On Tuesday, October 20th, Dusty Baker announced his retirement as manager of the Houston Astros. After two seasons with the team, Baker has decided to step away from the game he loves.
Baker was hired in January of 2020 to replace AJ Hinch, who was fired for his role in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. Baker was brought in to help restore the team’s reputation and to lead them back to the playoffs.
In his two seasons with the Astros, Baker led the team to a combined record of 154-102, which was good for a .601 winning percentage. He also led the team to back-to-back playoff appearances, including a trip to the American League Championship Series in 2020.
Baker was highly respected by his players and coaches for his leadership and experience. He was known for his ability to connect with players and get the most out of them. He also had a knack for making the right moves at the right time.
The Astros organization thanked Baker for his service and wished him the best in his future endeavors. Astros owner Jim Crane said, “Dusty has been a great leader for our team and we are grateful for all he has done for us. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Baker’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious career that spanned over four decades. He managed four different teams and won a World Series with the San Francisco Giants in 2002. He also won three Manager of the Year awards and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020.
Baker’s retirement leaves a big void in the Astros organization. The team will now have to find a new manager to lead them into 2021 and beyond. Whoever takes over will have big shoes to fill, as Baker leaves behind a legacy of success and respect.
