Longtime manager and former SF Giants skipper Dusty Baker retires

Dusty Baker finally got his ring with the Houston Astros in 2022. The former SF Giants accomplished just about everything possible on a baseball field. After 26 seasons as manager, Baker has decided to retire with the press conference being held on Thursday morning.

Longtime manager and former SF Giants skipper Dusty Baker retires

Baker's career in baseball spans over 50 years, beginning as a player in 1968. He appeared in 19 seasons with the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, Giants, and Oakland A's. This included two All-Star selections and a World Series title with the Dodgers in 1981.

He briefly stepped away from the game following his retirement in 1986 but baseball pulled him right back. Baker served as a coach for the Giants in 1988. This included a stint as a hitting coach. Of course, he was elevated to manager for the 1993 season and held the position through 2002.

The 74-year-old would make stops with the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Washington Nationals before arriving at his final stop in Houston. Wherever Baker managed, winning usually followed quickly.

The veteran manager made 13 trips to the playoffs, including two appearances in the World Series. He finally got that World Series ring in his second appearance, which came in his 25th year as a manager.

The World Series win added to a legacy that should land him in the Hall of Fame in a few years. Baker has accomplished more than just about every manager in baseball history. His 2,183 career wins ranks as the seventh-best mark in baseball history with all six managers ahead of him enshrined in Cooperstown, New York.

In a bit of a surprise, the Nationals parted ways with Baker after just two seasons in 2017. The Nationals recorded at least 95 wins in both seasons. It was an unpopular move by Washington given Baker's reputation throughout baseball.

That felt like it might be his final stop. However, the Astros' sign-stealing scandal created a unique opportunity. And, hiring Baker was an excellent move because the Astros had a playoff-caliber roster and needed someone to guide them through the chaos that ensued.

Of course, that person was Baker. The 26-year veteran commands a clubhouse better than just about any manager in baseball. His ability to keep the Astros together and focused was not an easy task, but he did so effortlessly.

Baker may be finally stepping away from managing for good, but he has expressed interest in remaining in baseball in some capacity. We are Around the Foghorn would like to congratulate Baker on his retirement after an incredible career.