Manager Dusty Baker, who led the Houston Astros to the 2022 World Series title, will leave the dugout at the end of the season.
The Astros fell short of advancing to the World Series after losing Game 7 of the 2023 Major League Baseball American League Championship Series (ALCS) to the Texas Rangers, 4-11, at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, on Thursday. After winning Game 5 to tie the series at two games apiece, the Astros took a commanding lead, only to fall short in Games 6 and 7.
Houston fans were saddened by the loss at home, but the news was even more shocking. It was reported that Baker would be leaving the team and possibly retiring.
“Baker has told several people inside and outside the Houston organization that 2023 will be his final season as manager,” The Athletic reported, referring to Baker’s possible retirement.
While Baker has yet to officially announce his retirement, Houston and Baker signed a one-year contract extension prior to this season, leaving him with no contractual obligations. Baker will be 74 this season and 75 next year. That’s a tough age to continue a major league managerial career with another team.
Baker, who is known in South Korea as “Bun Dong-nim” because of his name, began his managerial career with the San Francisco Giants in 1993. For 10 seasons, he led San Francisco to two National League West titles and a World Series runner-up finish.
His winning ways didn’t stop when he moved to the Chicago Cubs in 2003, winning the National League Central in his first season and leading the team to the Championship Series. He went on to manage the Cincinnati Reds and then the Washington Nationals, winning two more district titles.
Baker’s time at the helm of the Astros in 2020 was not without its challenges, including a falling out with former general manager James Klick, but Baker led the team to the 2020 Championship Series. In 2021, Baker led Houston to its first District title and a trip to the World Series, but the Astros came up short again, finishing as runners-up.메이저사이트
Baker’s dream of winning a World Series title was fulfilled last season. Houston defeated the Philadelphia Phillies to win the World Series. In four seasons, Baker has done it all, leading Houston to two World Series appearances.
In 26 seasons as a manager, Baker compiled a record of 2183 wins, 1862 losses, a .540 winning percentage, and a World Series title. He also won the National League Manager’s Award in 1993, 1997, and 2000.
“When Baker retires, he will end his journey in Houston, where he spent the most successful part of his managerial career,” said The Athletic. “Through all the turmoil, Baker led a superstar-studded Houston team with a smile and a soft-spoken manner.”
Baker will join former manager A.J. Hinch as the only managers in Houston history to win a World Series.” With the retirement of one of the greatest managers in Major League Baseball history, another star is falling.