Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has one of the most impressive resumes of any skipper in MLB history, and he has the chance to become the best to ever do it if he continues his current pace.
Already with one of the best winningest percentages as a manager in MLB history, Roberts has made the postseason in every season since taking the helm of the Dodgers in 2016. It has resulted in four National League pennants and two World Series championships, and the possibility for more in the coming years.
Roberts has developed the reputation of being a players’ manager and someone who is very personable and approachable. While being a manager who is a former player carries a lot of weight in the clubhouse when commanding respect, it also helps Roberts relate to his players on a more personal level, which goes a long way.
While those characteristics and values may be an intrinsic part of him, Roberts has drawn from various sources of inspiration to form his managerial style. He has even taken aspects of managers he admired from his playing days, including Terry Francona, who was his manager in 2004 with the Boston Red Sox.
“I think part of it is that’s who I am,” Roberts said. “I think I’m a very positive, welcoming guy. I like to learn more about people, learn about people. I played the game, I know how hard the game is.
“I really appreciate that the game is about the players, but it’s bigger than all of us. And I don’t hesitate in letting the players know that, albeit it’s still about them in the here and now. I just try to be their biggest champion. So I think that’s part of why people say that.
“Dusty Baker, obviously I have a lot of respect for Dusty. He was that player’s manager. I think Tommy (Lasorda) was. I think Terry Francona and guys that I’ve been around. I guess when players see a manager or head coach pull for them, undoubtedly, that’s kind of how you get it.”
Roberts finds adaptation to be one of the most vital aspects of his job as manager when it comes to communicating with a clubhouse full of different personalities.
“I think it’s individual-based. I just try to be sensitive to kind of where they’re at in the moment personally, trying to get the best out of them,” Roberts said. “I communicate with each guy differently, so there’s a lot of conversations.
“But I think the ultimate goal has got to be about our ballclub. I just try to make it about them, not about me and about the Dodgers. But, yeah, we have a lot of hard conversations, fun conversations. That’s probably the crux.”
There is even adaptation within a season as often times the playoffs requires conversations that can differ from what a player requires in the regular season.
It is up to Roberts to identify what each player needs from him in order for his team to be playing at the highest level during the most important part of the season.
“I feel some players are in a good place,” Roberts began. “Some players, I think I need more out of. Some people are starting to feel a little bit of the anxiety. Some people might need a little bit of reassurance, encouragement.”
Teoscar Hernández believes Dave Roberts ‘one of the best’ managers
Roberts has an ability to leave a strong impression on his new players very quickly, as evident by Teoscar Hernández’s comments last year.
Hernández called Roberts one of the best managers he’s ever had, citing Robert’s ability to instill confidence in players the ability to communicate with each player and team as a whole.
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