Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts became the 69th manager in MLB history and just the fourth skipper to reach 1,000 wins as the head of the clubhouse.
Roberts, who has now been the Dodgers’ manager for 11 seasons, has an amazing career winning percentage of 61.4%, leading the organization to countless postseason appearances over that span.
Coming over after being a first base coach with the San Diego Padres, Roberts has played no small role in the current golden era of Dodger baseball.
Now, it is hard to separate the Dodgers and Dave Roberts, both of which are now symbiotic.
Following an offensive explosion and a great pitching performance on June 30th, the Dodgers managed to get Roberts his 100th win against the Athletics.
The celebration was big following the game, with Roberts getting the post-game interview and a special get-together in the clubhouse.
The Dodgers set him up with a special champagne celebration, and Roberts was given the chance to make a speech reflecting on his coaching journey.
Dave Robert’s Speech
Click here for the full speech
“I played 10 years in the big leagues, I didn’t get the hits that he got, homers he got, the hits that these guys got.
“I wasn’t a player that any of you guys were. But I’ll tell you what, I really try to be a good teammate. And now managing you guys and all the guys that have been a part of this, there is nothing more satisfying.
“I told Kyle today that I get to watch you play baseball today. And I swear to God, I mean that about every single one of you guys. And so for 1,000 wins, it’s not about the wins, it’s not. And for me, it’s just like continuing to have you guys believe in each other. You guys have believed in me, the coaches, and the front office.
“Because obviously, you guys know, I didn’t go out there and play for you guys. I didn’t pitch for you guys. I just support you guys. The coaches support you, the training staff, and the front office. And so for me, this is a team accomplishment. And it’s not even just the guys in this room. There are so many players from 11 years ago.
“But you know what, I’ll tell you guys, man, from my first day when I had butterflies, and I was nervous, and the game was speeding up on me, to now, where I can just sit back and have the hands off the wheel and just let you guys be yourselves and play good quality baseball.
“That’s the biggest joy for me, and that’s the biggest accomplishment. So I know it’s 1,000 wins for me. I can’t thank you guys enough for doing this.”
With the Dodgers built to continue winning as time goes on, Roberts has the chance to grow his win total massively, potentially even getting another 1,000.
He is only 54 years old, but the stress of managing such a big market team for so long could lead him to an early exit.
