County Honors Dodgers' History-Making New Manager

The Dodgers’ new manager was honored today by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said Dave Roberts was “making history” as the first minority manager of the Dodgers.

Roberts told the board he was honored to take on the role.

“I’ve been in baseball so many years, my entire life,” the former Dodgers outfielder said. “It’s something that brings the community together.”

Roberts told the board he feels the weight of history.

“You look back at Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe and Maury Wills ... it means a lot,” he said.

Roberts is one of only three minority managers in the major leagues. His mother is Japanese and his father is black.

Roberts comes to the job after five years as coach of the San Diego Padres, who will face off against the Dodgers in the April 4 season opener at Petco Park.

Like his predecessor Don Mattingly, Roberts steps into the role with no prior front office experience.

He said he was excited about managing “a team that you really root for and support.”

The Dodgers posted the highest payroll in the league last year, spending nearly $350 million in salary and luxury tax. The team finished the season atop the National League West for the third year running, but lost to the New York Mets 4-3 in the NL Division Series.

Whatever the team’s challenges, Roberts is sure of one big asset.

“I believe that we have the best fans in the country,” he said.

Related: Former Dodger Dave Roberts Tapped as Manager For Team

City News Service