Dodgers Welcome New Manager To L.A.

The Los Angeles Dodgers introduced Dave Roberts as their new manager Tuesday morning, making him the first minority manager in franchise history.  

The team presented Roberts with a hat and a number 30 jersey before introducing him to a small crowd of media and fans gathered at Dodgers Stadium. 

This is not the first time that Roberts has worn number 30 for the Dodgers. He used to patrol centerfield for them between 2002 and 2004. 

Following a successful 10-year major league career, Roberts retired from baseball in 2009. He soon returned to the game in 2011, when he was named to the San Diego Padres coaching staff.

Roberts spent three seasons as the Padres' firstbase coach before being promoted to bench coach in 2014. He comes to the Dodgers with no prior managerial experience.

Roberts' hire fills a hole that was left when the Dodgers decided to part ways with former manager, Don Mattingly, in October. Under Mattingly, the Dodgers won three consecutive NL West titles, yet failed to reach the World Series despite having the largest payroll in MLB history.

Many Dodger fans are skeptical of the hiring, feeling that Roberts lacks the coaching experience necessary for such a prestigious role. But USC student, Luke Holthouse, feels differently.

"It probably will be a good move to mix it up and get a new personality in there," Holthouse said. "Maybe that will help with the playoff atmosphere." 

Roberts, who was born to a black father and a Japanese mother, grew up in the San Diego area and played his college ball at UCLA. He played professionally in Cleveland, Boston, San Diego, and San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. He was one of the most feared base-stealers of his time.