Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was not present at Blake Snell’s introductory press conference due to what president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said was a “long-planned trip out of the country.”
“I know he’s watching and I know he’s really excited about this announcement,” Friedman added.
While it was unclear where Roberts was at the time, it turns out he returned to Japan, where he both participated in a marketing campaign for the Kinoshita Group, which has a partnership with the Dodgers, and he was also honored in his hometown of Naha, Okinawa.
Roberts, who was born in Naha on May 31, 1972 to an American father in the Marines and a Japanese mother, was celebrated by Mayor Satoru Chinen at their city hall with the Naha City Honor Award.
“The award I received today from the city of Naha, I will hold it right next to my World Series trophy,” Roberts said during the ceremony. “This means just as much as winning the World Series to me.”
大リーグのワールドシリーズを制したドジャースのロバーツ監督が21年ぶりに沖縄に帰ってきました。
那覇市役所で、那覇市栄誉賞が授与され、市県民が花道を作り喜びあいました#ワールドシリーズ#ドジャース#ロバーツ監督… pic.twitter.com/A48ESIq9Ux
— 【公式】沖縄ツーリスト OTS (@ots_okinawa) December 5, 2024
#ドジャース @Dodgers #LetsGoDodgers デーブ・ロバーツ監督、那覇市特別栄誉賞受賞贈呈式の様子です！すごい盛り上がりでした！
pic.twitter.com/PXvHfu6Iy7
— 柳原直之 スポニチMLB担当 Naoyuki Yanagihara SPORTS NIPPON (@sponichi_yanagi) December 5, 2024
ロバーツ監督の「那覇市特別栄誉賞」贈呈式の様子②です
pic.twitter.com/gfRnXvxhEd
— 柳原直之 スポニチMLB担当 Naoyuki Yanagihara SPORTS NIPPON (@sponichi_yanagi) December 5, 2024
ロバーツ監督の「那覇市特別栄誉賞」贈呈式の様子③です
— 柳原直之 スポニチMLB担当 Naoyuki Yanagihara SPORTS NIPPON (@sponichi_yanagi) December 5, 2024
It was the first time Roberts returned to Okinawa in 21 years, and it became an emotional experience for the skipper as he shared a message to the city.
“Winning the World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, for the city of Los Angeles, was incredible, an incredible challenge, but the final piece for me was to come to Naha, to be with my people and celebrate with you guys together,” Roberts said. “So now, my journey for 2024 is finally complete.”
Roberts still has family and friends in Okinawa, and he brought his son Cole with him on the trip.
“Okinawa will always be home for me,” he said.
He concluded by giving a hug to a Naha city council member, posing for some photos and receiving a framed certificate to commemorate the honor.
“This hug, will be me giving a hug to everyone in Okinawa.”
Max Muncy hopes World Series silences Dave Roberts criticism
The Dodgers entered the 2024 season as strong favorites to win the World Series, but by no means had an easy path to doing so.
The Dodgers faced adversity all year due to the plethora of injuries that piled up, particularly in their starting rotation. They had to navigate multiple bullpen games in the postseason, which required Roberts to make more key decisions than usual.
Max Muncy believes Roberts did an excellent job given the circumstances and hopes he quieted all of his past critics.
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