Dave Roberts never lost the faith. He knew that despite all the injuries, the Los Angeles Dodgers were going to win the World Series last season.
With the Dodgers’ back against the wall and one loss shy of an early exit in the National League Division Series, starting infielder Miguel Rojas fought tears as he struggled to walk.
Rojas had been dealing with a groin injury, and it got to the point where he had to tell Roberts he couldn’t play.
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The response from the Dodgers’ skpper was incredible.
“I woke up that day feeling really bad, and I couldn’t play,” Rojas told USA TODAY Sports. “I told him, ‘Doc, I’m really sorry man, but I can’t play today. I can’t really walk.’ He texted me right back.
“’Miggy, we’re going to win the World Series this year, and we’re going to win it next year together.’ That was really special because we were one game away from not even making out of the NLDS, and he’s got the confidence on his team that we were going to win.’ You read the message, and you don’t believe it until it’s starting to happen.”
Roberts’ optmistic outlook kept the Dodgers in the series. Los Angeles did exactly what he told Rojas and this years holds all the potential for the team to win another title.
More importantly, Roberts proved himself worthy of a contract extension, making him the highest-paid manager in Major League Baseball in terms of average annual value. It was conversations like the one with Rojas that created an atmosphere enabling the players to buy in to what Roberts was doing.
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Relying on three starters and a bullpen, the Dodgers managed to beat the San Diego Padres in the NLDS, the New York Mets in the NL Championship Series, and then then New York Yankees in the World Series.
With the extension Roberts signed, he is guaranteed to be around for at least five more seasons — and Rojas couldn’t be happier.
“He deserves this so much,” Rojas said. “He’s put in the time. He’s been through a lot, you know. He’s always mentioned how special it’s been for him to be the manager of this ballclub, and how special it is to be in front of this clubhouse and this franchise.”
“It couldn’t happen,” Rojas added, “to a better person.”
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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