The L.A. Dodgers, brought back an old friend, another big steal, in announcing the hiring of Dave Roberts as their 10th manager in Los Angeles history and 32nd manager all-time.
Dave Roberts becomes the Dodgers first-ever minority manager. Roberts, a former Dodgers outfielder, who has an African American father and Japanese mother, will replace Don Mattingly at the helm for the last five years. The 43-year old Roberts, becomes one of only three minorities to manage in the major leagues joining Dusty Baker (hired by the Washington Nationals this month) and Freddie Gonzalez of the Atlanta Braves.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a history of making moves with social impact for example signing Jackie Robinson, backing Sandy Koufax decision to not start game one of the 1965 World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur, Fernando Valenzuela, Hideo Nomo and Hyun Jin-Ryu.
The prevailing thought by many in Los Angeles the top two notable managerial candidates Gabe Kapler and Dave Roberts. Some rumors had Gabe Kapler as the leader in the club house. An upset? Some had concerns about Roberts’
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The San Diego Padres, Roberts’ former employer, chose to distance themselves from manager Bud Black and his entire coaching staff deciding to go out of the organization for a manager and did not allow Roberts to interview for the position. Roberts interviewed with the Seattle Mariners manager position and came in second behind Scott Servais. Roberts’, as a MLB player, had a 10-year career .266 avg., 243 stolen bases, .708 OPS playing for the Cleveland Indians, L.A. Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. Roberts is best known for a stolen base in game four of the 2004 World Series that sparked a historic comeback for the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees that led to the franchises’ first World Championship in 86