Dave Roberts: The Stolen Base That Changed History

From Minor League Star to World Series Hero

Dave Roberts, the current manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has etched his name in baseball history with his legendary stolen base in Game 4 of the 2004 American League Championship Series (ALCS). But before that iconic moment, Roberts had a promising career in the minor leagues, starting with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in the California League.

In 1994, Roberts had an impressive season with the Quakes, batting .292 with 12 stolen bases and helping the team win the division title with a 42-32 record. His performance earned him a promotion to the Lakeland Tigers in the Florida State League for the 1995 season.

The Fateful Stolen Base

Fast forward to October 2004, and Roberts found himself in a pivotal moment during Game 4 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees. With the Boston Red Sox trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning and Mariano Rivera on the mound, Roberts was called upon to pinch-run. With one out and runners on first and second, Roberts was given the green light to steal second base.

In a split-second decision that would forever change his life and the course of the game, Roberts took off towards second. He slid safely into the bag ahead of Rivera's throw, setting the stage for what became known as "The Comeback." The Red Sox went on to score three runs in the inning, with David Ortiz delivering the walk-off single to give Boston a 6-4 victory and tie the series at 2-2.

Dave Roberts' stolen base not only ignited the greatest comeback in ALCS history but also cemented his place as an iconic figure in baseball. The moment remains a testament to the power of one decisive action and the profound impact it can have on the course of a game, a career, and even the fate of a sports franchise.