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Oct 22, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) celebrates after defeating the Boston Red Sox to advance to the World Series after game six of the 2021 ALCS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 22, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) celebrates after defeating the Boston Red Sox to advance to the World Series after game six of the 2021 ALCS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Ahead of Spring Training last year, Dusty Baker signed a short-term contract to become the new manager of the Houston Astros. Although the franchise were in a bit of turmoil, the 72-year-old took the team to the ALCS in 2020, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Rays.
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Despite that loss, fans of the Astros took heart from the fact that the Astros came from three games down and forced Game 7. Although this year’s ALCS didn’t need a Game 7, it was the Astros who advanced to the World Series.
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With a comprehensive 5-0 win over the Boston Red Sox yesterday, the Astros won their third AL Pennant in five years. Following the match, Astros chairperson Jim Crane gave his thoughts on Baker’s future with the Texan franchise.
Houston Astros chairperson praises Dusty baker following ALCS win
Baker signed a one-year contract with the Astros in 2020, with an option for this season. The Astros exercised that option in July this year, and are reaping the rewards of doing so.
During this year’s regular season, Baker led the Astros to an impressive 95-67 record. While they clinched top spot in the AL West for the fourth time in five years, the Astros continued that form in the postseason. They defeated the Chicago White Sox 3-1 in the ALDS, before coming from 2-1 down to win this year’s ALCS 4-2.
atAstros logging off for the night. 🤘
We'll see y'all in the morning! pic.twitter.com/XoxBiHXM8m
— Houston Astros (@astros) October 23, 2021
Following their Game 6 victory over the Red Sox yesterday, Crane praised Baker for the success he brought to Houston. In addition, he admitted the franchise would consider keeping him at least for another year.
He said, “We’re gonna be in the World Series. When we get done we’ll sit down and visit about that. Listen, Dusty deserves another shot for next year. We’ll see where it goes.”
Jim Crane on the future of Dusty Baker: “We’re gonna be in the World Series. When we get done we’ll sit down and visit about that. Listen, Dusty deserves another shot for next yesterday. We’ll see where it goes.” pic.twitter.com/Ku5341H0kD
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) October 23, 2021
Can Baker win his first World Series as a manager this year?
Baker’s only World Series win came as a player for the 1981 Atlanta Braves. In a managerial career spanning well over two decades, he tallied 1,987 wins. This places him 12th on the all-time managers’ list with the most wins. However, he continues to seek his maiden World Series win as a manager.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 22, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) looks on in the eighth inning during game six of the 2021 ALCS against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Starting next week, the 72-year-old will begin that chase against either the Atlanta Braves or the Los Angeles Dodgers. While he has the talent to achieve that feat, Baker will look to ensure he gets his plans on point to silence his doubters, who criticise his postseason record.
