With the Los Angeles Dodgers winning an eighth consecutive National League West title this season, manager Dave Roberts extended his MLB record that was initially set last year when he guided the club to a division crown.
Roberts’ MLB record now stands as the lone manager in the sport’s history to lead his team to a division title in each of his first five full seasons. Roberts previously joined Tommy Lasorda as the only rookie managers in Dodgers franchise history to oversee the team en route to an NL West title when they won it in 2016.
Although a World Series trophy has continued to evade the Dodgers during Roberts’ tenure thus far, he ranks seventh in franchise history with 436 wins. Roberts trails Don Mattingly by 10 wins for sixth place, which he assuredly would have reached this year if a normal season was played.
After that, next on the list is Hall of Famer Ned Hanlon with 511 wins as Dodgers skipper. Roberts’ .615 winning percentage is good for third all-time amongst managers in Dodgers franchise history.
His personal success has also been part of an unprecedented run for the organization. Prior to their current streak that began in 2013, the Dodgers had never won more than three consecutive division titles.
In 2016 they became the first team to win the NL West four years in a row since the Divisional Era began in 1969. The Dodgers’ streak trails only the Atlanta Braves (14) and New York Yankees (nine) for most consecutive division titles since 1969.
In 2015 the Dodgers reached the postseason for a third consecutive season, which set a franchise record that also is now up to eight years. Further under Roberts, the 2019 Dodgers became the fastest team in L.A. franchise history to clinch the division by both date and games played.
The 2020 season presented unique challenges brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which made completing the schedule and wining the NL West all the more gratifying.
“Really proud of these guys,” Roberts said. “It’s something a lot of people expect, but it should never be taken for granted. As you can see, every year there’s a different champion in divisions.
“The consistency we put forth every year is a credit to the entire organization. I’m proud of these guys.”
Wild Card Series
Unlike any time during their reign over the NL West, the Dodgers begin a postseason run with a Wild Card Series. Each club is beginning the playoffs this year with a best-of-three Wild Card round as part of MLB’s expanded postseason.
The Dodgers face the Milwaukee Brewers, who went 29-31 and backed their way into the eighth and final spot in the NL playoffs. Game 1 is set for Wednesday at Dodger Stadium.
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