Earvin “Magic” Johnson, co-owner of Los Angeles Dodgers, had a big smile on his face after the Dodgers came from behind to beat the New York Yankees to win game five 7 to 6 of the 2024 World Series. The Dodgers wrapped up the series 4 games to 1 as they ran onto the field following the last out at Yankee Stadium.

But that’s not all. David Ray Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager, is the second Black manager since the Houston Astros, led by Dusty Baker, defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to win the 2022 World Series. Baker now works in the front office of the San Francisco Giants.

Roberts was born on May 31, 1972, in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. He is the son of Waymon Roberts, a Black United States Marine stationed in Japan and Eiko Roberts, a Japanese woman, who is a native of Okinawa. Roberts, who served 30 years in the Marines, died in 2017 at the age of 68.

Johnson bought a 2.3 percent stake in the team. He wanted to restore the Dodgers to their glory days in the ’70s and ’80s when they frequently reached the World Series. 

Since the big-time purchase, the Dodgers have made four World Series appearances, winning titles in 2020 and now in 2024. 

When the Dodgers defeated San Diego Padres 2-0 in the National League Division Series, Johnson said he knew the team was on its way to the World Series.

Johnson teamed up with Guggenheim Baseball Management, Mark Walter, and Stan Kasten to bid for the team. Tennis legend Billie Jean King also was involved in the purchase.

They paid $2.15 billion for the bankrupt Dodgers. Johnson also is part owner of the Washington Commanders of the National Football League.