WASHINGTON -- The NL Division Series between Dusty Bakers Washington Nationals and Dave Roberts Los Angeles Dodgers is the first postseason matchup in major league history involving two black managers.It gives us some pride, in being African-American, to show people that not only can we do the job, but we can do the job better than most. Especially this year, Baker said Thursday. Hopefully, it motivates other organizations to get some African-American managers, also to motivate other players that are playing now, and former players that have managerial aspirations. It probably brings a lot of pride across America -- and not only African-American people, but everybody.When Baker was hired last November, baseball avoided what could have been its first start to a season since 1988 with zero black managers. Roberts got his job later that month.In April, a study overseen by Richard Lapchick of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida gave baseball teams a grade of C-plus for racial hiring practices for managers.Asked about the bit of history he and Baker will make when the NLDS opens Friday in Washington, Roberts said: Its important, and it doesnt go unnoticed or underappreciated, I think, speaking for Dusty, myself, what it means to the game of baseball, to society.Roberts recently spoke about Baker as a friend, a role model and said its a lot to try to follow what hes done.While this is Roberts postseason debut as a skipper, Baker is participating in the playoffs for the eighth time in 21 seasons with four clubs as a manager. Baker ranks 17th in major league history in managerial wins and said this week he aims to become the first black manager in the sports Hall of Fame.On Thursday, Baker recalled playing under manager Tommy Lasorda with the Los Angeles Dodgers more than 30 years ago -- and hearing Lasorda brag about how many Italian skippers there were in the majors at the time.He says, `Were taking over.I said, `What do you mean, youre taking over?According to Baker, Lasorda then began listing managers he said were Italian. When Lasorda mentioned Billy Martin, Baker responded that he wasnt Italian. But, Baker said, Lasorda retorted that Martins mother was Italian. Then, Baker continued, Lasorda mentioned Chuck Tanner, drawing another objection. And again, according to Baker, Lasorda said Tanners mother was Italian. And the discussion continued in that vein, Baker said.So we went on and on and on. There was some racial pride in him. And he always was talking about being Italian. He even told me to tell some of his friends I was Italian, Baker recounted with a wide smile. And he says, `If he asks you, you tell them youre from Abruzzo, an Italian province.---AP Sports Writer Janie McCauley in San Francisco contributed to this report.---Follow Howard Fendrich on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HowardFendrichLuis Madero Jersey . Still, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke thought taking him out before the fifth inning was an unusual move. "Im looking up at the board and hes got two hits given up and one run, and Im taking him out after the fourth inning," Roenicke said. Griffin Canning Jersey . -- Ryan Blaney provided more evidence that Penske Racings No. https://www.cheapangels.com/403j-lee-smith-jersey-angels.html . It might not have mattered. While the Dodgers are preparing for the playoffs, the Padres showed their future has promise behind two rookies. Dick Enberg Angels Jersey . It was Kerbers third final of the year after losing to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia in Monterrey in April and to Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic in Tokyo two weeks ago. The 10th-ranked German improved her record in finals to 3-5. Brian Goodwin Jersey . -- Canadian Andrew Wiggins got the ball on the wing, made a nifty spin move and then let go with a soft floater from about 10 feet that swished through the net in Allen Fieldhouse.COLUMBIA, Mo. -- New athletic director Jim Sterk did not shy away from addressing the social issues that have beset the Missouri campus the last 12 months, saying Thursday that he wants to foster an inclusive, diverse and successful environment.I have a fresh start, Sterk said. Were not a campus of turmoil. Obviously in every place, theres issues, but I feel very good about this as a place that I can be a part of. I can help, and we can help grow and heal and move forward, and Im excited about that.Interim Chancellor Hank Foley introduced Sterk and his wife, Debra, to a room of Tiger faithful that included former football coach Gary Pinkel and current coach Barry Odom.Sterk replaces Mack Rhoades, whose tenure lasted just 15 months. It was marked by campus upheaval that resulted in the removal of the university system president and chancellor following student protests, including a prominent promise of a boycott from members of the football team, a stance Pinkel supported. Rhoades is taking over at Baylor.In his opening remarks, Sterk called Missouri a destination job, stressing a long-term commitment to the program.Im excited to represent the flagship institution of the great state of Missouri, said Sterk, a 1980 graduate of Western Washington whose wife is a Missouri native. We dont jump around. Thats not us. We made this decision to stay here long-term, and so I have no intention of leaving.Sterk served as athletic director at Portland State from 1995-2000 and at Washington State from 2000-2010 before stepping into the same position at San Diego State.dddddddddddd His official start date is Aug. 22.Foley led the search for Rhoades replacement in conjunction with the Collegiate Sports Associates search firm.In thinking about this hire, I looked for people who would tell me that Jims reputation was too good to be true, but to honest I couldnt find them, Foley said. Instead, Ive heard words like `highly seasoned, `inordinate passion, `uniquely gifted. All the attributes of a prudent athletic and academic leader.Sterk is regarded as an exceptional fundraiser, having more than doubled San Diego States athletic scholarship fund during his seven-year tenure with the school.Im so excited about what his plans are leadership-wise, said Odom. The decisions that we make are going to affect this place for a long time, and Im glad to have a partnership with him that will work well, and get started.Sterk was named 2016 AD of the year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and holds a seat on the NCAA Division I Mens Basketball Committee. However, he revealed Thursday he will have to vacate that seat. Kentuckys Mitch Barnhart already holds a seat on the committee, and per NCAA rules, only one representative from each conference may occupy a seat on the committee at a time. ' ' '