his 13-season career, all of which he spent with Montreal, Rogers compiled a record of 158 wins and 152 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.17. He was known for his control and ability to pitch effectively in crucial situations, characteristics that helped him become the Expos' all-time leader in wins, complete games (129), and shutouts (37). His pitching repertoire, which included a sinking fastball, slider, and changeup, made him one of the top pitchers of his era.
Rogers was a five-time All-Star, earning selections in 1974, 1978, 1979, 1982, and 1983, which underscored his consistency and excellence on the mound. His best season came in 1982 when he led the National League (NL) in wins with a 19-8 record and posted a 2.40 ERA, finishing third in the Cy Young Award voting, an award given annually to the best pitchers in the Major Leagues.
One of the highlights of Rogers' career was his performance in the 1981 postseason. That year, the Expos made their only playoff appearance in franchise history, and Rogers played a crucial role. He pitched three complete games in the playoffs, including a shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies in the deciding game of the National League Division Series (NLDS). Although the Expos were eventually defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), Rogers' postseason excellence is fondly remembered by Expos fans.
Despite his individual success, Rogers' career was not without its challenges. He is perhaps best remembered for a single pitch in the 1981 NLCS, when he gave up a decisive home run to Rick Monday of the Dodgers in the ninth inning of the deciding game, a moment that has been etched in baseball lore as "Blue Monday." This home run ended the Expos' playoff run and marked one of the most heartbreaking moments in the franchise's history.
Rogers retired from professional baseball following the 1985 season. His contributions to the Expos and the game of baseball were recognized in 1997 when he was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. Despite the Expos' relocation to Washington, D.C., in 2005, Rogers remains a beloved figure in Montreal and among Expos fans, celebrated for his outstanding career and dedication to the team.
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