It seems like the emotions are taking a toll on the 2024 World Series winner Dave Roberts. The Japanese-American manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers has done magic for the team since 2015. During these nine seasons, Roberts had an 851-506 record with eight National League West division titles, along with four NL pennants and two World Series titles. Massive, right?

But as Dave Roberts comes back to Japan, he shares his deepest regrets for not doing enough for his Japanese side. Ever since he became a major baseball talent, the MLB veteran could never really embrace his Japanese background. 

The last time Roberts went back to Japan was in December. He visited Naha in Okinawa for his felicitation by the municipality’s local governing body. Back then, Roberts felt a deep connection, which he had been apparently missing for a long time. And now, after receiving an invitation from Japan, Roberts recalled, “As a young kid, you’re not really thoughtful enough, or want to be curious about who you are. I was more just trying to survive.”

Makes sense, given the success he gained in Major League Baseball, right?

And now, with the Dodgers’ acquisitions of Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, and Yamamoto, maybe, Roberts is getting all nostalgic.  

Dodgers extend their partnership with their World Series-winning Manager

Dave Roberts has finally grabbed the four-year extension contract with the Dodgers, for an average of $8 million annually. One of the biggest managerial deals in MLB history. His continuity and stability convinced the team to prioritize him more than Roberts prioritized being with the Dodgers. His impressive win-loss record and .627 career winning percentage are the highlights. And how can we ignore how he led the Dodgers to reach the playoffs every season? 

Now, with the inclusion of Japanese superstars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roberts’ task has become much easier. It has allowed him to learn more about the culture from where he actually belongs! Dave Roberts is even visiting his mother in his homeland while doing occasional trips to Okinawa.

Seems like he is keen to give his Japanese side the effort that was missing so far! Roberts now feels a little bit more invested in his Japanese folks after winning the World Series title, as he considers it to be a medium to connect with people back there. 

Do you think investing more time on his Japanese side can help Dave Roberts succeed as a manager—even another World Series, maybe? Don’t hold back on sharing your thoughts with us!