The Los Angeles Dodgers made franchise history on Monday by naming Dave Roberts as manager. He becomes the organization’s 28th skipper and their first minority manager.
Dodgers president of baseball operations praised Roberts for his energy and acumen, and team director of player development Gabe Kapler raved about his former teammate.
Kapler was also a finalist for the Dodgers’ managerial position. Dodgers first baseman spoke highly of his new manager, believing Roberts’ experience as a player and personality lends to him being able to connect with every individual.
Prior to the Dodgers confirming reports of Roberts becoming their next manager, third baseman Justin Turner expressed his happiness over the expected announcement:
Glad to have Dave Roberts on our side!!! Looking forward to getting out to AZ to get 2016 going already #LA @Dodgers ⚾️
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) November 23, 2015
Roberts was welcomed back to the Dodgers organization by utility man Kiké Hernandez:
Welcome back to the #Blue Dave Roberts! I really hope you like bananas!
— Enrique Hernandez (@kikehndez) November 23, 2015
Like Hernandez and Turner, Yasiel Puig also took to social media to share his thoughts on the hire:
#Congratulations to My New Manager Dave Roberts #dodgers #2016 #newyear #newmanager https://t.co/J5d54pnHJX
— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) November 23, 2015
True to form, Brett Anderson, who accepted the Dodgers’ qualifying offer, used the opportunity to poke fun at himself:
Can't wait to be the first one to ask our new manager if he remembers that time he stole that base for the Red Sox in the playoffs.
— Brett Anderson (@BrettAnderson35) November 23, 2015
After teammate Brandon McCarthy chimed in, Anderson offered a quick-witted response:
@BMcCarthy32 ummm don't discount a head nod in his general direction as my formal greeting.
— Brett Anderson (@BrettAnderson35) November 23, 2015
Indicative of the large scope the Dodgers’ hire has, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti shared his positive thoughts:
Proud to welcome Dave Roberts to @Dodgers baseball! pic.twitter.com/nXjxgwKgQR
— LA Mayor's Office (@LAMayorsOffice) November 23, 2015
The reaction wasn’t limited to those with ties to the Dodgers or city of Los Angeles, as Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross sent a congratulatory message:
Congrats to Dave Roberts on being #Dodgers new Mng. He taught me to be a professional on & off the field! True leader and a great man!
— David Ross (@D_Ross3) November 23, 2015
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim closer Huston Street was another to speak highly of the person Roberts is:
Congrats to Dave Roberts, he might be really REALLY really short, but stands tall as a leader, person, coach and now Manager, happy for him
— Huston Street (@HustonStreet) November 23, 2015
Former Dodgers catcher Mike Piazza recalled his experience as Roberts’ teammate with the San Diego Padres:
Congrats to #DaveRoberts as the next manager of the @Dodgers. Very much enjoyed the year we were together in SD. Great guy.
— Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) November 23, 2015
Former Dodgers outfielder Juan Pierre believes the organization made the correct decision:
Congrats on my man Dave Roberts getting the Dodgers managing job! The Dodgers organization is in good hands a guy I always looked up to!
— Juan Pierre (@JPBeastMode) November 24, 2015
Lastly, another former Dodgers outfielder, Shawn Green, is confident Roberts will lead the club for years to come:
Huge congrats to the @dodgers for hiring an incredible guy to lead the team. Dave Roberts is going to be there for a long time
— Shawn Green (@shawngreen15) November 24, 2015
Roberts first game as Dodgers manager is against the Padres; an organization he spent the last five seasons with — including the last two as bench coach.
