Dusty Baker

Two-time All-Star, three-time NL Manager of the Year, and 2022 World Series champion manager.

Johnnie B "Dusty" Baker Jr. (born June 15, 1949) is an American former professional baseball outfielder and manager in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for 19 seasons, most notably with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his Dodgers tenure, he was a two-time All-Star, won two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove Award, and became the first NLCS MVP, which he received for his performance during the 1977 National League Championship Series. He also made three World Series appearances and was a member of the 1981 World Series championship team. Outside of the Dodgers, Baker played for the Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, and Oakland Athletics.

Quick Facts

Position: Outfielder; Manager
Bats: Right
Born: 15 June 1949
Birthplace: Riverside, California, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: September 7
Debut year: 1968
Debut team: Atlanta Braves

Lore & Background

After retiring as a player, Baker served as the manager of the Giants from 1993 to 2002, the Chicago Cubs from 2003 to 2006, the Cincinnati Reds from 2008 to 2013, the Washington Nationals from 2016 to 2017, and the Houston Astros from 2020 to 2023. Baker was named NL Manager of the Year three times with the Giants and won the 2022 World Series with the Astros. He was also the first MLB manager to reach the playoffs with five different teams, having accomplished that feat with each team he managed. Baker ranks seventh in MLB managerial wins and has the most wins among African-American managers. Following his retirement as a manager, Baker joined the Giants' front office.

Reader's Guide

Baker was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 1967 amateur draft. He made his MLB debut on September 7, 1968, against the Houston Astros. He played for the Braves from 1968 to 1975, then was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played from 1976 to 1983. He also played for the Oakland Athletics later in his career. As a manager, he led the Giants from 1993 to 2002, winning three NL Manager of the Year awards. He later managed the Cubs, Reds, Nationals, and Astros, winning the 2022 World Series with Houston.

Did You Know?

Baker earned the nickname 'Dusty' from his mother because of his propensity for playing in a dirt spot in the backyard.
Baker is believed to have played an integral part in the first-ever high five, which occurred with Dodgers teammate Glenn Burke on October 2, 1977.
Baker's father sued to nullify his signing contract with the Braves, leading to a trustee being appointed over his finances until age 21.