MAKING WAVES celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans who have made a difference through their career accomplishments, philanthropic projects, corporate achievements, and/or community outreach. This month-long celebration includes vignettes that will be broadcasted on-air, online, and on social! Today we honor World Series Champion Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts.
Dave Roberts was born on May 31, 1972, in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. He grew up in San Diego, California, starring as a multi-sport athlete for Rancho Buena Vista High School. Roberts played baseball, basketball and football.
He drew interest from schools for his football skills, but declined in favor of proceeding with a baseball career. Roberts ultimately enrolled at UCLA and earned a spot on the baseball team as a walk-on outfielder.
He impressed during his junior season, leading the Cleveland Indians to select him in the 47th round of the 1993 MLB Draft. Roberts opted against signing and returned to the Bruins for his senior season.At the end of the year, he was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 28th round of the 1994 MLB Draft.
In 2019, Roberts led the Dodgers to a franchise-best 106 wins and fourth straight NL West title. He became the first manager in MLB history to lead his team to division titles in each of his first four full seasons at the helm.
He also led the Dodgers to the World Series in 2018 and 2020, winning in the latter year. Roberts is both the first manager of Asian heritage and the second African American manager to lead a team to a World Series title.
Prior to 2015, the season before Roberts took over, the Dodgers had never won three straight division titles in franchise history. The following year they became the first team to win the NL West in four consecutive seasons since the Divisional Era began in 1969 — a record that’s now been extended to seven.
In celebration of Black History Month 94.7 The Wave and the Los Angeles Rams honor individuals who are Making Waves in Southern California.
