This Sunday, the Major League roster is expanding, and when it does, fans can expect to see a familiar name returning to the spotlight. Darren Baker, the versatile infielder and outfielder, is reportedly set to be one of the Washington Nationals’ September call-ups. Though the team and Baker himself have yet to make an official statement, a reliable source has confirmed the move. And if that name sounds familiar, it should!

Darren Baker is none other than the son of Dusty Baker, a legendary figure in the Nationals organization. But Darren’s connection to the big leagues stretches back much further than his playing days. Many remember a pint-sized Darren making headlines at just 3 years old during the 2002 World Series, where he served as a bat boy. In a moment that has since become iconic, young Darren wandered too far onto the field during a heated game, showing even then that the baseball diamond was where he belonged.

Now, all grown up and ready to make his mark, Darren Baker is set to step onto the field not as a bat boy, but as a player in his own right—continuing the legacy of the Baker family in Major League Baseball.

Darren Baker’s full-circle MLB moment

For those who were too young to remember, the scene took place when the San Francisco Giants were battling with the Anaheim Angels. Things started to get heated up, and in the bottom of the second, Kenny Lofton hit a triple. Right then, as the Giants runner rounded third, guess who was in their path? Darren! 

Darren wandered a bit too close to the home plate. But thankfully, first baseman J.T Snow swiftly picked up young Darren to prevent any major collision. We bet this is a core memory for Darren, and not just that it is also one taken as one of baseball’s most memorable highlights. However, this moment was also impactful because MLB soon changed the rules that apply to all bat boys. 

According to the new rules. All the bat boys have to be at least 14 years old to step into the role. This is crucial because had it not been for Snow’s swift reflexes, things could have been dangerous. After all, baseball players are strong, quick, and constantly focused on the game—imagine the potential chaos if someone had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now, two decades later, Darren Baker is ready to create new memories—this time with a bat in his own hands at the Major League!

Darren Baker’s journey to the Major League

Darren Baker is having a strong season with Triple-A Rochester. He is slashing .285/.348/.340 with 20 doubles, two triples, 49 RBIs, 70 runs scored, and 38 stolen bases in 112 games. He has been drafted twice by the Nationals–first in 2017, when he was fresh out of high school as a 27th rounder and then in the 10th round out of UC Berkeley— now finally getting his shot at the majors. Baker, a second baseman and outfielder said in June, “I feel like I’m controlling the strike zone. Cutting down on chase was big for me, walking more. I feel like I’m running more on the bases, that was another thing we spoke about, and still learning different positions.”

Known for his versatility, Baker’s played 61 games at second base and 45 in left field this season. His time in spring training for the Major League also gave him a taste of what to look for ahead. Baker recently opened up saying, “I have been exposed to different MLB locker rooms before, but that was the first time with me being a player. I learned a lot from those guys, how they prepare every day. They’re professionals through and through, so that helped me out.”

But he isn’t the only fresh face joining the Nationals this season. He will join eight others who also debuted with the team this season including Trey Lipscomb, Nasim Nuñez Mitchell Parker, left-hander DJ Herz, James Wood, Andrés Chaparro, Orlando Ribalta, and even Dylan Crews who recently made it to the team.

From Bat Boy to the big leagues, Darren Baker’s story is just getting started, and it’s going to be fun to watch. Are you excited to watch the full-circle moment come to life? Let us know in the comments.