Dave Roberts Thinks Dodgers Are The ‘Epicenter of Baseball’
The Los Angeles Dodgers are building a brand that is proving to be as big as the sport itself.
Manager Dave Roberts recently made a statement that fans of other teams may not initially be fond of, but grows truer by the minute.
“I do think that we’re the epicenter of baseball,” Roberts said. “I do think that we do a lot of things. We have a lot of talented players. Our fans come out in droves. Our players understand that. There’s a standard to uphold.’’
A rich history, a standard of excellence, and a passionate fan base are just a few factors of why Roberts is not exaggerating.
In terms of concrete numbers, look no further than television ratings. There was a 67 percent increase in viewership from the 2024 World Series compared to the season prior.
MLB.com’s Brian Murphy reported: “Viewership by people between the ages of 18 and 34 years old increased by 101 percent from last year — the largest increase from any demographic.”
The younger generation that will keep America’s pastime alive is also taking notice on what is happening in Los Angeles, and the Dodgers don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
“There’s a real connection, a trust within our organization,’’ Roberts said, “that I think guys are really trying to stay the course with that. I think us being hunted or having a bullseye, when you put on this uniform, that’s just the way it is.”
With the kind of offseason L.A. had, the bullseye is only growing.
The baseball world shared their various opinions on the Dodgers splurging spree since winning the eighth title in franchise history, but the outside noise isn’t stopping the organization from blazing their trail in MLB’s history books.
Why slow down when you’ve reached the top? The kind of behavior the defending champions are displaying is only going to further create the divide between Los Angeles and the 29 other teams.
Roberts also noted a strategic element with so many new players on the 2025 roster.
“There’s a lot of guys in that room that haven’t won a championship, and so ’24 means nothing to them. I really welcome that infusion of guys that are talented, that are hungry, and that want some hardware.
“That’s good for the entire organization.’’
Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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