It is no secret that Japan adores the Los Angeles Dodgers. With a roster consisting of two Japanese-born superstars, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the country has expressed immense support for the franchise. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who also has a Japanese background, is at the team’s helm.
Roberts was born in Naha, Okinawa, Japan in 1972. While his African American father is from the United States, his mother is from Okinawa. On Thursday, Roberts was presented with a special honor award from the mayor of Naha, Satoru Chinen.
“This is beyond my wildest dreams, and I am humbled,” Roberts told The Japan Times.
The Dodgers have won two World Series titles under Roberts’ management (2020, 2024). In 2020, Roberts became the first manager of Asian descent to win a World Series. He was also the first African American manager to win a World Series since the Toronto Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston in 1992.
Roberts signed a three-year contract extension in March 2022, which means his contract will expire at the end of next season.
Since 2016, Roberts has led the Dodgers to five National League West titles and three NL pennants. He boasts the highest career regular season winning percentage (.627) in MLB history.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said Roberts will likely receive another contract extension this offseason.
The Dodgers may add a fourth member to their growing, Japanese-born dynasty. Starting pitcher Roki Sasaki is a free agent this offseason.
Several MLB executives predict Sasaki to sign with the Dodgers, with Japan’s support of the franchise being a major factor.
Dodgers president of baseball operations called Sasaki a “major priority” for the team this offseason.
