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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/HowardFendrichNike React Womens . LOUIS -- Rookie Tavon Austin has missed another day of practice, lessening the odds hell be ready for the St. Nike React Outlet . The showiest items on Calgarys lot were forwards Mike Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak. Both will be unrestricted free agents this summer. http://www.nikereactoutlet.com/ . -- The plastic that was taped across the lockers in Oaklands clubhouse came down and the champagne that was on ice went back into the cooler. Nike React Cheap . Spiller left Week 3s 27-20 loss to the New York Jets with a thigh injury, but fully practiced with the team all week and expects to be ready to go on Sunday. Nike React Element Cheap . -- Mike Smith never saw his first NHL goal go in.Seattle Seahawks quarterback Trevone Boykin pleaded no contest to resisting arrest on Thursday.The former TCU quarterback was arrested on New Years Eve following an altercation near a San Antonio bar.Boykin, 22, received one year of probation and is expected to serve the majority of it in the Seattle area, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, which first reported the news.The misdemeanor charge could be dismissed following the probation. According to the Bexar County Court records, Boykin was fined $1,500 and $237 in court costs. In addition, he was ordered to apologize to the arresting officer, among other stipulations.Boykins arrest resulted in a charge of assault causing bodily injury earlier this week, which could have resulted in up to a year in jail. A felony charge of assaulting a police officer was dismissed.dddddddddddd.Boykin was suspended for the Valero Alamo Bowl and went undrafted before signing with Seattle after the draft concluded.If the season started today, Boykin would be in position to back up starting quarterback?Russell Wilson. Coaches spoke favorably of Boykin throughout the spring, and he took second-team reps during OTAs and minicamp.Tarvaris Jackson remains a free agent and is an option to sign with the Seahawks and back up Wilson again. Jackson?faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a woman in Florida accused him of threatening her last week.ESPN Seahawks reporter Sheil Kapadia and The Associated Press contributed to this report. ' ' '