Dusty Baker Strengthens Bid for Hall of Fame; Nears 2000 Win Landmark

The Houston Astros are a champion outfit. Apart from their stellar pennant win in 2017, they have also maintained a pedigree in the league, consistently contending over the years subsequent. And while a considerable portion of the credit goes to the players, some credit goes to their leader and manager, Dusty Baker. Also, with the manager now nearing his landmark 2000th win in baseball, he may soon be a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame.

In the history of MLB, there have been 11 managers to notch 2000 wins. 10 of them are in the hall of Fame. If Baker joins this exclusive company, he could well stand to reinforce his push for induction to Cooperstown. And also, he stands to hit the mark at home as the Houston Astros prepare to take on the Mariners and the Detroit Tigers in consecutive series at home.

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Dusty Baker lodges 1999th win, prepares for 2000th

Winning their opening game with the Seattle Mariners, Baker set his eyes firmly on the 2000th to close out the series in the next match-up. Donning the Astros’ City Connect kit, Baker seemed fairly nonchalant as he addressed the media after the match about his record 2000th win that was coming up.

“Might as well get it over with soon,” said Baker. With Jose Altuve back in the line-up too, the Astros have some offensive firepower to contribute to the series. A fact they made well known in their 3-0 win over the Mariners to snag Baker’s 1999th win. Tuesday will see the Astros secure Baker’s 200th win. But it remains to be seen if they can get the job done against a plucky Mariners side that is showing some fight.

Baker’s career so far

Baker has been a manager in MLB for close to thirty years now, starting his managerial career in 1993. Having managed at various teams, including the San Francisco Giants, the Chicago Cubs, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Washington Nationals, before moving into the Minute Maid, his career has been nothing short of illustrious.

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Baker shares a unique distinction within the exclusive club of 2000 wins. While being the only manager to win both the American League as well as the National League Series, he remains the only manager with 2000 wins and yet no World Series. Could the Astros look to change that this year? Or do you think their roster is still lacking in certain areas?