Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was born in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. His mother, Eiko, is a Japanese woman native to Okinawa. His father, Waymon, was a member of the U.S. Marines stationed in Japan. As the Dodgers prepare to open the 2025 regular season in Tokyo with a two-game series against the Cubs, Roberts is reflecting on the side of his heritage he largely neglected while growing up on military bases in Okinawa and the United States.
“That is a regret” he says, “I haven’t given my Japanese side its due.”
Dave Roberts Reuniting With His Heritage
Roberts — coming off a 2024 World Series title — signed a four-year, $32.4 million contract extension in the offseason, making him the highest-paid manager in 2025.
He shared his excitement for the upcoming trip with MLB.com’s Sonja Chen.
“This is one of the most exciting Opening Days I’ve ever had — from a player, to a coach, to a manager — opening up the season in Tokyo. My aunts, my uncles, my cousins are all going to be able to see. I love the country of Japan,” Roberts continued.
“And obviously, with the three Japanese players that we have, just to see how we are received, I’m very excited about. And I will say this: I really hope the people in the States learn from people in Japan, how they treat people. In Japan, there’s just a lot of respect, and people are kind. And for us to go over there into their country, I’m very honored. Very honored.”
Dave Roberts believes the Dodgers mission of painting the country of Japan in Dodger Blue has been completed 🙏
Would you agree?
Via @mlb pic.twitter.com/6gW01Wux8b
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) March 14, 2025
The Dodgers’ roster features three Japanese players: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki. As Ohtani continues through rehab as a pitcher, he will continue playing as the team’s designated hitter, while Yamamoto and Sasaki will start the two games for Los Angeles on March 18 and 19. Meanwhile, the Cubs will have two players of their own playing in front of a home crowd: Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki.
Roberts has spoken in the past about being the son of an African-American man and a Japanese woman, and the challenges that presented growing up. Still, he takes pride in his roots and the barriers he has been able to break through the game of baseball.
After winning the 2020 World Series in the COVID-19-shortened season, Roberts reflected on the accomplishment with ABC7’s Rob Fukuzaki.
“When you’re talking about the first Asian manager to win a World Series, that’s mind-blowing,” Roberts said. “I pride myself on humility, and not try to get too big and be in the moment.”