Dusty Baker and Dave Roberts have spent more than 55 years combined in the major leagues, but the managers of the Nationals and Dodgers, respectively, will make history Friday in Washington.
This will be the first postseason matchup in major league history involving two black managers. Both men are proud to be involved.
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"It gives us some pride, in being African-American, to show people that not only can we do the job, but we can do the job better than most, especially this year," Baker said at a news conference Thursday.
"Hopefully, it motivates other organizations to get some African-American managers, also to motivate other players that are playing now, and former players that have managerial aspirations. It probably brings a lot of pride across America — and not only African-American people, but everybody."
When Baker was hired by Washington last November to replace Matt Williams, MLB avoided what could have been its first start to a season since 1988 with zero black managers. The Dodgers hired Roberts away from the Padres' staff later that month.
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"It's obviously, it's important, and it doesn't go unnoticed or underappreciated," Roberts said. "I think speaking for Dusty, myself, what it means to the game of baseball, to society. … But I think when it comes down to it, right now, he and I, we're just focused on winning a series.
"I think that when we look back, it's really — it's going to be more special, but I definitely know it's certainly noted, and not to go unappreciated."
While this is Roberts' postseason debut as a manager, Baker is participating in the playoffs for the eighth time in 21 seasons with four clubs. Baker ranks 17th in major league history in managerial wins and said this week he aims to become the first black manager in the sport's Hall of Fame. Winning his first World Series title as a manager would help that case.