Is 2023 the last hurrah for Dusty Baker as Astros Manager?
Astros manager Dusty Baker after his team clinched the 2022 World Series. Source: ESPN
“What’s Next? I said if I win one, I wanna win two.”
These were the words spoken by Astros Manager Dusty Baker after the team’s triumphant series-clinching win over the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series. Baker, who had previously managed 4 different MLB teams, had long chased after what had seemed to allude him for years: A ring as a manager.
Many may recall how back in 1981, Baker and the Dodgers won a title back when Dusty was manning the outfield. Little did he know, it would take two decades before he’d see himself back in that position again.
Managing for the San Francisco Giants in 2002, he suffered a devastating loss to the Angels in seven games, but aimed to rebound with the Cubs the following year. Then came another devastating loss. Following that, another in 2012 with the Reds. Then the Nationals in 2016-17.
Was Dusty Baker cursed?
Many thought so for a while, especially when he came to the Astros in 2020 at the peak of the sign-stealing scandal. Many took it as another punishment to be given to the Astros after being caught, that Baker would surely lead them to inevitable heartbreak in October, but alas, two years later, Dusty Baker is a World Series Champion.
As he aims to repeat as a champion in 2023, it’s not out of the question to wonder if he achieves just that, would this be his last year at the helm? Well, according to Dusty, he’s still got gas left in the tank. “The Lord will tell me and my body will tell me,” he said in an interview with Astros beat reporter Brian McTaggart. ““I do know I got this year.”
At 73, Baker is one of if not the most experienced managers in the game today, and has been embraced by the game of baseball and its fans. If he retired today, he’d surely be able to stroll right into the Baseball Hall of Fame with ease. However, there may be one more thing on Baker’s list to cross off before he does so.
Win the whole damn thing all over again.