The MLB currently features three Black managers, Dave Roberts (Los Angeles Dodgers), Ron Washington (Los Angeles Angels), and Will Venable (Chicago White Sox).
While players are the individuals on the field performing at the highest level, the managers are the ones making those tough decisions behind the scenes.
A manager’s crucial decision-making can determine a win or a loss for their team.
There’s a lot that a manager has to deal with on and off the field. And in a sport where there are not many Black managers, these three individuals have shown why more Black managers should definitely be getting a crack at leading a MLB roster.
Will Venable (Chicago White Sox): Ivy League Leadership
After coming off a 2024 season where they lost the most games in MLB history, the White Sox hired Venable to be the team’s manager in October of 2024.
Venable spent time in the league as a player from 2008 to 2016.
He’s in his first season as a manager and came into the position with previous experience as a coach in the MLB. From 2018-2020, he spent time as the third and first base coach for the Chicago Cubs and was then named the bench coach for the Boston Red Sox from 2021-2022.
Before joining the White Sox, Venable was with the Texas Rangers as their bench coach from 2023-2024, winning a World Series during the 2023 season.
Though the White Sox have the second-worst record in the league, the team has shown improvements under the helm of Venable.
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The team has won a majority of their games at home, winning 16 of the 34 games that have been played at Rate Field so far.
While the White Sox might not become a playoff-contending team this season or even next season, Venable has done a good job establishing a culture in his first season.
Ron Washington (Los Angeles Angels): OG On A Rebuild
Washington is no stranger to the MLB. In addition to his playing days in the league, Washington has experience as a coach and manager for numerous teams across the league.
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In his second season with the Angels, Washington has his team in a position to possibly make a postseason push, a significant improvement from last season.
Washington really stresses player development and being hands-on with his players. There are times when he has been seen doing drills with his players before games and providing in-depth instructions to them.
Washington is looking to take the Angels to the postseason for the first time since 2014. Through 70 games, they are only 7.5 games back from first place.
The American League West division will definitely be a division where any team could win and the Angels are a team in that conversation.
Dave Roberts (Los Angeles Dodgers): Model Of Consistency
Roberts has had a lot of success as a manager, as he’s currently in his 10th season with the Dodgers.
He already has two World Series titles under his belt and is looking to win a second consecutive title with the Dodgers this season. The Dodgers currently lead the National League West division and are trending toward a 13th consecutive playoff appearance.
Roberts has not missed the postseason since joining the Dodgers, and each season, the Dodgers are a team that’s in the conversation to win the World Series.
As manager of a team who has high expectations each year, Roberts has done a good job of putting them in the best position to compete for a World Series title.
