Dodgers' Dave Roberts Invites Tyrese Haliburton to Throw First Pitch at Dodger Stadium: "The Offer's There for You"
Fresh off back-to-back World Series titles, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is enjoying the rare air of a reigning champion-but that doesn’t mean he’s not keeping things light in the offseason. With spring training still weeks away and another grueling 162-game slate on the horizon, Roberts is already mixing in a little fun before the chase for a three-peat begins.
During a recent appearance on Good Sports with Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson, Roberts extended a playful but genuine invitation to Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. The NBA All-Star had previously been lined up to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Milwaukee Brewers game earlier in 2024. But after Haliburton and the Pacers eliminated the Bucks in the playoffs, that invitation was quietly pulled.
Roberts, clearly a fan of Haliburton’s game and personality, saw an opportunity to turn a snub into a spotlight moment-this time in Dodger Blue.
“Yeah, so I definitely am a huge Tyrese fan. I love his game.
I love what he’s about. I did see him rocking the Ohtani jersey,” Roberts said on the show.
“And so as a back-to-back champion, we got the Brewers in August this summer. And I know Tyrese isn’t gonna be working.
So I want to take make amends with throwing up the first hit.”
That “first hit” may have been a slip of the tongue, but the message was crystal clear: the Dodgers are rolling out the welcome mat.
“I’d like to offer him the first pitch at Dodger Stadium, and he can rock that Ohtani jersey in its rightful place. So if you’re willing, the offer is there for you. It’s from the Dodgers to you, Tyrese.”
Haliburton didn’t hesitate. He accepted the invite and confirmed he’ll be in the building when the Dodgers host the Brewers in August.
“I will be there,” he responded.
It’s a lighthearted moment, sure-but it’s also a perfect example of how the Dodgers have built a culture that blends championship focus with a sense of community and fun. Roberts, known for his steady leadership and player-first approach, continues to show why he’s not just managing a team-he’s helping shape a winning environment that extends beyond the diamond.
And the timing of the invite? That’s no coincidence either.
The Dodgers and Brewers have some recent history. Los Angeles swept Milwaukee in the NLCS this past October, despite the Brewers finishing the regular season with the best record in the National League.
The Dodgers’ starting rotation dominated the series, effectively neutralizing Milwaukee’s offense and allowing the bullpen to stay fresh. Roki Sasaki, the young phenom, played a key role out of the pen, closing out games with the kind of poise that belies his age.
So when Roberts says Haliburton can wear that Ohtani jersey “in its rightful place,” he’s not just talking about Dodger Stadium. He’s talking about a team-and a city-that’s riding high, embracing the moment, and having a little fun along the way.
August can’t come soon enough.