December 9th, 2024

Dusty Baker, 70, named new Astros manager

Respected, veteran leader has more wins than any active manager; Three-time Manager of the Year Award-winner

HOUSTON– The Houston Astros have hired Dusty Baker as the club’s new manager, Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane announced Wednesday. He becomes the 19th manager in franchise history.

Baker joins the Astros as one of the most successful managers in Major League history. His 1,863 career wins are tops among active managers and rank 15th all-time. In his 22 seasons as a manager, Baker has also developed a reputation as one of the most respected managers among players, his peers and members of the media.

“Throughout his successful career, Dusty has embodied the qualities that we were looking for in a manager,” Crane said. “He’s a winner, and more importantly, a strong leader who has earned the respect of not only his players, but of virtually everyone that he has touched in baseball. We’re extremely excited to name Dusty as the new leader of our ballclub.”

“I’m extremely thankful for this opportunity,” Baker stated. “This is a great ballclub with outstanding players that know how to win. I applaud Jim Crane for the leadership he has shown in recent weeks and look forward to working with him and the players to bring a championship to the City of Houston.”

AT THE HELM

Baker’s resume as a manager includes eight postseason appearances and a National League Pennant as skipper of the Giants in 2002. That season, San Francisco fell just one win shy of capturing a World Series championship. In recognition of his success, Baker has been named Manager of the Year three times in his illustrious career. He also holds the distinction of leading four different clubs to the postseason, which makes him one of just three managers in MLB history to accomplish this. Additionally, his clubs have finished first or second 14 times in his 22 seasons as a manager, reaching 90 or more victories on 10 occasions.

EARLY SUCCESS

Baker’s career as a manager began in grand fashion in 1993, as he led the San Francisco Giants, who were 77-85 in 1992, to a 103-59 record, earning him his first NL Manager of the Year award. In 10 seasons (1993-2002) in San Francisco, he would ultimately lead the Giants to three postseason appearances (1997, 2000, 2002), capturing the NL Pennant in 2002. His 840 wins as Giants skipper rank second all-time in that storied franchise’s history.

 Following his stint with the Giants, Baker served as Cubs manager for four seasons (2003-06), where he enjoyed early success as well. Despite inheriting a club that had finished with a 67-95 record the previous season, Baker guided the Cubs to the NL Central Division title in 2003 with an 88-74 mark. That club would ultimately fall just one win shy of reaching the World Series, falling to the Marlins in the NLCS in seven games. His 2003-04 Cubs teams were the first to post back-to-back winning records in Chicago since 1971-72.

Baker’s next stop would be in Cincinnati where he would also enjoy success, leading the Reds to two NL Central Division titles and a Wild Card berth in five seasons (2008-12). Most recently, Baker was manager of the Washington Nationals for two seasons (2016-17), a club that he led to back-to-back NL East titles, winning 95 and 97 games, respectively.

 

AS A PLAYER

 Prior to success as a manager, Baker enjoyed an outstanding, 19-year playing career, during which he was an All-Star, Gold Glove winner, Silver Slugger winner and World Series champion. Highlights in his playing career include two 30-homer seasons and NLCS MVP honors in 1977 while with the Dodgers. In a combined 2,039 Major League games with the Braves, Dodgers, Giants and A’s, Baker tallied 242 home runs and 1,013 RBI. He is one of just two in MLB history to reach both 1,800 hits as a player and 1,800 wins as a manager.

PERSONAL

Born Johnnie B. Baker on June 15, 1949 in Riverdale, CA…wife’s name: Melissa….speaks Spanish…is a prostate cancer survivor…is currently in four Halls of Fame: California Black Sports Hall of Fame (1997); Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame (2013); Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (2015); Riverside Sports Hall of Fame (2016)…voted by Dodgers fans to the Dodgers All-Time Team in 1990…voted manager of the Giants All-Time team in 1999…served in the United States Marine Corp Reserve from 1969-75.

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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

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Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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