With the Los Angeles Dodgers winning the National League pennant en route to capturing the 2020 World Series title, Dave Roberts is again manager of the National League team in the MLB All-Star Game this year.
This is Roberts’ third consecutive time managing the NL All-Stars, partly because the 2020 All-Star Game was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but the joy of participating in it hasn’t worn off.
“It’s still a tremendous experience, a tremendous honor,” Roberts said. “It’s something that, it’s the one time still each year that fans can see the stars all in one place.
“I remember being a young kid watching the All-Star Game and being in awe and so now to be able to address the National League All-Stars, have the coaches there to experience it, be a part of it, it’s mind-blowing.”
Earlier this month, Roberts also took a trip to the White House with other members of the 2020 Dodgers roster to celebrate their championship season and became the first sports team to be honored by President Joe Biden.
“So I think that for me personally, to go to the White House and now to be able to manage the All-Star Game, it’s been just quite the ride and I never take it for granted,” Roberts said.
Roberts invited former Dodger Reggie Smith to be part of his All-Star coaching staff, along with Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black, which was a customary move to honor the host team.
“I’ve known him for many years and what he did in the game of baseball, what he did off the field, what he has continued to do off the field for the urban youth, shouldn’t go unnoticed,” Roberts said about adding Smith to his staff.
All-Star Game ‘dream come true; for Taylor
Chris Taylor was humbled to be selected to the first All-Star game of his career, where he is being accompanied by Dodgers teammates Walker Buehler, Max Muncy, Chris Taylor and Justin Turner.
“I’m excited to go there and play alongside so many great players,” Taylor said. “It’s a dream come true. I’m really looking forward to playing in front of my family. I’m just going to try to soak it all in and enjoy it.”
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