Former Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals Manager Dusty Baker to Announce Retirement Today

It was reported earlier this week that Houston Astros' manager Dusty Baker was likely to retire after this season, and Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that it is true.

After losing in Game 7 of the ALCS this week, Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker is set to retire.

One of the most successful managers in baseball history, Baker led the Astros to two World Series appearances (one win) and two LCS appearances in his four years.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today had the exclusive story:

A press conference has been scheduled for Thursday at noon ET at Minute Maid Park, where Baker is expected to publicly announce his decision.

“I’m very grateful and thankful to Jim Crane and the Houston Astros for giving me this opportunity, and to win a championship,’’ Baker told USA TODAY Sports. “I felt like they’ve been good for me, and I’ve been good for them.

“What I really appreciate is that Jim has been totally honest and transparent with me on all things.’’ 

This isn't a surprise, given that we heard after the Game 7 loss that Baker was likely to step down. 

He will walk away having won the title with the Astros in 2022 and being a three-time Manager of the Year. He spent 26 years in the dugout as a major league manager.

Baker took five different franchises to the playoffs (Giants, Cubs, Reds, Nationals and Astros). He has 2,183 career wins in the regular season.

As for the Astros job, there's no word yet on any candidates but it will be a highly desirable job given the success of the franchise and the players on the roster.

Nightengale reports that Baker wants to remain involved in some capacity with the sport. He could do that with the Astros or elsewhere.

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