Astros manager Dusty Baker made his retirement official Wednesday while speaking with USA Today. The news ends speculation after reports of his potential retirement came out following Houston lost Game 7 of the ALCS 11-4 to the Rangers Monday evening. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday.
While Baker is stepping away from his role as manager, Baker expressed to USA Today's Bob Nightengale that he wants to remain involved in baseball going forward—even after more than a half-century in the game.
“I’ve still got a lot to offer; baseball has been my life,’’ Baker told Nightengale. “I have a lifetime of knowledge, much more than those who have never played the game.’’
Baker made his MLB debut as an outfielder on Sept. 7, 1968 for the Braves against the Astros—the team he would manager to a World Series title 54 years later. He went on to make two All-Star games in a 19-year career split between Atlanta, the Dodgers, the Giants, and the Athletics.
Transitioning to managing, Baker went on to a distinguished career leading San Francisco, the Cubs, the Reds, the Nationals and Houston. He made the playoffs with every team he led, culminating in a World Series title with the Astros in 2022.
“I’m very grateful and thankful to Jim Crane and the Houston Astros for giving me this opportunity, and to win a championship,’’ Baker said. “I felt like they’ve been good for me, and I’ve been good for them."
