LOS ANGELES — As soon as the New York Yankees’ flight touched down on Wednesday, manager Aaron Boone sent a Yankee emoji to his counterpart, Dave Roberts, of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Roberts noticed it, chuckled, and quickly thought of something witty to respond.

“I actually considered sending him another emoji,” Roberts mentioned. “It was a bit cheeky, with one finger. But I held back.”

“Instead, I just replied with a laughing emoji.”

It wouldn’t be surprising if both Roberts and Boone felt tempted to send a humorous gesture to the critics online and on sports talk shows before the kickoff of the 120^th World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers this Friday.

Throughout the season, these two managers faced heavy scrutiny from talk shows and social media.

Many thought they wouldn’t even hold their jobs anymore, driven away by impatient fans looking for the next leader to steer their team towards a World Series victory.

But something unexpected happened that changed their fortunes.

Dave Roberts, who is 52 years old, has led the Dodgers to their fourth World Series in eight years.

Aaron Boone, 51, guided the Yankees back to the World Series for the first time since 2009, following a season where they didn’t make the playoffs.

Both men, having once been pivotal postseason players, and long-time rivals in college, not only dodged the axe but are now approaching contract extensions worth significant sums.

Roberts, currently making $3.5 million, could see a contract extension surpassing Alex Cora’s three-year, $21.75 million deal with the Boston Red Sox but remain below Craig Counsell’s five-year, $40 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.

Boone, earning around $3 million with a club option for 2025, is also due for an increase beyond $4 million in his upcoming extension.

There’s no reason these two shouldn’t be among the highest-paid managers in baseball, given the pressure they face managing in the nation’s two largest markets, where anything less than a championship is deemed a failure.

This World Series brings together exceptional talent, featuring stars like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, both front-runners for MVP awards in November, along with other past MVPs and potential Hall of Famers. Players attribute their success to the leadership of Roberts and Boone.

Their steady demeanor, strong communication abilities – they know both the players’ families and even their pets’ names – and readiness to accept criticism mark the essence of their successful management.

“Over the past decade,” said Dodgers All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, “I’ve played alongside Dave Roberts and Brian Snitker [in Atlanta]; both genuinely care more about the individual than the athlete. That’s what makes Doc special. His time is valuable, and he invests it in us. He frequently inquires about my family — my wife Chelsea and kids Charlie, Brandon, and Max. That’s the kind of leader he is.

“It’s the compassion that drives you to perform for someone who truly cares about you. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have him as a manager.”

Mookie Betts, who adapted to multiple roles this season including moving from shortstop to second base and back to outfield, has high praise for Roberts.

“It’s been fantastic,” Betts commented. “Exceeding my expectations. I’ve loved Doc since I joined the team, and my appreciation for him has only deepened. He genuinely cares for every player wearing a Dodger uniform, regardless of their tenure. I can’t say enough good things about him.

‘Anyone who thinks they can do better than that ‘

It’s hard to believe that nine years ago the Dodgers were on the verge of hiring Gabe Kapler to take over as manager, replacing Don Mattingly, only for veteran players to voice their concerns to the management.

Even more astonishing is that the San Diego Padres overlooked Roberts for their managerial opening while he was already part of their coaching staff.

Holding a remarkable career win percentage of .627 (851-507), Roberts boasts the highest winning percentage among MLB managers and ranks sixth in postseason victories, just behind Hall of Famers Bobby Cox and others.

Joe McCarthy and his contemporaries have amassed more than 100 seasons with victories.

“The only people questioning him are probably you all,” said Dodgers owner Mark Walter during the celebration of clinching the pennant. “He has secured four pennants in eight seasons. Anyone who thinks they could do better than that.”

However, with a huge payroll, a star-studded roster, and the best player in the game, Shohei Ohtani, fans in Los Angeles are not interested in hearing about their 12 injured pitchers. They are also uninterested in the fact that the team played without Mookie Betts for two months and Max Muncy for three months, and now has only three healthy starting pitchers as they head into the World Series. Roberts has stated that this season has been the toughest during his time as a manager.

“I’ve learned to develop a thicker skin,” Roberts remarked. He famously stole a base in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees, a moment considered legendary in Red Sox history. “I try to recognize that criticism is a constant. There are times I may become more cynical. But this is a results-driven industry, and I completely understand that.”

If the Dodgers fail to win the World Series, the blame will fall on him. Should a reliever he calls upon from the bullpen falter, he will also be held accountable.

“Everyone is always eager to criticize, but I cannot say enough positive things about him,” Max Muncy commented. “He truly doesn’t receive enough recognition. He excels at many aspects, but one of his greatest strengths is that he absorbs the blame from the fans, even when it’s unwarranted.”

