Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Pays Infielder Hyeseong Kim $100 After Losing Bet

Roberts lost a race against the speedy Kim during the 2025 World Series, leading to the wager payout.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color representing the dynamic action of running the bases.A playful race between the Dodgers' manager and one of their speediest players became a viral moment that helped shift the team's momentum in the 2025 World Series.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts paid infielder Hyeseong Kim $100 after losing a bet to him. Ahead of Game 6 of the 2025 World Series, Roberts challenged the fast-running Kim to a race from first to third base, but Roberts ended up face-planting in the dirt while trying to beat Kim. The moment went viral on social media, and Roberts later acknowledged paying Kim the $100 wager.

Why it matters

The lighthearted race between Roberts and Kim during a tense World Series moment seemed to help shift the Dodgers' perspective, as they went on to win Games 6 and 7 to become back-to-back champions. The incident also highlighted Kim's speed and athleticism, which have helped him earn a spot on the Dodgers' roster while filling in for the injured Mookie Betts.

The details

Ahead of Game 6 of the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts tried to keep things light during the team's off-day workout at the Rogers Centre. Roberts struck a deal with infielder Hyeseong Kim, challenging him to a race from first to third base. Despite a head start, Roberts failed to beat the speedy Kim, face-planting in the dirt while rounding second base. The moment was caught on camera and became a viral video on social media.

  • Ahead of Game 6 of the 2025 World Series on October 31, 2025, Roberts and Kim had their race.
  • The Dodgers went on to win Games 6 and 7 to become back-to-back World Series champions.

The players

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lost a bet to infielder Hyeseong Kim and paid him $100.

Hyeseong Kim

An infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his speed, who won a race against manager Dave Roberts and received $100 from him.

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What they’re saying

“'Absolutely not,' he told reporters. 'My sprinting, racing days are over.'”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

“'I paid him $100. I'm debt-free.'”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to rely on Hyeseong Kim to fill in for the injured Mookie Betts, with Kim expected to share time at shortstop with veteran Miguel Rojas.

The takeaway

The lighthearted race between Roberts and Kim during a tense World Series moment helped shift the Dodgers' perspective, leading to their eventual back-to-back championship victories. The incident also highlighted Kim's athleticism and speed, which have earned him a spot on the Dodgers' roster while Betts is sidelined.