From his press conference to be formally introduced as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers to the first day of Spring Training in 2016, and beyond, the message delivered by Dave Roberts has been clear and consistent.
He’s implored the Dodgers to play with a relentless passion and focus, while also stressing the importance of developing relationships that extend beyond the clubhouse and baseball field. That’s applied to Roberts connecting with his players, and teammates with one another.
Los Angeles is on the verge of securing the best record in baseball and home-field advantage through the World Series. They went on one of the better stretches seen in MLB history.
Talented as the team may be, Roberts told ESPN’s Shelley Smith he believes a bond forged off the field is what may possibly serve as a difference maker:
“If you look around Major League Baseball, there’s so many talented, young players. For me, the competitive advantage is for guys to care for one another. I think about not only getting into their minds but more importantly, getting into their hearts. When you’re playing 162 games, a month-and-a-half of Spring Training, that’s a lot of baseball. You hear it all the time, we spend more time with each other than our families. So you better care for the person you spend so much time with. I think that will lead to success.”
The Dodgers became the first team since the 1912 New York Giants to win 43 of 50 games. If expanded by another 10 games, the Dodgers produced a remarkable 50-10 stretch.
They’ve won five consecutive National League West titles and secured the top record in the NL for the first time since 2009. The Dodgers have relied on steady veterans and a blend of young talent.
No matter whose been in the lineup, the team’s focus has remained the same. When Yasiel Puig recently deviated from that, Roberts reeled back in his dynamic right fielder who is in the midst of a career season.
Come Friday, Oct. 6, the Dodgers will begin yet another march toward a World Series title that has eluded the franchise since 1988.
