HOUSTON — The possibility that Game 6 of the 2021 World Series could have been Dusty Baker’s final game as a manager exists. The Atlanta Braves won the World Series on Tuesday night in Houston. As they were celebrating on the field, one of the many thoughts that rushed through my mind was that this might be it for Baker, whose Astros came up short in the Fall Classic. I have previously mentioned how much Baker is worth rooting for.
I’m not sure the Astros would necessarily fire Baker, but the fact that the Astros only gave Baker a two-year contract when he was hired in 2020 in the wake of the sign-stealing scandal screams to me that he was brought in to clean up the reputation of the ballclub in a short-term capacity. Astros general manager James Click came here via the Rays, and we know how they operate. It seems like a younger, analytically inclined manager could be next on the list here in Houston.
Baker sure doesn’t seem ready to leave, however.
“What can you do, except go home, take a shower, figure out how you’re going to come back and win it next year,” Baker said after the loss. “Look, last year we got one game short of the World Series, and this year we were two games short of the championship. So I guess that’s progress.”
Baker added that he has “unfinished business.”
For Baker, he’s had 24 years in charge in the dugout. He’s the only manager in history to win his division with five different teams. He’s won both pennants. He won a World Series ring as a player. He’s 72 years old. He has a vineyard (Baker Family Wines).
Had the Astros prevailed over the Braves, it would have been a logical conclusion to Baker’s decorated career. In the aftermath of the loss, though, it sounds like he really wants to come back and win it. He’s just not under contract for next season, so it might not ultimately be his choice. He could simply have his contract not renewed.
Baker’s been maligned in the past with some decision-making, and while some of it is certainly reasonable, most isn’t. There’s absolutely nothing in this series he could have done differently, aside from minor nitpicks that didn’t end up really being relevant. He had a patchwork pitching staff with Lance McCullers injured and Zack Greinke compromised. I also have no idea how anyone could blame Baker for his players not hitting in Games 1, 3, 4 and 6. They failed him if anything. And, really, credit the Braves. They unlocked some kind of magic that made them have that “team of destiny” feel.
Honestly, it’s incredibly maddening the venom Baker takes from some corners over stuff that happened nearly 20 years ago. He’s one of the most revered and respected men in baseball and there’s a reason he’s still working past the age of 70. He’s that good at it.
If Baker isn’t brought back, this really might have been his last run. He should be Hall of Fame bound in short order once he is done. He’s 12th all time in wins and tied for seventh in postseason wins with 40. There’s no requirement that a manager win a title before induction and, anyway, you can give extra credit by looping in his playing career. He was a career .278 hitter with a 116 OPS+, had 1,981 hits, 320 doubles, 242 homers and 137 steals. There have been cases before where the manager’s playing were used to prop up his status. For example, Joe Torre’s Hall of Fame plaque lists his playing teams and years and has mention of his work on the field as a player. They can go a similar route with Baker.
What Baker has given this game as a lifer is a very good 19-year playing career, an excellent managerial career all while touching so many lives along the way. If this really is retirement time, he’s damn sure earned it. In light of his comments about coming back next season, let’s hope the Astros stick with him.
