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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Sports Desk • Baseball

Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts is a former Major League Baseball outfielder best known for his playing career with the Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants, and for his later role as manager of the Dodgers.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Dave Roberts is a former MLB outfielder and the current manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his speed on the bases and a key stolen base in the 2004 postseason.

What it is

Dave Roberts played 10 seasons in the majors as a speedy leadoff outfielder for five teams, including the Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox. He later became a manager, leading the Dodgers to multiple division titles and World Series championships.

Why it matters

Roberts is best remembered for his stolen base in the 2004 ALCS, a pivotal moment that helped the Red Sox break the Curse of the Bambino and win the World Series. As a manager, he has consistently guided the Dodgers to postseason success, cementing his legacy in baseball.

Key details

Born in Japan and raised in the U.S., Roberts attended UCLA and was drafted twice before debuting in 1999. He compiled 721 hits, 23 home runs, and a .266 average. He won the 2004 World Series as a player and later managed the Dodgers to titles in 2020 and 2024.

In short

  • Played 10 MLB seasons for five teams, known for speed.
  • Stole a key base in the 2004 ALCS, helping the Red Sox win the World Series.
  • Became Dodgers manager in 2016, winning multiple pennants and World Series titles.
  • Born in Okinawa, Japan; played college ball at UCLA.

Quick questions

Who is Dave Roberts in baseball?
Dave Roberts is a former MLB outfielder and the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
What is Dave Roberts best known for as a player?
He is best known for his speed, stolen bases, and his role in the Boston Red Sox's 2004 postseason run.
Is Dave Roberts a World Series champion?
Yes. He won the 2004 World Series as a player and later won additional titles as a manager.

Sources

  1. Baseball-Reference — https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/roberda07.shtml
    Supports: Career statistics, position, teams, seasons played, and basic player bio.
  2. MLB — https://www.mlb.com/player/dave-roberts-150353
    Supports: Full name, birthplace, birth date, draft information, debut date, and career batting totals.
  3. Society for American Baseball Research — https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/dave-roberts-3/
    Supports: Biographical background and career context.
  4. UCLA Bruins — https://uclabruins.com/honors/hall-of-fame/dave-roberts/15
    Supports: College career, stolen-base records, and post-playing recognition.