Dodgers manager Dave Roberts secured his 1,000th career win on Tuesday, achieving the milestone faster than any previous manager in Major League Baseball history. Players and colleagues attribute his success to a consistent ability to maintain calm and foster strong relationships within a clubhouse known for its star power.
"He kept the composure," veteran infielder Miguel Rojas said. "Knowing that we were against the wall, but that we still had an opportunity to get out of there with a win and have an opportunity to win the World Series."
Roberts' tenure has been marked by the Dodgers' sustained success, including multiple World Series titles. Players emphasized his skill in managing a diverse group of personalities, injuries, and player call-ups and call-downs.
"To manage so many personalities, injuries, guys coming up, guys coming down, it’s a lot," shortstop Mookie Betts said. "He definitely welcomes the personalities, but makes sure the egos kind of stay in [check]."
Betts described Roberts as more of a "baseball dad" than an authoritative manager, noting a largely hands-off approach that allows players to navigate challenges until Roberts deems intervention necessary. When he does step in, his guidance is respected.
"It’s not like a coach-to-player thing. It’s more like a dad-to-son type thing. So I think it resonates a lot more. I think we all appreciate it," Betts added.
Players recalled a pivotal moment in the 2024 National League Division Series against the Padres. Facing a deficit and dealing with injuries to key players like Rojas and Freddie Freeman, Roberts made strategic decisions, including inserting Kiké Hernández into the lineup for the first time that postseason. The team secured an 8-0 shutout in a crucial game, a victory that propelled them toward a championship.
Roberts, in turn, views player relationships as the ultimate measure of his success. He quoted Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, expressing a desire "to be every player’s best coach."
"If Miggy or Freddie or Mookie can talk about the culture and how I’ve impacted their lives, that’s the win," Roberts said. "I’m not chasing wins. I’m chasing having great relationships with my players. So, yeah, the result, the fallout is a lot of wins. But when he said that to me, I thought that’s a good goal for all coaches or teachers –– to be the best in front of the people you’re in front of. If you can make that your goal, that makes you better."
This philosophy has contributed to Roberts' resume of three World Series titles and a Hall of Fame-worthy managerial career. Rojas stated that the environment Roberts cultivates in the clubhouse is what sets him apart from other managers he has played under.