When a former New York Yankees manager—someone who understands the immense pressure and expectations of leading one of baseball’s most storied franchises—goes out of his way to praise another team and its leader, it speaks volumes about what that team has achieved. Such is the case with the Los Angeles Dodgers and their esteemed manager, Dave Roberts, who continue to earn widespread admiration not only for their consistent success but also for the culture of excellence they have cultivated over the years. The Dodgers have become a gold standard in Major League Baseball (MLB), and Roberts’ leadership is often singled out as the key driving force behind their dominance.

The praise from the former Yankees skipper is not surprising. The Yankees and Dodgers share a historic rivalry that stretches back to the golden age of baseball, with unforgettable battles in World Series matchups dating to the 1950s. For a manager who once guided the Yankees, to openly commend the Dodgers is not only a significant compliment but also a testament to the respect the Dodgers have earned across the league. Under Roberts’ watchful eye, the Dodgers have transformed from a perennial contender into a modern dynasty, consistently fielding one of the most formidable rosters in baseball and making the postseason nearly every year of his tenure.

Since taking the helm in 2016, Roberts has done far more than simply manage lineups and pitching rotations. He has instilled a culture of trust, resilience, and determination. While the Dodgers have long been recognized for their financial strength and ability to sign elite players, it is Roberts’ managerial style that has elevated the team to its current stature. He combines old-school baseball wisdom with modern analytics, striking a balance that resonates with both veteran players and emerging stars.

A former Yankees manager—accustomed to the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with leading a team expected to win every single year—understands the challenges Roberts faces in Los Angeles. The Dodgers, like the Yankees, are not just another ball club; they are an organization with sky-high expectations from their fan base, the media, and ownership. For Roberts to continually meet and exceed these expectations while maintaining a positive clubhouse culture is no small feat.

Roberts is often praised for his calm demeanor and ability to connect with players on a personal level. This is not a manager who simply relies on statistics or makes cold, calculated decisions without considering the human element of the game. He has earned the trust of his roster by showing confidence in their abilities, even during slumps or difficult stretches. Players have repeatedly credited Roberts for creating an environment where they feel supported yet held accountable—a rare balance that keeps the team both motivated and focused.

The former Yankees manager’s admiration also reflects the parallels between the Dodgers’ recent success and the Yankees’ storied past. The Yankees’ golden eras were defined not just by star power but by cohesive teams that thrived under exceptional leadership. Similarly, Roberts has built a Dodgers team that, despite its big-name players, emphasizes teamwork, depth, and adaptability.

In many ways, the Dodgers have become what the Yankees once were: the team everyone else is chasing. They have made the postseason for over a decade consecutively, a remarkable feat that places them among the most consistently competitive teams in modern sports. Much like the Yankees of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Dodgers have blended homegrown talent—like Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Will Smith—with carefully chosen free-agent signings and blockbuster trades, such as the acquisition of Mookie Betts.

The former Yankees manager praised Roberts not only for his ability to handle the immense pressure but also for his adaptability in a league that has evolved rapidly in recent years. Baseball today is not what it was two decades ago. Advanced analytics, player load management, and media scrutiny have all intensified, yet Roberts continues to thrive, guiding his team with both a modern outlook and an appreciation for the game’s traditions.

One of Roberts’ greatest strengths is his ability to maximize the talent of his roster, regardless of injuries or unforeseen challenges. The Dodgers have had seasons plagued by significant injuries to key players, but they rarely falter. Roberts’ ability to manage his bullpen, rotate lineups strategically, and trust his bench players has been instrumental in keeping the Dodgers competitive every single year.

The former Yankees manager acknowledged that this adaptability is what sets Roberts apart from many of his peers. Managing a star-studded team is not as simple as it appears. Balancing egos, distributing playing time, and ensuring that every player feels valued while keeping the team focused on its collective goal requires exceptional leadership skills. Roberts excels in this area, and his players’ consistent praise for him underscores the respect he commands in the clubhouse.

Roberts is also known for his communication skills. Unlike some managers who keep their strategies close to the vest, Roberts is transparent with his players. They understand their roles, and they trust that the decisions he makes are in the team’s best interest. This trust has been evident in the Dodgers’ postseason runs, where difficult calls—such as bullpen changes or pinch-hitting decisions—are accepted without discord because players know Roberts has their backs.

The Dodgers’ sustained excellence under Roberts has turned them into a modern dynasty. Their 2020 World Series championship was a crowning achievement, but in many ways, it was just the beginning. They have continued to be a dominant force, making deep postseason runs and competing for titles year after year. Their consistency is reminiscent of the Yankees’ dominance during their peak eras.

The former Yankees manager highlighted that while winning one championship is challenging, maintaining a culture that consistently produces winning seasons is even harder. Roberts and the Dodgers have managed to do just that, even in the face of fierce competition from other powerhouse teams in the National League.

The Dodgers’ ability to develop young talent while also leveraging their financial power to acquire star players is a blueprint that many other teams attempt to replicate but rarely succeed in executing. This balance has kept the Dodgers not only competitive but also feared throughout the league.

When someone with the experience and pedigree of a former Yankees manager praises another team and its leader, it is a nod of approval from one titan of the sport to another. The Yankees have long been viewed as the benchmark of success in baseball, and the Dodgers have now joined them in that elite category. Roberts has not only met expectations but has redefined what success looks like in today’s MLB landscape.

The admiration from the Yankees’ camp also reflects how Roberts has changed perceptions about managing. In a sport where managers are often criticized for over-relying on analytics or making questionable in-game decisions, Roberts has struck a balance that earns respect from both traditionalists and modern thinkers. His willingness to adapt and his emphasis on the human element of the game have made him a standout figure in baseball.

The Dodgers’ future remains bright under Roberts’ leadership. With a roster stacked with both seasoned veterans and rising stars, they are positioned to remain contenders for years to come. The former Yankees manager’s praise is not just for past accomplishments but for the continued excellence that Roberts and his team are poised to achieve.

For Roberts, this recognition is both a validation of his approach and a challenge to keep pushing forward. The Dodgers are not content with just one championship; they aim to build a legacy akin to the Yankees of old. As Roberts continues to guide his team with a steady hand, the baseball world watches with admiration and anticipation.

The glowing praise from a former New York Yankees manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dave Roberts speaks volumes about what this team has achieved under his leadership. Roberts has taken a talented roster and turned it into a cohesive, winning machine that blends tradition with innovation. His ability to manage egos, maintain a positive clubhouse culture, and deliver results on the field sets him apart as one of the best managers in the game today.

The Dodgers, much like the Yankees in their prime, have become the standard by which all other teams are measured. And while the two franchises may be rivals in history, the respect between their leaders underscores a universal truth in sports: excellence recognizes excellence. As Roberts continues to build on his already impressive résumé, the Dodgers’ place in baseball history seems all but assured.