Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Dave Roberts‘ journey to becoming the manager of the Dodgers was paved with significant milestones, including a brief stint as the interim manager of the San Diego Padres. In 2015, Roberts found himself unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight when long-time Padres manager Bud Black was fired midseason. Though Roberts’ time leading the Padres was short-lived, it played an important role in shaping his managerial career.
When the Padres dismissed Black in June 2015, the decision came after the team, despite being revamped with big-name acquisitions, struggled to rise above .500. Black, who had managed the Padres for nearly nine seasons, had failed to lead the team to the postseason, and the front office, under general manager A.J. Preller, felt a change was needed. Preller’s aggressive moves in the offseason, including trades for Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, and Justin Upton, coupled with the signing of pitcher James Shields, created high expectations. However, the team’s inconsistent performance left San Diego in third place in the National League West with a 32-33 record.
With Black gone, the Padres turned to Dave Roberts, then the team’s bench coach, to step in as interim manager for the series against the Oakland Athletics. Roberts, known even then for his affable personality and strong leadership skills, was highly respected within the organization. His connection to Black ran deep, having worked under him for several years and viewing him as a mentor.
For Doc, the sudden opportunity to manage the Padres was both challenging and emotional. “It is very emotional. I’ve never been in this situation,” Roberts said at the time. “He’s a friend, a mentor.” Despite the whirlwind circumstances, Roberts remained composed and did his best to guide the team through the transition.
Roberts’ experience in San Diego was not just about filling in for a few games. It was a learning opportunity that would later prove invaluable. During his time with the Padres, Roberts had already earned a reputation as a positive example and leader. He had joined the organization in 2010, initially working as a coach under Black, and had faced personal challenges, including a battle with lymphoma. His resilience and dedication to the game were evident, and his ability to connect with players made him a natural fit for a leadership role.
However, Dave Roberts’ first and last game as manager of the Friars was a bit of a disappointment for everybody involved. In front of 30,000 fans at Petco Park, starter Tyson Ross gave up four runs to the Oakland Athletics early and got saddled for the loss in a 9-1 defeat. Interestingly enough, in the Oakland lineup that night, a young infielder by the name of Max Muncy, who doubled in the sixth inning. Muncy would go on to play parts of a couple more seasons for the Athletics before finally finding a home at Chavez Ravine.
Although Roberts’ time as interim manager was brief—just one game before current Brewers skipper Pat Murphy was named interim manager for the remainder of the season—it was a pivotal moment in his career. It gave him a taste of what it meant to lead a team, setting the stage for his eventual success with the Dodgers. Murphy had no better luck than Black or Roberts with the Friars that year, as they finished a disappointing 74-88, well off the pace of the first place Dodgers.
Roberts didn’t get the gig in San Diego, but when his name was floated as a possible replacement for Black, it was greeted by respect from his peers. Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who had known Roberts since his playing days, expressed confidence in his abilities. “Real nice man. Dave and I go way back,” Bochy said. “Dave’s a good baseball man. He’s coached first, he’s been a bench coach. He’s worn some different hats. He knows all aspects of the game.”
In hindsight, Roberts’ brief stint as Padres manager was a small but significant part of his journey. That November, Roberts got his chance, being hired by the Dodgers to replace Don Mattingly. Today, Roberts is one of the winningest managers in baseball, having led the Dodgers to multiple postseason appearances and a World Series title in 2020. His time at the helm in San Diego may have been fleeting, but it was a key chapter in the story of his managerial career.
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