UCLA plans to recognize Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts when the Bruins face the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.
The honor comes nearly one month after Roberts helped guide the Dodgers to their eighth World Series title in franchise history and second of his managerial career.
“It wasn’t easy, but our guys fought and played every day the right way, played to win. There was a lot of backfilling on talent because of injury, a lot of young players cut their teeth, which is good. But one thing is that we just kept going,” Roberts said after the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in Game 5.
“Even in the postseason, I don’t think anyone had us picked. I don’t think they had us picked to get out of the first series. For us to go out there and fight and scratch and claw and win 11 games in October, that’s a credit to our guys.”
We are excited to recognize World Series champion and UCLA Athletic Hall of Famer Dave Roberts at the @UCLAFootball vs USC game next Saturday!
Get your tickets today for the Crosstown Showdown!
🎟️: https://t.co/YD1vxGnEJI pic.twitter.com/P4yKJCfMfF— UCLA Athletics (@UCLAAthletics) November 13, 2024
The Bruins have not yet shared details of how they plan to recognize Roberts. He’ll be on hand for a crosstown rivalry matchup that’s going to carry plenty of significance beyond bragging rights as both teams are looking to become bowl eligible.
Roberts was the captain of the 1994 UCLA baseball team and he graduated from the university in 1995. He still is the UCLA record holder for most career stolen bases with 109 and his 45 in 1994 are a single-season high.
Roberts additionally ranks in the top 10 in UCLA baseball history in triples (fifth place; 10), at-bats (fifth; 784), walks (tied sixth; 128), hits (ninth; 242) and runs scored (10th; 177).
The Bruins inducted Roberts into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020.
The class of nine members also included Keira Goerl (softball), Lauren Cheney Holiday (women’s soccer), Kevin Love (men’s basketball), Mike Powell (track & field), Noelle Quinn (women’s basketball), Tasha Schwikert (gymnastics), Russell Westbrook (men’s basketball) and Adam Wright (men’s water polo).
Dave Roberts remains connected to UCLA
Over the years Roberts has lent his support to various Bruins teams and last year said he liked the UCLA throwback uniform that was worn for homecoming weekend.
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