Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker could have managed his final game.
Baker said after the Astros lost Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night that he “cheated family” to win another ring.
“I haven’t even been home since February 10th,” Baker said.
The Athletic reported the 74-year-old Baker has told “multiple people inside and outside” the organization that his managerial career would end this season, but he hopes to stay close to the game in some capacity.
Baker led Houston to the World Series championship in 2022.
Baker had been mostly silent about his plans for 2024 because he didn’t want a farewell tour, and decided to leave the door open in case he changed his mind about retirement, per The Athletic.
“When he is done managing, I know he has a lot of knowledge to offer an organization,” Baker’s wife, Melissa, told The Athletic. “I know he can help to build a winner. My husband just wants to win and is a winner.”
Baker took the helm of the Astros before the 2020 season as the organization sought to rebound from the sign-stealing scandal that cost manager A.J. Hinch his job. He has a 320-226 record in Houston, which includes both the World Series victory and two American League pennants in four seasons.
Overall, Baker’s career regular-season record is 2,183-1,862 with the San Francisco Giants (1993-2002), Chicago Cubs (2003-06), Washington Nationals (2016-17) and Astros.
After Monday night’s loss, Baker make any definitive statements regarding returning or retiring.
“I don’t know, I haven’t had time to evaluate and think about my future because I’m down the list as far as, like, I’m not that kind of dude. I don’t want to steal the spotlight or anything from these guys,” he said. “You got to savor what we did, think about how we can get better and then I’ll evaluate my situation in my life. And so, we will see.”
Baker has spent 55 years affiliated with the major leagues. He made his playing debut at age 19 in September 1968 with the Atlanta Braves.
–Field Level Media