Former Dodger Dusty Baker retires after 26 years as manager

Retired: Dusty Baker’s Incredible 26-Year Career as an MLB Manager

Can You Believe Dusty Baker, the legendary MLB manager, called it a day and announced his retirement after an outstanding 26-year career? But that’s not enough to capture the full essence of this 74-year-old baseball maestro. Dusty Baker’s achievements as a septuagenarian would undoubtedly secure him a spot in the Hall of Fame. In fact, he might just be the first inductee to address the masses from the esteemed Cooperstown podium with a toothpick casually hanging from his mouth. Now that’s legendary!

Dusty Baker may have started his career as a .320-hitting left fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, contributing to their 1981 World Series victory, but it took him another 41 years to lead a team to glory once again. In 2022, he managed the Houston Astros to their World Series triumph. This was a monumental triumph for Baker and the franchise, as it came on the heels of a sign-stealing scandal that tainted the Astros’ 2017 World Series win over the Dodgers. Baker gave the team a fresh start and became the face of their redemption.

Beloved and respected throughout the baseball world, Dusty Baker brought a new energy to the Astros despite his weathered face and a career plagued by postseason heartbreak. He experienced the agony of defeat in the 2002 World Series with the San Francisco Giants and the 2003 National League Championship Series with the Chicago Cubs. However, his perseverance paid off in 2022 when he led the Astros to a stunning World Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in a six-game battle.

Houston’s road to success was no easy feat. They won an impressive 106 regular season games, followed by another 90 wins and an American League West title this year. This marked the seventh consecutive non-COVID season in which a team under Baker’s guidance achieved at least 90 wins. When asked about his remarkable career, Baker humbly acknowledged the players’ contributions and their role in the team’s success. “The players play and the coaches coach,” he said at his retirement press conference, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and individual performance.

Dusty Baker’s managerial record stands at an impressive 2,183 wins, 1,862 losses, and one tie, with a .540 winning percentage. He now sits in the company of some of the greatest names in the sport, ranking seventh on the all-time wins list, just behind icons like Connie Mack, Tony La Russa, John McGraw, Bobby Cox, Joe Torre, and Sparky Anderson – all esteemed members of the Hall of Fame.

What sets Baker apart even further is his impeccable record when it comes to ejections. In his 4,406 games, he was only ejected 26 times, averaging less than one ejection per season. This is a testament to his composed nature and ability to maintain control. However, during this year’s ALCS, he was ejected after Astros pitcher Bobby Abreu hit Texas Rangers slugger Adolis Garcia with a pitch in Game 5. Yet, despite this rare outburst, Baker is largely known for his even-keeled demeanor and reputation as a player’s manager. He never forgot what it felt like to be on the field as a player, as he had an illustrious 19-year major league career himself.

Baker’s playing days began at age 19 with the Atlanta Braves, playing alongside the legendary Hank Aaron. He completed his career with the Oakland Athletics, where he shared the outfield with a young sensation named Jose Canseco. However, it was his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1976-1983 that he cherished most. In an interview with The Times, Baker expressed his excitement when he joined the Dodgers, stating, “I always wanted to be a Dodger. I heard the Dodgers had the best athletes, pretty uniforms, and good bodies. I was like, ‘Shoot, you’re talking about me!'”

Following his playing days, Dusty Baker transitioned to a managerial role, leaving an indelible mark on the teams he led. Before his successful tenure with the Astros, he managed the San Francisco Giants for 10 seasons, the Chicago Cubs for four, the Cincinnati Reds for six, and the Washington Nationals for two. What sets him apart from other managers is that he is the only one to take five different teams to the postseason, a testament to his versatility and skill as a leader.

Now, for those curious about his trademark toothpick. It turns out that Baker developed a fondness for mint-flavored toothpicks while coaching the San Francisco Giants. After a doctor warned him about the health hazards of chewing tobacco, Baker turned to toothpicks as a substitute. In fact, he goes through at least two toothpicks per game, totaling well over 8,000 toothpicks in his managerial career. They became a symbol of his unique personality and helped him abstain from dipping tobacco. However, he admitted that sometimes, in high-stakes moments like the ninth inning with bases loaded, he couldn’t resist chewing on both toothpicks. Talk about a man with nerves of steel!

As Dusty Baker embarks on his post-managerial chapter, he expressed a desire to serve as an adviser to a team. For now, he plans to return to Northern California and spend quality time with his grandchildren, awaiting divine guidance for his future endeavors. “I still feel like I haven’t done what I’m supposed to do with my life. I feel like the Lord has some great things ahead for me,” he said. Dusty Baker’s story is far from over!

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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.