Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pulled off a once‑in‑a‑lifetime scheduling stunt to celebrate his nine‑year‑old twins’ birthday in style—thanks to a “massive loophole” in MLB’s guest-pass policy that he quietly exploited. Here’s how it all unfolded:
Roberts’ twins, Mia and Milo, share a July 12 birthday—falling this year smack in the middle of the Dodgers’ annual road trip through the American League East. Traditionally, managers on the move can only bring one family member per series as an MLB “club guest,” but this season a little‑known clause tucked into the collective bargaining agreement allowed unlimited dependents under age ten to accompany team staff on the road if they’re celebrating a “significant family event.”
Spotting the opportunity, Roberts submitted a single request in March describing the twins’ milestone 10th birthday as “critically developmental,” and the league office, busy finalizing interleague travel logistics, signed off without much fanfare. Suddenly, the Dodgers’ charter flights were booked not just for the coaching staff but for a full entourage: Mia, Milo, and a small cadre of their best friends.
When the team landed in Toronto on July 11, the airport greeted them with “Happy Birthday Mia & Milo” banners, orchestrated by front‑office staff who’d caught wind of the plan. The next evening, before the Jays game at Rogers Centre, the family was escorted onto the field for a private batting practice session under the dome’s glow—complete with personalized jerseys and a custom cake presented by visiting Dodgers players.
But the real show came during the game. At the top of the fifth inning, the Rogers Centre scoreboard flashed a surprise birthday video: clips of Roberts coaching ground balls intercut with family home videos of Mia and Milo learning to ride bikes, blowing out candles, and cheering on their dad. As the stadium lights dimmed, the crowd erupted in “Happy Birthday” chants, led by both Dodger and Blue Jays fans united in celebration.
Back in the dugout, Roberts beamed with pride. “This was the best gift I could give them,” he said afterward. “Seeing their faces when the whole stadium sang for them—that’s what it’s all about.” Teammates rallied around, too, showering the twins with team‑issued swag and inviting them to insignia‑stamped clubhouse pizza night.
By exploiting the CBA clause, Roberts didn’t just score big on parental points—he also shone a spotlight on work‑life balance within pro sports. League executives, amused by the creative interpretation, have since quietly discussed tightening the policy. But for one magical birthday week, Roberts and his family got a front‑row seat to baseball magic.
As the Dodgers depart Toronto toward Washington, D.C., Mia and Milo will head home with memories of batting practice in a major‑league park, a locker‑room tour, and the kind of birthday story that will be told—and retold—for years to come. And for Dave Roberts, it’s proof that sometimes, loopholes can lead to lifelong memories.
