Rivalry Reborn: Dave Roberts and Aaron Boone Rekindle…

Dave Roberts and Aaron Boone share in managing teams with sky-high expectations on an annual basis in leading the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, respectively.

They also are connected through their collegiate careers, as Roberts attended UCLA and Boone starred at USC. That made for an intriguing subplot when the Dodgers played the Yankees in the 2024 World Series.

“Aaron and I have a good history. We played against each other in college — he went to SC, I went to UCLA. We’ve got a lot of mutual friends,” Roberts recalled.

“So we sort of have similar circles. I know we talked before he got the Yankees job, so we have a very good relationship. During the season, we talk a little bit. We talked a little bit when we played them this summer.”

While Roberts was diplomatic about the rivalry connection with Boone, his counterpart couldn’t help but take jab by bringing up a popular refrain among USC alumni.

“He was a good player, somebody that I got to know a little bit at that point, just playing against him because he’s such a great guy. But I remember him well, leadoff hitter, left fielder for the Bruins. Fun times, fun days,” Boone began.

“I’m a Trojan. So as we all know in here, you’re a Trojan for life, you’re a Bruin for four years. That’s probably the case with Doc. He’s probably like indifferent. I get pissed off when the Trojans lose. They’re like, ‘Eh, whatever.’ No, but those were fun days. Going to USC was one of the great years of my life, and those roots run deep.”

When Boone’s comment was relayed to Roberts, he responded, “Ouch. Ouch, that hurts. Yeah, we go way back. We’ve got a lot of history, but it’s all in fun. I’ve got nothing but love and respect for Aaron.”

UCLA celebrating Dave Roberts during USC game

The Bruins announced plans to recognize Roberts when they face the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl on Saturday in the annual battle for the Victory Bell.

The honor comes nearly one month after Roberts helped guide the Dodgers to their eighth World Series title in franchise history and second of his managerial career. Roberts additionally won a World Series as a player on the 2004 Boston Red Sox.

Roberts was captain of the 1994 UCLA baseball team and he graduated from the university in 1995. He still is the UCLA record holder for most career stolen bases with 109 and his 45 in 1994 are a single-season high.

Roberts also ranks in the top 10 in UCLA baseball history in triples (fifth place; 10), at-bats (fifth; 784), walks (tied sixth; 128), hits (ninth; 242) and runs scored (10th; 177).

Roberts was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020.