The Los Angeles Dodgers are one week into Spring Training, but Tuesday marked their first full-squad workout of the year. Per tradition, manager Dave Roberts addressed the entire team before players went to work on the backfields at Camelback Ranch.
“First off, welcoming the guys back, first time we’ve all been together since the World Series,” Roberts said of his message. “A lot of those guys, checking in on them as far as the offseason, getting back to work, appreciating what took place last year and how we got there. Talking about what it means to be a Dodger, all that it encompasses on the field and off the field.”
Last year, Roberts incorporated a message L.A. Lakers legend Kobe Bryant shared about enjoying the journey more than the actual accomplishment. It was a sentiment Clayton Kershaw leaned on during the Dodgers’ quest to winning a World Series.
Roberts was partly moved to share Bryant’s words with the Dodgers due to his tragic death the month prior. This year the organization is mourning the loss of Tommy Lasorda, who similarly was mentioned in Roberts’ speech.
“Talked about Tommy and his passing, and what it meant for me personally and all of us that knew him, for him to make the trip out to Texas to watch us win the World Series,” Roberts said. “And then what it’s going to take for us to go throughout he season to win a championship in ’21 as every year is different, every team is different, and how we’re going to get there.”
Lasorda would visit Camelback Ranch on an annual basis and be in uniform for a handful of Cactus League games. His memory is being carried forward by the Dodgers as they set up a locker for their late Hall of Fame manager.
Muncy wants ‘real’ celebration for Dodgers
Although Dodgers players reveled in winning the World Series last season, many have acknowledged there was disappointment in being unable to celebrate in traditional fashion. Players particularly are sad to have missed out on a parade with fans.
For several of them, including Max Muncy, that is serving as additional motivation to repeat as champions. “My goal to celebrate the championship is to go out there and win another one, and then we can have a real celebration,” he said.
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