Black History Month: African-American head coaches in L.A.

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May 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) reacts during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) reacts during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Dave Roberts

Dodgers, 2016 – current

The Dodgers broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947 with Jackie Robinson.

It took another 68 years before they hired a black manager, and within two seasons it is clear that they have the right man in charge.

Roberts was brought in as a beacon of positivity and adopter of sabermetrics, coinciding with the heady front office and their vision of a modern baseball club.

What they could not have foreseen was Roberts’ astute management of a once-shaky bullpen and duct-taped pitching staff, which led to the most pitching changes in Major League Baseball history.

It also led to a division title and appearance in the National League Championship Series, and optimism from Chavez Ravine to the San Fernando Valley and South Bay.

Roberts looks to be a stalwart in the mold of Walter Alston and Tommy Lasorda for these newly rejuvenated Dodgers.