Dusty Baker facts for kids

Johnnie B "Dusty" Baker Jr. (born June 15, 1949) is a famous American baseball player and manager. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 19 seasons, mostly with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a player, he was a two-time All-Star, won two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove Award. He was also the first player to win the NLCS MVP award in 1977. Dusty played in three World Series and was part of the 1981 World Series championship team. He also played for the Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, and Oakland Athletics.

After his playing career, Baker became a manager. He led the Giants (1993–2002), Chicago Cubs (2003–2006), Cincinnati Reds (2008–2013), Washington Nationals (2016–2017), and Houston Astros (2020–2023). Baker won the NL Manager of the Year award three times with the Giants. He also won the 2022 World Series with the Astros. He was the first MLB manager to lead five different teams to the playoffs and win a division title with each. Baker is seventh in MLB managerial wins and has the most wins among African American managers. After retiring as a manager, Baker joined the Giants' front office.

Quick facts for kids Dusty Baker
Baker with the Washington Nationals in 2017
Outfielder / Manager
Born: (1949-06-15) June 15, 1949 (age 76) Riverside, California, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
September 7, 1968, for the Atlanta Braves
Last appearance
October 4, 1986, for the Oakland Athletics
MLB statistics
Batting average	.278
Home runs	242
Runs batted in	1,013
Managerial record	2,183–1,862
Winning %	.540
Teams
As player Atlanta Braves (1968–1975) Los Angeles Dodgers (1976–1983) San Francisco Giants (1984) Oakland Athletics (1985–1986) As manager San Francisco Giants (1993–2002) Chicago Cubs (2003–2006) Cincinnati Reds (2008–2013) Washington Nationals (2016–2017) Houston Astros (2020–2023) As coach San Francisco Giants (1988–1992)
Career highlights and awards
2× All-Star (1981, 1982) 2× World Series champion (1981, 2022) NLCS MVP (1977) Gold Glove Award (1981) 2× Silver Slugger Award (1980, 1981) 3× NL Manager of the Year (1993, 1997, 2000)
Military career Service/branch United States Marine Corps Years of service 1968–1974 Rank Lance Corporal Unit United States Marine Corps Reserve

Early Life and Baseball Dreams

Dusty Baker grew up in Riverside, California. He was the oldest of seven children. His mother gave him the nickname "Dusty" because he loved playing in a dirt spot in their backyard. His father worked for the Air Force.

Dusty played many sports when he was young. Basketball was his first favorite, but he also played baseball. His father coached him in Little League. Dusty's father encouraged him to stick with baseball even when he wanted to quit.

In 1963, when Dusty was 14, his family moved to Carmichael, California. He was a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Later, he became a fan of the San Francisco Giants.

Dusty was great at baseball, basketball, football, and track in high school. He was even offered a basketball scholarship. His father wanted him to go to college. But one scout, Bill Wight, saw something special in Dusty for baseball.

Dusty's Professional Playing Career

Starting in the Minor Leagues

The Atlanta Braves drafted Dusty Baker in 1967. He signed with the team, even though his father had some disagreements about the contract. Dusty played his first baseball games in the minor leagues. During this time, he also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for six years.

Playing for the Atlanta Braves (1968–1975)

Baker in 1974

Dusty made his MLB debut on September 7, 1968. He played in a few games that year. For the next three seasons, he mostly played in the minor leagues. He finally became a regular player for the Braves in 1972. That year, he batted .321, which was one of the best averages in the National League.

A famous moment happened on April 8, 1974. Dusty was on deck when Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run. This home run broke Babe Ruth's record! After the 1975 season, Dusty was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Becoming a Star with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1976–1983)

Dusty had many great achievements while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played there for eight seasons. After a knee injury in 1976, he bounced back strong in 1977. He hit 30 home runs and had 86 runs batted in (RBIs).

Dusty is also famous for being part of the first-ever high five. This happened on October 2, 1977, with his Dodgers teammate Glenn Burke.

In 1977, the Dodgers made it to the playoffs. Dusty was a key player in the NLCS. He hit a grand slam and another important home run. He was named the first-ever NLCS MVP. The Dodgers went to the 1977 World Series but lost to the New York Yankees. They faced the Yankees again in the 1978 World Series and lost again.

