Dusty Baker Retires as Seventh-Winningest Manager in Baseball History

  Dusty Baker Retires as Seventh-Winningest Manager in Baseball History

Dusty retires as 7th-winningest manager in history

Dusty Baker, after a 26-year career that included four American League Championship Series (ALCS) appearances, two pennants, and a World Series title with the Houston Astros in 2022, officially announced his retirement. The 74-year-old manager, who returned to the game in 2020 after initially retiring, has decided to conclude his long and successful journey in Major League Baseball. While his time in a Major League uniform has come to an end, he expressed his intention to continue contributing to the sport and society at large. Baker plans to spend more quality time with his family in California, including his two grandchildren.

Reflecting on his time in Houston, Baker expressed amazement at how swiftly the four years passed by, acknowledging the accelerated pace that accompanies success. His tenure saw the Astros achieve victory both before and during his leadership. Baker's accomplishments, which span over five decades, culminate in an impressive regular-season win total of 2,183, ranking him seventh on the all-time list. He managed five different teams to division titles and led two of those teams to league pennants. Notably, Baker led the San Francisco Giants to the National League pennant in 2002 and the Houston Astros to the American League pennant in both 2021 and 2022.

Jim Crane, the owner of the Astros, brought Baker on board during a challenging period for the team. Baker's calming presence and respected reputation within the baseball community proved invaluable after the Astros were embroiled in the sign-stealing scandal, which resulted in the dismissal of manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow. Crane expressed gratitude for Baker's contributions, praising his leadership and the positive impact he had on the team and its players.

During Baker's four-year tenure in Houston, the Astros reached the ALCS on four occasions, clinching three consecutive AL West division titles from 2021 to 2023, two AL pennants in 2021 and 2022, and a World Series championship in 2022 when they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games. At 74, Dusty Baker made history as the oldest manager to lead a team to a World Series victory.

Baker's storied career began as a player with the Atlanta Braves, where he was a teammate of legendary Hank Aaron. He later played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, helping them secure a World Series title in 1981, as well as the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and managing, with stints at the San Francisco Giants (1993-2002), the Chicago Cubs (2003-2006), the Cincinnati Reds (2008-2013), and the Washington Nationals (2016-2017). He was on the brink of retirement when the opportunity to manage the Houston Astros arose.

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Baker's time with the Astros saw impressive success, with 320 wins in four seasons, including the unique challenges of the pandemic-shortened 60-game season in 2020. The team maintained an average of 97 wins from 2021 to 2023. The 2023 Astros secured the AL West title on the final day of the regular season but fell short in a seven-game ALCS against the Texas Rangers. Dusty Baker's 57 playoff victories rank as the fourth-most in MLB history.

As he hangs up his uniform for good, Dusty Baker looks forward to focusing on his family and other pursuits, such as his son Darren's career as a Minor League player in the Washington Nationals' system and his winery in Northern California, among other business interests. With his wealth of experience and accomplishments, he has certainly earned the right to explore new opportunities and cherish the moments with his loved ones.

In Baker's own words, "First, I'm going to go home and talk to my daughter that thinks she's my mother and spend some time with my grandkids and let the Lord tell me where to go and what to do with my life. I still feel like I haven't done what I'm supposed to do in life. I feel there are great things ahead for me."