'I love the country': Roberts' long, storied journey comes full-circle in return to Japan
Sonja Chen
@sonjamchenTOKYO -- For all of the attention on the Dodgers' three Japanese stars returning home for the Tokyo Series, there's actually a fourth.
"Welcome back to Japan," a reporter said to manager Dave Roberts in English before continuing onto his question at Friday's press conference at the Tokyo Dome Hotel. Roberts bowed his head and smiled.
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Managers, understandably, do not reach the same heights of popularity as players, but Roberts is probably as close to a star as a manager can be. In his nine years at the helm, he's led Los Angeles to two World Series titles, nine postseason appearances and a .627 regular-season winning percentage, which leads all AL/NL managers with at least 1,000 games managed.
Roberts now gets the rare opportunity to begin his 10th season as Dodgers manager in his country of birth, returning as the highest-paid manager on a yearly basis in the Major Leagues.
“This is one of the most exciting Opening Days I’ve ever had -- from a player to a coach to a manager -- opening up the season in Tokyo," Roberts said during camp. "My aunts, my uncles, my cousins are all going to be able to see. I love the country of Japan."
Roberts was born to an African-American father and a Japanese mother in Naha, the largest city in Okinawa, where his father was stationed as a Marine. His family didn't reside in Japan for long, and they moved around frequently during Roberts' childhood before putting down roots in San Diego.
His background alone puts him in rare company: He's one of three Black managers and the only Asian-American manager to lead his team to a World Series title.
Managing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto -- and Roki Sasaki, beginning this season -- has helped Roberts connect more with his Japanese heritage. And while the Dodgers' trio of Japanese stars didn't necessarily sign with Los Angeles because of Roberts, his presence has lent some added comfort.
"I think it's a very positive thing to have Doc as our manager," Yamamoto said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda. "He has a relationship with Japan. Last year was my first year [in the Majors], and he gave me all the support I needed."
Players who have loved playing for Roberts often note his ability to communicate as a big draw. He has a knack for understanding what players are going through -- having been there himself during his 10-year big league career -- and knowing the right way to tell them what they need to hear.
He also has a natural ability to bring people together, no easy feat in a clubhouse filled with stars.
"There’s egos all over this clubhouse, and it’s not just players," first baseman Freddie Freeman said. "There’s so many different personalities that he handles, and it runs so smooth."
Perhaps Roberts' ability to connect people should come as little surprise given his standing as someone with a foot in multiple worlds.
This past offseason, Roberts made a trip to Japan, where he was honored in Naha and also filmed a commercial. He treasured the opportunities he got to interact with some legends of Japanese baseball, from having dinner with home run king Sadaharu Oh to meeting with manager Hideki Kuriyama.
The big moments keep coming for Roberts now that he's back in the country for the Tokyo Series. Saturday night brought another exciting opportunity that he had been looking forward to: managing the Dodgers' exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants, whose 22 championships are the most by any Nippon Professional Baseball team.
"I remember being in Japan as a young kid and watching the Tokyo Giants play," Roberts said, "and my grandfather telling me that this is The Team. So to now be … managing against those guys, I think it’s great. I think it’s amazing.
"And again, this is bigger than us. It’s about global baseball, so I just think I’m very fortunate to be a part of this, as are the Dodgers.”
So it was that Roberts found himself on the third-base line alongside his team at the Tokyo Dome, standing proudly as first "The Star-Spangled Banner" then "Kimigayo" played, with the U.S. and Japanese flags presented on the field.
Two countries, united by their love of a common game, together under one roof. It was a rather fitting scene for Roberts to take part in.