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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is responsible for one of the most famous stolen bases in MLB history.
Before he was a World Series winning manager, Roberts was a 10-year veteran in the big leagues. He was well-known for his defense and baserunning, something that showed up on the biggest stages.
In an interview with Bob Costas that will air Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on MLB Network, Roberts revealed the message he received from then Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona prior to his stolen base.
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
“He gave me a wink,” Roberts said in regard to Francona, in exclusive sound provided to Newsweek. “I was at the other end of the dugout; he gave me a wink and that basically signaled that I knew what I needed to do.”
Roberts also revealed that Francona had the bunt sign on, but Roberts was able to get him to take it off so he could swipe second base and get into scoring position. In case you are unfamiliar with the famous stolen base, here is a clip of it below.
Roberts would eventually come around to score the game-tying run that sparkedthe Red Sox’s historic 3-0 comeback in the 2004 ALCS against the division rival and hated New York Yankees.
It’s the small things like a wink from a manager that find ways to show up 20-plus years later and captivate an audience. To hear more from Roberts about his career as both a player and manager, make sure to tune into MLB Network at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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