Dave Roberts, the new manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, was congratulated by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 26.
Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said that Roberts, who is of African American and Japanese descent, is “making history” as the first minority manager for the Dodgers and one of only three in Major League Baseball.
Ridley-Thomas was joined by board colleagues Hilda Solis, Sheila Kuehl, Don Knabe and Michael Antonovich in wishing Roberts well.
Roberts, who previously coached the San Diego Padres for five years and is a former outfielder for the Dodgers, said, “I’ve been in baseball so many years, my entire life. It’s something that brings the community together.”
He said that “it means a lot” to be listed as a baseball pioneer along with the likes of Jackie Robinson, who became the first African American player in the majors when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947; Don Newcombe of the Dodgers, who became the first black pitcher to start a World Series game in 1949; and Maury Wills, the first MLB All-Star Game MVP in 1962 and the third black man to manage a Major League team.
The congratulatory resolution reads:
“Whereas, Dave Roberts attended and played baseball for the University of California, Los Angeles, graduating in 1995. He spent two years of his playing career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and was also a member of the Boston Red Sox team that won the 2004 World Series; and
“Whereas, he is the first person of color to hold the position of manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a feat that unites him with other groundbreaking pioneers within professional baseball and the Dodgers organization; and
“Whereas, he returns to the city where he has played at the collegiate and professional levels.
“Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles hereby congratulates Dave Roberts on becoming the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, with best wishes for a prosperous, rewarding and transformative career.”
