Astros manager Baker retires after lengthy managerial career

*Photo from The Athletic*

   A longtime bench boss is calling it a career. Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker is retiring from his managerial career, he announced on Thursday.

   Baker said that "I'm retiring from the field here in Houston. Haven't made up my mind what I'm going to do or where I'm going to go. I still feel like I haven't done what I'm supposed to do in life. I feel the Lord has great things ahead for me."

   In the wake of the punishments surrounding the sign stealing scandal early in 2020, Baker was brought out of retirement to lead the Astros. He led them to the World Series in 2021 and 2022, winning his first title as a manager in 2022. They appeared in the ALCS in all 4 seasons that Baker was in the dugout.

   Astros owner Jim Crane had fired manager AJ Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow as they were both suspended for one year following the sign stealing investigation conducted by MLB. Baker was brought in to be the manager while James Click took over as GM until 2023, when Dana Brown replaced him.

   Baker finishes his managerial career ranked 7th on the all time wins list with 2,183 regular season victories. He led 5 different teams to division titles and reached the World Series as a manager in both the AL and NL. It wasn't until 2022 when he won his first World Series title as a manager after coming up short in 2002 and 2021.

   Crane said to Baker "You came in and helped us when we needed some help, and you did a great job. And I think you are the only guy that can do that in the business. You did a fantastic job, and the record speaks for itself. You will be missed. I know the players will miss you. Always got a smile on his face, always got something cool to say. You’re a great guy and a great friend and thank you very much for what you did."

   In his 4 years with the Astros, Baker led them to 320 wins, with the team averaging 97 wins from 2021 to 2023. He won 3 straight division titles with the Astros from 2021 to 2023 and is the oldest manager to win a World Series. His 57 playoff wins are the 4th most in baseball history.

   Crane and Brown said they have already begun the search for Baker's replacement to lead the team. The Astros were eliminated in 7 games in the ALCS by the Texas Rangers after going 90-72 and winning the AL West for the 3rd straight year.