The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers meeting for three games over the weekend at Dodger Stadium brought together two franchises forever linked by Dave Roberts.
As a player, Roberts is most remembered for his stolen base in Game 4 of the 2004 American League Championship Series that helped the Red Sox stave off elimination against the New York Yankees. Boston ended up erasing a 3-0 deficit to advance to the World Series and ultimately win their first championship in 86 years.
Roberts has enjoyed even greater success as Dodgers manager, leading the team to three World Series titles in his first 11 seasons at the helm.
The Dodgers and Red Sox have a lot in common, being two of the most historic MLB organizations with passionate fanbases. But beyond those facts, Roberts doesn’t see many similarities between winning World Series with both clubs.
“No, I think that the East Coast, man, it’s different out there,” Roberts began. “It’s very deep-rooted. Yeah, 1918 was a long time. So I guess there’s some similarities, some passion, but the Northeast is a different beast.”
Roberts, who grew up in San Diego, admitted that playing on the East Coast was a bit of a culture shock. He nevertheless praised the tougher elements of the region for helping him become more accountable and a better overall player.
“I think for me, as a player, you go to New York, you go to Philly, you go to Boston. They hold you accountable, and I think that makes you a better baseball player and a better athlete, right? I think out here we get a little bit more of a pass,” Roberts said of the differences between the East Coast and West Coast.
Dave Roberts praises Red Sox
The Red Sox continued their winning ways by completing a three-game sweep of the Dodgers on Sunday night. The club has now won 20 of their last 23 games to climb back into the playoff picture.
“Really good ballclub, fundamentally sound, it’s a younger group as far as service time, they’re hungry, seems like they play well together, they can really defend, they’re athletic,” Roberts said of the Red Sox.
“Remind me a lot of the Brewers. They can really pitch, they don’t beat themselves, dynamic, they put the ball in play. Getting beat for two days, but it’s been fun to watch them play. Shoot, I’ve know [Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy] since he was a young kid playing for his father, so I’m really happy for him.”
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