In a move that surprised many across the baseball and even college football world, Dave Roberts was hired as the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers in late 2015, officially beginning his tenure in 2016. At the time, Roberts was relatively new to the head coaching ranks, having only briefly served as the interim manager of the San Diego Padres in 2015 following Bud Black’s dismissal. Despite limited managerial experience, the Dodgers’ front office saw potential in Roberts’ leadership, communication skills, and deep understanding of the game.
A former outfielder who played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball, Roberts is best remembered for his iconic stolen base in the 2004 ALCS with the Boston Red Sox — a moment often credited with sparking the greatest comeback in MLB playoff history. His transition into coaching came swiftly after his playing days ended, quickly climbing the ranks as a coach with the Padres.
His hiring marked a significant shift in the Dodgers’ organizational culture, emphasizing analytics, player relationships, and a forward-thinking approach. Though it raised eyebrows at first, Roberts would go on to lead the Dodgers to multiple division titles, two World Series appearances, and a World Series championship in 2020 — the franchise’s first since 1988.
At the time of his hiring, some in the college football world were confused by the headlines, mistaking Roberts for namesakes in football coaching circles, adding to the initial buzz. But in the world of professional baseball, the move proved to be one of the most impactful managerial decisions of the decade.
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