Dusty Baker, one of baseball’s most respected figures, took over as the Houston Astros‘ manager in 2020 and quickly left an indelible mark on the franchise. Over four incredible seasons, Baker guided the team to four consecutive American League Championship Series (ALCS) appearances and ultimately captured his first World Series title as a manager in 2022. However, despite his success, Baker recently reflected on his tenure with the Astros, revealing that not everything went as smoothly as the results might suggest.
In a candid interview on The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Baker opened up about the highs and lows of his time with the Astros. As he steps away from managing after retiring at the end of the 2023 season, his reflections give insight into his challenges behind the scenes, particularly regarding his relationship with the Astros’ front office.
Baker’s Battles with the Front Office
One of the more intriguing revelations from Baker’s interview was his ongoing struggle with the Astros’ front office. While he spoke highly of Astros owner Jim Crane and his overall experience in Houston, he pointed out some friction regarding baseball operations. In particular, Baker expressed frustration with his limited control over his coaching staff.
“Some of the battles with the front office I’ve had for a number of years, sometimes you get tired of fighting city hall on something you’re sure about,” Baker explained. He continued by revealing that he had minimal input in choosing his staff, as most of the coaches were holdovers from the previous manager, A.J. Hinch. “The one thing that kind of bothered me a little bit is I only chose one person on my staff,” Baker said, noting that he would have liked more freedom to select his team.
While this might seem minor to some, it was a significant issue for a manager like Baker, who thrives on personal connections and trust with his staff. His critics might argue that his complaints are just the ramblings of an old-school manager in a modern game. Still, Baker’s defenders will be quick to point out that he earned the right to more autonomy. After all, the results speak for themselves.
Winning the 2022 World Series on His Terms
Despite any behind-the-scenes tension, Dusty Baker’s time in Houston was marked by undeniable success. Perhaps the most notable achievement came in 2022 when Baker led the Astros to a World Series championship. That victory is even more impressive because Baker did it his way.
As Heyman pointed out during the podcast, Baker’s decisions throughout the 2022 playoffs reflected his style and experience. He leaned on veterans like catcher Martín Maldonado. He trusted rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña, who hit in the top third of the lineup during the postseason. Critics may question some of his moves, but ultimately, Baker’s instincts paid off. The Astros crowned themselves champions, and Baker finally secured the elusive World Series ring that had previously eluded him as a manager.
A Manager for the Ages
Many view Dusty Baker as a manager from a different era—one where gut instincts often matter more than analytics and data. While numbers and metrics increasingly drive the modern game, Baker’s old-school approach still holds value. His ability to connect with players and make decisions based on experience and intuition sets him apart.
Even though he has retired from managing, Dusty Baker remains a prominent voice in the baseball world. Fans can catch him on TBS’ pregame and postgame shows, where his insight and analysis are as sharp as ever. Joined by former MLB stars like Jimmy Rollins, Curtis Granderson, and Pedro Martinez, Baker offers a unique perspective that fans won’t want to miss.
A Legacy Cemented
Dusty Baker’s legacy with the Houston Astros will be remembered as one of success, perseverance, and authenticity. While his relationship with the front office may not have been perfect, he still managed to lead the team to the pinnacle of the sport. His impact on the game, both as a player and a manager, is undeniable. As he transitions into his role as an analyst, baseball fans everywhere will continue to benefit from his wisdom and experience.