In 1980, Dusty batted .294 and won a Silver Slugger Award. In 1981, he had a career-high batting average of .320. He was named to his first All-Star Game. He also won another Silver Slugger Award and a Gold Glove Award. The Dodgers won the 1981 World Series that year, making Dusty a World Series champion as a player! He made his second All-Star team in 1982. He finished his Dodgers career in 1983.

Later Playing Years (1984–1986)

After the Dodgers, Dusty played for the San Francisco Giants in 1984. Then, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 1985. He played his final game on October 4, 1986. He decided to retire after that season.

Dusty played in 2,039 games during his 19-year career. He had 1,981 hits, 242 home runs, and 1,013 RBIs. He was known for always chewing a toothpick during games. He said it helped him avoid chewing tobacco.

Dusty's Coaching Career

San Francisco Giants (1988–1992)

After retiring as a player, Dusty Baker became a stockbroker. But he soon returned to baseball. In 1988, he became a first base coach for the San Francisco Giants. For the next four years, he was the team's hitting coach.

Dusty's Managerial Career

Leading the San Francisco Giants (1993–2002)

In 1992, Dusty Baker was hired to manage the San Francisco Giants. He was the seventh black manager in MLB history. In his first year, the Giants had a great season, winning 103 games! This was a huge improvement from the year before. Dusty won the NL Manager of the Year award.

His Giants teams won division titles in 1997 and 2000. Dusty won Manager of the Year again in both of those years. He was known as a "player's manager" because he got along well with his players. He even learned Spanish to talk better with them.

In 2002, the Giants made it to the 2002 World Series. They faced the Anaheim Angels. The series was very exciting and went to seven games. The Giants were close to winning, but the Angels made a big comeback in Game 6. The Angels then won Game 7, and the Giants lost the World Series.

Even though he had success, Dusty's relationship with the Giants' owner became difficult. His contract was not renewed after the 2002 season. He left the Giants with 840 wins and 715 losses. Dusty is one of only four African American managers to lead a team to the World Series.

Managing the Chicago Cubs (2003–2006)

Baker meeting with Cecil Cooper of the Houston Astros prior to a 2006 matchup at Wrigley Field.

Dusty Baker during his days with the Chicago Cubs.

In November 2002, Dusty Baker was hired to manage the Chicago Cubs. He made a big impact in his first season in 2003. The Cubs won their first division title in 14 years! They also won their first playoff series since 1908.

However, the Cubs' hopes for a World Series title ended in the 2003 National League Championship Series. They were playing the Florida Marlins. In Game 6, the Cubs were close to winning, but a famous fan incident and some errors led to the Marlins scoring many runs. The Marlins won that game and then Game 7, stopping the Cubs from reaching the World Series.

The Cubs did not make the playoffs in 2004. In 2005 and 2006, many key players got injured, and the team struggled. Dusty was criticized by some for how he managed pitchers. After the 2006 season, the Cubs decided not to renew his contract. He finished his time with the Cubs with 322 wins and 326 losses.

Leading the Cincinnati Reds (2008–2013)

Dusty Baker sporting his new Reds jersey at RedsFest 2007.

In 2007, Dusty Baker became the manager of the Cincinnati Reds. He was the first black manager in Reds history. In 2010, the Reds had a great season and won their division title. This was their first playoff appearance in 15 years. However, they were swept in the first round of the playoffs.

In 2012, the Reds won their division again. Dusty had a health issue that year and stayed in a hospital for a short time. In the playoffs, the Reds faced the San Francisco Giants. The Reds won the first two games, but then the Giants came back and won three games in a row to win the series. This was a tough loss for the Reds.

In 2013, the Reds made the playoffs as a Wild Card team. They lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a one-game playoff. Dusty was fired by the Reds three days later. He finished his time with the Reds with 509 wins and 463 losses.

Managing the Washington Nationals (2016–2017)

Baker managing the Nationals in 2017

After a break, Dusty Baker was named the new manager for the Washington Nationals in 2015. He was the only black manager in MLB at the time. In his first season, the Nationals won their division with 95 wins. But they lost in the playoffs to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In 2017, Dusty led the Nationals to another division title. However, they lost in the playoffs again, this time to the Chicago Cubs. The Nationals decided not to bring Dusty back as manager for 2018.

