By Jordan Long
The Houston Astros won the World Series after beating the Philadelphia Phillies in 6 games. Astros’ Manager Dusty Baker could have decided to walk away a World Series Champion. He chose to return as the Astros manager for the 2023 season.
Baker has been the Astros’ Manager for the past 3 years. In that time, the Astros have gone an impressive 230-154, a winning percentage of .599. They earned a playoff spot twice, 2021 and this year. In 2021, they won the American League Pennant. Unfortunately, they were beaten in the World Series by the Atlanta Braves in 6 games.
This season, with Baker as Manager, the Astros ended the regular season at 106-56, the best record in the American League. The only team better than them in Major League Baseball was the L.A. Dodgers who ended at 111-51.
When the postseason came, the Astros swept the Seattle Mariners in the American League Division Series. In the American League Championship Series, the New York Yankees were no match for this team as they swept them. In the World Series, the Astros outscored the Philadelphia Phillies 22 to 18 to win the series in 6 games.
Baker was a large part of the reason they ended up winning the World Series. Baker knew how to use his bullpen effectively in the postseason. When his starters showed signs that they didn’t have it anymore in a game, he trusted his bullpen who he knew would shut the door on opponents. In the playoffs, the Astros ended up with a team ERA of 2.29. The starting pitching ERA stood at 3.39. The relievers ERA was an outstanding 0.83.
When the final out was recorded in game 6, Baker had a choice. He could have left the game as a champion since he finally won a World Series ring as a manager. He decided to come back, agreeing to a 1-year deal with the Astros.
According to MSN.com, Baker said, “How many times in your life do you say something and then have the opportunity to fulfill it. I wasn’t just talking. I meant what I said. I love keeping my word. So, hey man we’ve got a chance to win back-to-back and this is what I’d like to do.”
Baker knows the Astros have a strong team who could win back-to-back World Series titles. The last team to accomplish that feat was the 2000 New York Yankees. The Yankees won 3 straight World Series titles from 1998 to 2000.
Next year though, could be Baker’s last year managing a team. He will be 74 years old. At least he has an opportunity to win yet again. Even if the Astros don’t repeat at least Baker finally won the World Series ring that he deserves.
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