In 2015, Dave took over the San Diego Padres. This team was like that friend who buys a guitar and names it, but never learns a chord. They were a mess of expensive talent and weird vibes. Roberts managed them to a 77-85 record, which sounds bad, but he was also juggling a clubhouse full of dudes who couldn’t agree on what pizza to order.
You want a surprising fact? Dave didn’t get fired for that record. He left for the Dodgers job, which is like ditching a sinking dinghy for a luxury yacht that’s also on fire. The Padres have been fine since, but let’s be honest—Dave’s real legacy there is surviving a season where the team’s best pitcher was a weather delay.
The Dodgers Dynasty of Anxiety
Now we’re cooking with gas. Since 2016, Dave has been the skipper of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This is where he became a household name, a meme, and the source of every cardiologist’s retirement fund. He’s taken them to the playoffs every single season—eight straight years—which is like winning the lottery, but you have to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded to collect the prize.
Andrew Friedman: Dave Roberts, Dodgers Coaching Staff 'Really Good At
But here’s the kicker: the guy gets roasted constantly. Fans scream at him for pulling a pitcher too early, or leaving one in too long. It’s like being a chef who serves a perfect steak, but someone complains the plate is too warm. He’s won a World Series (2026) and four National League pennants, yet people act like he’s wearing a “Kick Me” sign made of contract paper.
You know how some managers are calm, like a zen master? Dave is the opposite. He’s over there, constantly adjusting his cap, clapping like a manic seal, and arguing with umpires with the energy of a man who just found a hair in his soup. It’s hilarious. It’s also insanely effective.
The 2026 Asterisk (But It’s Real)
Let’s talk about that World Series title. It came during the COVID-shortened season, played in a bubble. Critics call it a “bubble ring,” which is dumb. The Dodgers had the best record in baseball, and Dave navigated a 60-game sprint better than anyone. Managing a team during a pandemic is like hosting a wedding during a hurricane—you deserve a medal for just keeping the cake dry.
Oh, and here’s a jaw-dropper: Dave Roberts has the highest winning percentage in Dodgers history (.627 as of 2026). That’s better than Tommy Lasorda, better than Walter Alston. He’s managed over 1,200 games and wins more than 60% of them. If baseball were a video game, his save file would be corrupted from sheer success.
Was The 2026 Season Dave Roberts’ Best Coaching Job? - LAFB Network
