Red Sox Hero Dave Roberts To Take Over As Dodgers Manager

After parting ways with Don Mattingly following their playoff exit, the Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to name Dave Roberts as their new manager.

Most recently the bench coach for the San Diego Padres, Roberts was part of baseball history during the 2004 playoffs. Then a member of the Boston Red Sox, he and his teammates lost the  first three games of the American League Championship Series to the New York Yankees. In Game Four, they were trailing by one run in the bottom of the ninth inning when Kevin Millar drew a walk; Roberts replaced him as a pinch runner at first.

On the next pitch, he stole second and moved into scoring position. One pitch later, Bill Mueller drove a ground ball up the middle, plating Roberts. The Red Sox would go on to complete the improbable comeback and win the World Series, breaking the Curse of the Bambino; Roberts’ play went down in Boston sports lore simply as “the steal.”

Based on that past, the Dodgers will be hoping he can bring some postseason magic to Los Angeles. If nothing else, his new players are glad to have him on board.