Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts capped off a championship year with an emotional visit to his birthplace, Naha, Okinawa, to receive an honorary award. Roberts, whose team defeated the New York Yankees in October to claim the World Series title, described the trip as the final piece of his 2024 journey.

“Winning the World Series for Los Angeles was incredible, but coming to Naha to celebrate with my people completes my year,” Roberts shared during the ceremony. Naha’s mayor, Satoru Chinen, praised Roberts for inspiring pride among Okinawans.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was in Naha on Thursday to accept a special honorary award from the city, located in Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture.

Although Roberts moved to the U.S. as a child, his connection to Okinawa remains strong. During his playing career as a center fielder for the Dodgers, he visited the region to hold a baseball clinic for local children, telling the NHK Okinawa Broadcasting Station, “I play for the people in Okinawa who watch me on TV. I’m proud to be from here.”

Roberts’ return coincides with growing Japanese interest in the Dodgers, fueled by stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Japanese tourism to Los Angeles is expected to surge, with projections from The Guardian suggesting visitors could double to over 400,000 in 2024.

Roberts has now won two World Series titles as Dodgers manager, adding to his legacy as a player, which includes a pivotal role in the Boston Red Sox’s 2004 championship run. Despite his accolades, Roberts remains grounded, honoring his roots and the fans who’ve supported him throughout his career.