Guiding the Houston Astros (2020–2023)

Baker with the Houston Astros in 2020

In 2020, Dusty Baker became the manager of the Houston Astros. He was over 70 years old, making him one of the oldest managers to be hired. This was his first time managing a team in the American League.

In the shortened 2020 season, the Astros made the playoffs. Dusty became the first manager to lead five different teams to the postseason. The Astros made it to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) but lost in seven games.

In 2021, Dusty earned his 1,900th win as a manager. The Astros won their division again. They made it to the 2021 World Series but lost to the Atlanta Braves. Dusty became the ninth manager in MLB history to win a championship in both leagues.

In 2022, Dusty Baker signed a new contract with the Astros. On May 3, 2022, he earned his 2,000th win as manager! He became the twelfth manager and the first African American manager to reach this milestone. The Astros won 106 games that season, which was the most wins for any team Dusty had managed.

The Astros had an amazing postseason in 2022. They swept both the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees to win the American League pennant. On November 5, the Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2022 World Series! Dusty Baker won his first World Series as a manager. At 73 years old, he became the oldest manager to win the World Series. He also set a record for the longest time between winning a World Series as a player and as a manager (40 years). He is the third African American manager to win a World Series.

In 2023, Dusty continued to reach milestones in wins. The Astros won their division again, making it four straight playoff appearances under Dusty. They made it to the ALCS but lost to the Texas Rangers. Dusty announced his retirement from managing on October 25, 2023.

Executive Career

San Francisco Giants (2024–present)

In January 2024, Dusty Baker returned to the San Francisco Giants. He now works in the front office as a Special Advisor to Baseball Operations.

Managerial Record

Baseball Achievements

• Dusty is the first manager in MLB history to lead five different teams to win their division.
• He is one of only nine managers to win a championship in both the American League and National League.
• He is the twelfth manager and the first African American manager to reach 2,000 wins. He is also the first African American manager with 50 playoff wins.
• Dusty is the oldest manager to appear in and win the World Series (in 2022).

Broadcasting Career

Dusty Baker has also worked as a baseball analyst for ESPN and TBS. He shared his baseball knowledge with fans on TV.

Personal Life

Darren Baker playing for the Harrisburg Senators in 2022

Dusty Baker was a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve. His son, Darren Baker, is also a baseball player. During the 2002 World Series, when Darren was a young batboy, he was famously rescued from home plate by player J. T. Snow. Darren was drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2017 and again in 2021. He signed with the Nationals organization in 2021.

Dusty and his family live in Granite Bay, California. Dusty had a health issue in 2001 and had surgery. He also had some financial challenges related to past investments, which were later resolved.

Dusty is part of the National Advisory Board for Positive Coaching Alliance. This group helps young athletes have good experiences in sports. Dusty also owns a wine company called Baker Family Wines. In 2015, he was honored by being inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

Dusty Baker's Place in Baseball History

Dusty Baker has been present for many important moments in baseball history. People sometimes call him baseball's "Forrest Gump" because of this. Here are some examples:

• He was on deck when Hank Aaron hit his record-breaking 715th home run.
• He was playing for the Dodgers when Rick Monday saved an American flag from being burned on the field in 1976.
• He was on the opposing team when Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in the 1977 World Series.
• He was the final out when Nolan Ryan threw his fifth no-hitter in 1981.
• He was a coach for the Giants during the 1989 World Series when the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake happened.
• He was the Giants' manager when Barry Bonds set the single-season home run record in 2001.
• He was the Cubs' manager during the Steve Bartman incident in the 2003 NLCS.
• He was a manager for two of the three no-hitters thrown in the postseason. He was the manager of the losing team when Roy Halladay threw one in 2010. He was the manager of the winning team when the Astros threw one in the 2022 World Series.
• He was the Nationals' manager when Max Scherzer tied the single-game strikeout record in 2016. He had also managed Kerry Wood, another player who holds that record.

See also

In Spanish: Dusty Baker para niños

• List of Major League Baseball All-Star Game managers
• List of Major League Baseball managerial wins and winning percentage leaders