by Cary Osborne
The Dodgers ended the 2024 regular season by beating the Colorado Rockies 2–1 on Sept. 29.
It moved Dodger manager Dave Roberts’ career record to 851–507 and his winning percentage to .627 — the best manager winning percentage in National League/American League history.
Roberts on that day had nine postseason berths, eight NL West titles, three NL pennants and a World Series championship in 2020 in nine seasons as Dodger manager on his resume.
Yet, the games that would define his tenure as Dodger manager, were still yet to come.
Roberts — a fleet-footed outfielder in 10 seasons as a Major Leaguer — showed how dynamic of a baseball man he is with the 2024 postseason.
His ability to maximize a pitching staff, particularly with his use of the Dodger bullpen, combined with his calming nature, were integral factors in the Dodgers going from the brink of elimination in the National League Division Series to the eighth World Series championship in franchise history.
Roberts admitted this spring, after postseason disappointments of the past and with the responsibility as manager of the Dodgers to answer for them, this was a satisfying achievement.
“It was a big one,” Roberts said this spring. “I think that for me, to win it, to have the parade, celebrate with our players, the organization, the fans, I think there was some validation there. And I hate even admitting that, but there was some validation.”
Roberts, one of three Dodger managers in history to guide the team to two World Series championships — joining Hall of Famers Walter Alston (four) and Tommy Lasorda (two) — has signed a four-year extension with the Dodgers. The deal runs through the 2029 season.
“We could not be more thrilled about continuing our long-running partnership with Dave,” said Andrew Friedman, Dodger president of baseball operations. “As we’ve preached time and time again, continuity and stability are staples of this organization, and we are incredibly excited that this agreement allows us to maintain our focus of working together towards bringing more championships to Los Angeles. Dave’s leadership both on the field and in the clubhouse elevates those around him and allows our players to go and perform at an elite level night in and night out. He has become a strong presence in the community, and represents all the best qualities of our organization.”
Roberts begins his 10th season as Dodger skipper in 2025, joining Alston (23 years), Lasorda (20) and Wilbert Robinson (18) as the only Dodger managers to manage the team for at least a decade.
He is one of 14 managers to lead one franchise to at least four World Series. His 56 postseason wins rank sixth in Major League history behind three Hall of Fame managers — Joe Torre (84), Tony La Russa (71) and Bobby Cox (67) — and two who could be on their way to Cooperstown — Dusty Baker (57) and Bruce Bochy (57).
He is one of five managers all-time with five 100-plus win seasons, joining Cox (six), Joe McCarthy (six), Connie Mack (five) and Earl Weaver (five).
Roberts is one of 10 managers who have reached the postseason at least nine times. He is the only one to reach the postseason in his first nine seasons as a Major League manager.
“I am excited and grateful to continue this great journey with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the best organization in sports,” Roberts said. “Building my relationships with the players — and the fans — has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and it’s a privilege I do not take lightly. I would like to thank Dodger ownership and management for giving me the opportunity to work toward more World Series titles for the Dodgers.”
Dave Roberts and Dodgers agree to four-year extension was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.