February 10 was an emotional ride for Malibu resident Gabe Kapler, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ new director of player development. As he traveled from California to Arizona along I-10, Kapler felt the thrill of a young rookie headed to his first big-league camp.
Temporarily saying goodbye to his family, however, would be a challenge as he spends four weeks in Arizona for Spring Training.
Sons Chase (15) and Dane (13) are in good hands with Kapler’s ex-wife, Lisa, while Kapler spends four weeks mentoring the Dodgers’ next generation of players.
In November, 39-year-old Kapler was hired by Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations. Kapler took the job hoping to make a positive impact on the lives of future Dodgers at the minor-league level.
“Gabe has a tremendous mind, a thirst for knowledge and he’s a great leader of people,” Friedman told Mark Saxon of ESPNLA. “His passionate enthusiasm is something that I think is going to resonate throughout our entire minor league operations.”
Kapler joined the Dodgers after serving as a baseball analyst for Fox Sports 1. He spent 12 years playing in the MLB as an outfielder, winning a World Series title with the Boston Red Sox in 2004. He played for the Tigers, Rangers, Rockies, Red Sox, Brewers and Rays.
The Malibu Times caught up with Kapler just days prior to the beginning of Spring Training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz.
How do you feel about the new job?
I am tremendously invigorated and very excited. It’s really about getting started with a blank canvas and creating your own vision. The director of player development is one of human development masquerading as a baseball job. I want to help people grow. I get to be a part of their individual growth on and off the field. We are building stronger and better men throughout the organization. It is super inspiring to be a part of that.
How exciting is it to be a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization?
Everyone is a teammate in the Dodgers organization; from the front office, to the coaches, to the players, to the employees to the field personnel. I look forward to coming together with my teammates. We are a family. We spend a lot of time together throughout the season. When you strengthen team unity it equals a winning environment.
How has baseball influenced you in your career and the new job position?
Baseball has been my graduate program, my university. Every lesson I have learned has been being around great leaders in this game. I’ve had some of the best teachers and mentors. I never had a job where I’ve been more content whether it was playing baseball or broadcasting. I’ve sunk my teeth into the job. It’s going to be very exhausting but very inspiring at the same time. I’m raising the bar for others — outward rather than inward. I want to be inspired to inspire others.
What are your goals as you begin Spring Training?
My goals are to first observe and soak up as much information as possible and create my own evaluations. Second, I want to continue to connect with my teammates and establish trust and commitment with the men and women in the Dodgers organization. Third, I want to assess current practices, which will help in determining the long-term process.
What’s it like living and being a part of the Malibu community?
Malibu is heaven for me. It gets better the farther north of Los Angeles. When we first moved to Malibu, I saw nothing but stars and heard waves crashing. I love where I live. The breathtaking scenery and landscape is incredible. My sanctuary is Malibu. It’s where I want to spend my living days.
