David Ray Roberts, affectionately known as "Doc", is a Japanese American professional baseball manager and former outfielder, currently serving as the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Born on May 31, 1972, Roberts played for five MLB teams over the course of a ten-year career, before transitioning to coaching for the San Diego Padres. He was eventually appointed Dodgers manager in 2016.
As a player, Roberts' most notable achievement was a crucial stolen base in the 2004 American League Championship Series, which extended the Boston Red Sox's postseason and ultimately culminated in a World Series championship in 2004. He batted and threw left-handed.
Roberts' parents, a Japanese mother and an African American father, have significantly influenced his background. He made history by becoming the first manager of Asian heritage to lead a team to the World Series in 2017, when the Dodgers captured the National League pennant.
Under his leadership, the Dodgers have appeared in the World Series on multiple occasions, including in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2024, ultimately winning the title in 2020 and 2024. Roberts has further cemented his legacy by becoming the first manager of Asian heritage and second African American manager to lead a team to a World Series title.