“There are times when he makes choices due to unseen factors at play. Maybe he didn’t bring in a specific pitcher, or he chose not to use a pinch-hitter. He never discloses those behind-the-scenes reasons, ensuring we’re protected, but in doing so, he bears the consequences, and he handles that without hesitation.

“What makes him unique is his strong connection with everyone in the clubhouse.”

If you’re curious why the Dodgers’ bullpen has been so formidable in the postseason, look to Roberts’ strategic choices throughout the season that kept them energized.

“I truly appreciate how well he managed the bullpen throughout the year,” relief pitcher Evan Phillips stated. “He always prioritizes our health, ensuring we are set for the World Series.”

‘He bears the burden’

The Yankees recognize that Boone could have faced dismissal if the team didn’t make the playoffs and share a similar admiration for him. Boone is known as a players’ manager who never publicly criticizes his players or disparages the front office’s decisions.

He was a player too, having spent 12 years as an All-Star third baseman and hitting one of the most memorable home runs in Yankee history with a walk-off in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS against the Red Sox.

Yankees players assure that Boone appears composed amidst the pressures of the game. He often lightens the mood in the clubhouse, sharing jokes and banter about his alma mater, USC.

When Boone was reminded of his collegiate rivalry with Roberts — he at USC and Roberts at UCLA — he humorously reacted at a press conference:

“Once you’ve been a Trojan, you’re a Trojan for life; a Bruin is only a Bruin for four years. That probably applies to Doc as well. He might be indifferent. I get frustrated when the Trojans lose, but for them, it’s more like, ‘whatever.’”

So, if you think Boone is stressed about being at the helm for his first World Series, that’s not the case.

“He’s always excelled,” Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt noted, “but this year he seems remarkably composed even in tense situations. The playoffs bring significant pressure, and you might need to make swift decisions. However, he has maintained his calm demeanor and has been making accurate choices.”

“Having a calm manager like him is refreshing. Leadership reflects throughout the team. If the head coach is collected and trustworthy during high-pressure scenarios, it helps everyone in the locker room.”

Boone encourages players to express their personalities and doesn’t force them into fitting strict Yankee standards. Sure, they still can’t have beards or long hair, but if someone wants to celebrate with a bat flip or show off their style, they’re welcome to do so.

“Playing for Boone has been fantastic,” said infielder Jazz Chisholm, who joined the Yankees from the Miami Marlins in July. “He’s a wonderful manager. He prioritizes the players. Trusting your manager is essential, and that foundation is crucial.”

“He appreciates everything I do.”

Rookie catcher Austin Wells expressed: “He’s definitely had to stand up for me on various occasions this year, and I’m grateful for that. He’s allowed us to embrace our personalities, which is vital for success.”

Yankees power hitter Giancarlo Stanton was never publicly criticized by Boone during his challenging seasons filled with injuries. He never faced reproach for his slumps nor did Boone mention his hefty contract.

Boone remained supportive, leading Stanton to become the MVP of the ALCS, hitting four home runs and driving in seven runs.

“It’s incredible,” Stanton said. “He’s the ideal players’ manager. He’s highly communicative; you always know what he’s thinking. He’s open to discussions. That’s exactly what you want.”

“You won’t always see eye to eye on everything, but being able to have those conversations and understanding each perspective is something everyone values.”

Indeed, Stanton has experienced jeers from the fans at Yankee Stadium. So has Aaron Judge. In fact, no player is exempt from scrutiny.

However, there’s only one individual whose position fans question after each Yankees loss.

“He shoulders a lot of the blame,” Stanton remarked, “especially when it pertains to our performance. That’s what binds us together, and we truly appreciate him.”

In the upcoming week, both Boone and Roberts will face criticism again after every defeat, with fans calling for their jobs. Whoever comes up short in the World Series will likely hear it from their supporters all winter long.

This reflects the duality of managing two of baseball’s most prestigious franchises—an exhilarating opportunity as well as a heavy burden.

“I have immense respect for him,” Boone expressed about Roberts, “and we can relate to the challenges we face in this role. Our responsibilities and the environments we work in share many similarities.”

Boone isn’t going to clinch the World Series on his own. Neither will Roberts.

It’s the talented teams that will dictate the final results.

“The game is more important than any one individual,” said Roberts, “and I make sure the players understand that.”

If Boone or Roberts brings home the World Series trophy, they will be hailed as heroes.

But if they fall short, they’ll be criticized.

“That’s the path we chose,” remarked Roberts.