The Los Angeles Dodgers are entering one of the most significant, impactful and anticipated seasons of all time. All eyes will be on the Dodgers, for better or worse.
People will either root for or against them — there’s no in-between. While players realize the weight of expectations on their shoulders, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will have immense pressure on him, too.
The nature of the job means some fans will call for his job at the first sign of failure. That’s the opposite of unique to the Dodgers’ organization, or to Roberts himself. Every manager receives more vocal hate than love.
That’s why separating internal pressure from external pressure is critical. Clearly, the organization loves Roberts. It’s also clear he wants to be the Dodgers’ manager for a very long time.
Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke writes that Roberts wants to be at the helm of the Boys in Blue “forever.”
“I would love to stay here forever. I played for this organization, I care for this organization, I love the players, I’ve invested a lot of time and care into the players, I can’t predict the future but for me to wear one uniform as a manager, that would be a dream.”
— Dave Roberts via the Los Angeles Times
Roberts will enter his ninth season as the manager for Los Angeles. Although the team has come up short more times than not, there’s no denying the amount of winning this team has experienced under his tutelage.
Among all managers in franchise history Roberts, 51, ranks fourth all-time in wins, fifth in win percentage, fifth in total games, second in games over .500, and second in the team’s average finish in the division weighted by games averaged.
Among Dodger faithful, Roberts’ margin for error has been dialed to zero for some time. However, he remains a favorite in the clubhouse and within the Dodgers’ front office. As things stand, Roberts can dream on staying in Los Angeles for a very long time.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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