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Manager Dave Roberts missed the Los Angeles Dodgers’ series finale against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday to attend his daughter’s graduation at Stanford.
In the past, this decision would have been looked down upon, especially because the Dodgers lost 4-6 and dropped the series against the White Sox on Sunday. But Roberts explained how sports culture has evolved to allow him to prioritize important events with his family without judgment.
“I think that’s one of the good things about the way the world has evolved, to where you do some things for mental health or your family, and it’s not frowned upon that you care less about your job,” Roberts said, per the California Post. “That should be applicable to everyone. It’s good to feel like I can go, and I don’t feel like I’m being judged because I’m going to celebrate my daughter.”
Jun 13, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) in the dugout before the game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Evolving sports culture has also benefited players like first baseman Freddie Freeman. The three-time World Series champion missed two games when he went on paternity leave to attend the birth of his daughter in April.
“You see it all around baseball,” Roberts said. “People are doing things for their family, and paternity leave, things like that. It’s healthy.”
Los Angeles Dodgers Freddie Freeman smiles after hitting a 2-RBI double off Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher John Curtiss in the first inning during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale in Phoenix on March 10, 2025.
One of the biggest shifts in sports culture has involved mental health. Multiple athletes have started speaking up about the importance of prioritizing mental health in sports.
Last season, Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia stepped away from the team during the World Series to deal with a family matter. Vesia later announced that his newborn daughter, Sterling, died on Oct. 26.
Jun 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia (51) throws to the plate against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
Vesia was able to take time away from baseball during the most important games of the season to mourn the loss of his daughter and spend time with his wife and family. During spring training, Vesia expressed his gratitude for the support he received and advocated for people to prioritize their mental health.
“It hasn’t been easy, but talking to someone, it has made a difference,” Vesia said in February. “For those out there who’ve lost a child or are fighting through any struggle, if you can take anything from this, please seek help. Talk to somebody. It’s definitely helped Kay and I. Please don’t be afraid to speak up. Your mental health matters.
“I’ve learned that what has happened to us has also happened to so many families, and realizing that has deepened our empathy and our gratitude for this community. The baseball community is extremely strong.”
Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The post Dave Roberts Grateful for Evolving Sports Culture After Attending Daughter’s Graduation appeared first on LA Sports Report.
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In the past, this decision would have been looked down upon, especially because the Dodgers lost 4-6 and dropped the series against the White Sox on Sunday. But Roberts explained how sports culture has evolved to allow him to prioritize important events with his family without judgment.
“I think that’s one of the good things about the way the world has evolved, to where you do some things for mental health or your family, and it’s not frowned upon that you care less about your job,” Roberts said, per the California Post. “That should be applicable to everyone. It’s good to feel like I can go, and I don’t feel like I’m being judged because I’m going to celebrate my daughter.”
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Jun 13, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) in the dugout before the game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Freddie Freeman attended daughter’s birth
Evolving sports culture has also benefited players like first baseman Freddie Freeman. The three-time World Series champion missed two games when he went on paternity leave to attend the birth of his daughter in April.
“You see it all around baseball,” Roberts said. “People are doing things for their family, and paternity leave, things like that. It’s healthy.”
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Los Angeles Dodgers Freddie Freeman smiles after hitting a 2-RBI double off Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher John Curtiss in the first inning during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale in Phoenix on March 10, 2025.
Mental health is a priority for athletes
One of the biggest shifts in sports culture has involved mental health. Multiple athletes have started speaking up about the importance of prioritizing mental health in sports.
Last season, Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia stepped away from the team during the World Series to deal with a family matter. Vesia later announced that his newborn daughter, Sterling, died on Oct. 26.
You must be registered for see images attach
Jun 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia (51) throws to the plate against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
Vesia was able to take time away from baseball during the most important games of the season to mourn the loss of his daughter and spend time with his wife and family. During spring training, Vesia expressed his gratitude for the support he received and advocated for people to prioritize their mental health.
“It hasn’t been easy, but talking to someone, it has made a difference,” Vesia said in February. “For those out there who’ve lost a child or are fighting through any struggle, if you can take anything from this, please seek help. Talk to somebody. It’s definitely helped Kay and I. Please don’t be afraid to speak up. Your mental health matters.
“I’ve learned that what has happened to us has also happened to so many families, and realizing that has deepened our empathy and our gratitude for this community. The baseball community is extremely strong.”
Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The post Dave Roberts Grateful for Evolving Sports Culture After Attending Daughter’s Graduation appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
