Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts reflected on his participation in one of the biggest moments in baseball history in 2004 when he helped the Boston Red Sox overcome a 3-0 deficit in the American League Championship Series to defeat the New York Yankees. Roberts made a key play in that series that helped Boston get into position for the stunning run. He expressed excitement about being back in New York for playoff baseball, noting the thrill of playing in October and the satisfaction of defeating the team across town. Roberts led the Dodgers to a World Series victory in 2020, but has not managed in New York in the playoffs since taking over the team.
The Red Sox’s victory in 2004 ended the “Curse of the Bambino,” a decades-long superstition believed to have originated when the team traded Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1919. Roberts’ participation in this historic moment has remained a significant highlight in his career. As the Dodgers faced the crosstown New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field, Roberts reflected on the significance of playing in New York and the excitement of postseason baseball. The Mets appeared to have the upper hand in the NLCS, according to former player John Smoltz. Game 3 was scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET, with both teams vying for a spot in the World Series.
Roberts expressed his love for baseball and the thrill of playoff baseball in New York, emphasizing the excitement of competing against the Mets in a crucial playoff series. The Dodgers’ manager reminisced about the epic comeback against the Yankees in 2004 and how that moment had shaped his career in baseball. As the Dodgers aimed to secure another World Series victory under Roberts’ leadership, the stakes were high in the NLCS against the Mets. Roberts’ experience as both a player and a manager provided insight and perspective as the team prepared for the postseason showdown.
Roberts’ role in the Red Sox’s historic comeback against the Yankees in 2004 highlighted his ability to make crucial plays in high-pressure situations. As the Dodgers faced the Mets in the NLCS, Roberts drew on his past experiences in championship games to lead the team with confidence and determination. The excitement of playoff baseball in New York added an extra layer of intensity to the series, with both teams striving to advance to the World Series. Roberts’ leadership and playoff experience were valuable assets as the Dodgers aimed to secure another championship title under his guidance.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding the NLCS Game 3 matchup between the Dodgers and the Mets reflected the intensity of playoff baseball in New York. Roberts’ presence as the Dodgers’ manager added a layer of nostalgia and significance to the series, given his past involvement in historic baseball moments. The pressure was on both teams to perform at their best and secure a victory that would propel them closer to a World Series title. With Roberts at the helm, the Dodgers were well-positioned to face the challenges of a competitive postseason series and emerge as a championship contender.
