Roberts calls Dodgers job 'opportunity of a lifetime'
The Los Angeles Dodgers made Dave Roberts the first minority manager in franchise history Monday, agreeing to a reported three-year deal with the former player, and UCLA alum.
Roberts, who's best known for his stolen base in the 2004 ALCS that sparked the incredible Boston Red Sox comeback, becomes the 10th manager in the team's history since moving from Brooklyn. He was hired after the Dodgers conducted an exhaustive search to replace former skipper Don Mattingly.
Roberts' reported deal includes an option for the 2019 season, according to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. The Dodgers made the hiring official Monday, and a press conference has been scheduled for Dec. 1.
"I feel that I have now come full circle in my career, and there is plenty of unfinished business left in L.A.," Roberts said Monday, adding that the job is an "opportunity of a lifetime."
The 43-year-old Roberts has minimal managerial experience, but boasts a wealth of familiarity with the Dodgers organization. He was the club's leadoff hitter and center fielder from 2002-04, and served under vice president of baseball operations Josh Byrnes during their time together in San Diego.
Roberts' 10-year playing career, which began at UCLA in the early 1990s, included stops with the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, Dodgers, and Padres. His stolen base off Mariano Rivera helped the Red Sox battle back from a 3-0 deficit en route to the club's first World Series title in 86 years.
Most recently, Roberts joined the Padres' coaching staff in 2011 after overcoming cancer. He initially served as first base coach before transitioning to the team's bench coach, and he managed one game last season following Bud Black's firing.
"He is a baseball man and people person in the truest sense of those words," president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.
Mattingly and the Dodgers agreed to part ways on Oct. 22. He compiled a 446-363 record over five years in Los Angeles, and guided the Dodgers to three straight National League West titles before being named the new manager of the Miami Marlins.