World Series 2018: Ex-Yankee killer Dave Roberts passing on Red Sox reunion before Dodgers' Game 2

by Felix Pantaleón

The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers meet in Game 2 of the 2018 World Series on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 (10/24/18) at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass. The Red Sox won Game 1, 8-4, behind Eduardo Nunez’s pinch-hit three-run homer and a 4-for-5 night from left fielder Andrew Benintendi.

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The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers meet Wednesday at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass, for Game 2 of the 2018 World Series.

Before the game, the Red Sox will honor their 2004 championship team, with several former players, including Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, returning to throw out the first pitch, according to CBS Boston.

Dave Roberts will be there, too.

Just don’t count him in for the festivities.

That’s because the former Red Sox outfielder is now the Dodgers manager and will have more important things to worry about, like how to bounce back from the 8-4 loss in Game 1, per the New York Post:

“I got wind of [the ceremony] today and I don’t plan on partaking,” Roberts said Tuesday. “But I will be there to watch and see those guys throw out the first pitch.”

Asked why he wouldn’t participate, Roberts’ reply was expected.

“I am going to be getting ready for a game,” Roberts said. “So, I will have fun with those guys, but I won’t be part of it.”

Yankees AFL scouting report

Roberts, you may remember has perhaps the most famous stolen base in postseason history. He entered Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS between the Yankees and Red Sox as a pinch-runner in the ninth inning, following a walk to Kevin Millar.

Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera was three outs way from moving New York into the World Series.

But Roberts stolen second, scored on a Bill Mueller base hit, and the rest is history, with the Red Sox winning Game 4, and completing an unprecedented comeback to reach the World Series.

The Red Sox swept the Cardinals to win their first title in 86 years.

Fast forward to today, with Boston is going for its fourth World Series championship in 15 years.

Before Game 1 on Tuesday, Roberts was showered with applause by the Boston crowd during the pregame introductions.

Boston loves Dave Roberts. #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/jwZ0T0qtSy
— MLB (@MLB) October 24, 2018

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT

Tyler Nunez, a C from Lake Nona HS, is a 6'2 190lb athletic catcher who provides strength with the bat and glove. During BP, Tyler stuck with a middle of the field approach while staying on a line. He impacted the ball well with his compact and direct path, T90EV. He showed off his real athleticism behind the plate by posting a 2.04 pop time while staying around the bag on every throw. He is a good looking athletic uncommitted catcher to keep an eye on.