The World Series is a stage where legends are born, and Dave Roberts, the Los Angeles Dodgers' manager, is a master conductor of this grand baseball opera. But here's the twist: Roberts, a hero of October, never actually played in the World Series as a player. His iconic playoff steal propelled the Boston Red Sox to glory, but he was benched for the World Series. Yet, this absence on the field has not hindered his success as a manager.
Roberts has guided the Dodgers to five Fall Classics in the last nine years, winning championships in 2020, 2024, and 2025. His .621 winning percentage is unmatched in major-league history, and he's on a path to the Hall of Fame. But what sets Roberts apart is his ability to connect with his players on a personal level, understanding their personalities and not just their stats. This human touch is the secret sauce to his success.
In the 2025 World Series against the Blue Jays, Roberts' strategic decisions were put to the test. With the Dodgers trailing by three runs in Game 6, he made a bold move, starting Miguel Rojas at second base. Rojas, hitless since the wild-card round, was not the obvious choice, but Roberts believed in him. And Rojas delivered, snagging a crucial throw to preserve the victory.
But the real drama was yet to come. In Game 7, Shohei Ohtani, the most talented player in history, struggled on the mound. Roberts had to make tough calls, like intentionally walking Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to set up a double play. Despite the risks, Roberts trusted his instincts, and his team fought back.
The Dodgers' bullpen, a once-sturdy trust tree, was now a fragile branch. Roberts had to carefully manage his pitchers, including Roki Sasaki, who had a rough rookie season. He believed in Justin Wrobleski and Emmet Sheehan, two unlikely heroes, and they rose to the occasion.
As the game unfolded, Roberts faced challenges, like managing TV interviews while making critical decisions. The Dodgers left runners on base, and the Blue Jays wasted their chances. The game was a rollercoaster, with the Dodgers eventually prevailing in 11 thrilling innings.
But the most iconic moment came in the bottom of the ninth. With the game on the line, Rojas stepped up to the plate and hit a game-tying home run off a right-hander, a rare feat for him. It was a signature moment in World Series history, a testament to Roberts' faith in his players.
The Dodgers' victory was sealed by a stellar defensive play in the 11th inning, a catch that twisted and tangled two players in a moment forever etched in baseball lore. Roberts' decision to play Andy Pages in center field, instead of the speedy Justin Dean, proved crucial. It was a masterstroke, a move that only a manager with Roberts' understanding of his players could make.
The Dodgers' triumph was more than just a win; it was a testament to Roberts' leadership, his ability to inspire and trust his players. His gratitude for the game and his players was evident as he stood on the victory podium, declaring baseball the greatest game ever invented. This World Series, with its twists and turns, will forever be etched in baseball's rich history, thanks to the managing master class of Dave Roberts.
