In a League Short on Black Leaders, Dave Roberts Stands Tall  

Major League Baseball — and certainly its most passionate fans — know the name Dave Roberts. But his legacy extends far beyond wins and championships.

As the longtime manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Roberts has built a resume most would envy: multiple National League West titles, over 100-win seasons, and a World Series championship in 2020. Since taking over the Dodgers in 2016, he’s been the steady hand and sharp mind behind one of baseball’s most consistent powerhouses.

But Roberts means more to the game than a record book ever could. As one of just two Black managers in Major League Baseball — alongside Ron Washington of the Los Angeles Angels — Roberts carries a responsibility that reaches far beyond the dugout. His presence on the top step is a rare and powerful image in a sport that continues to wrestle with a lack of African American representation, both on the field and in leadership.

Born on May 31, 1972, in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, to an African American father and Japanese mother, Roberts brings a multicultural background to a game that sorely needs more diversity. His unique perspective, paired with his calm leadership style, has made him a trailblazer not just for the Dodgers, but for the entire league.

Roberts’ impact was felt early. In his first year as manager, he was named National League Manager of the Year. He became the first Black manager — and first manager of Asian descent — to win a World Series. And in March 2025, the Dodgers made their belief in his leadership crystal clear, awarding him a four-year, $32.4 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid manager in Major League Baseball history.

Yet, even as he breaks records and earns accolades, Roberts doesn’t shy away from the bigger picture.

“I think that we’ve gotten a lot better,” he said in 2024 when asked about diversity in MLB. “But there’s still work to do.” It was a simple answer — but a truthful one. The numbers back it up: while the league has seen a recent uptick in diverse talent at the youth level, Black representation in the major leagues remains low, especially in leadership positions.

That’s why Roberts’ role matters so much. He’s not just calling pitches and making lineup cards — he’s showing young Black players, coaches, and future executives that there’s a place for them at the highest levels of baseball. His success opens doors. His presence challenges old norms. His leadership paves the way.

As the 2025 season unfolds, Roberts continues to lead a star-studded Dodgers team with quiet confidence and a focus on excellence. But win or lose, his greatest contribution may not be a trophy — it may be the vision of what’s possible.

Because every time Dave Roberts steps out of that dugout, he’s not just managing a game. He’s making history — and showing baseball what progress looks like.