By Andy Smith
In a shocking move, Dusty Baker has announced that he will be stepping down as manager of the Houston Astros and will be joining the Adelphi baseball team. After capturing his first World Series as a manager last fall, Baker has decided that he has had enough with the Major Leagues. Baker has been with the Astros throughout Spring Training but has expressed his interest for a new and exciting challenge. “I have accomplished what I set out to do. Preparing with the guys this spring just has not felt the same after winning the Fall Classic,” he said. “I want to take on one final challenge and finish my professional career on the collegiate level.”
Throughout his managerial career, Baker has spent time with the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals and Houston Astros. Baker, also a former player, was an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers (where he won the 1981 World Series), San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics.
Baker has notified Danny McCabe, the athletic director that he is interested in becoming an Adelphi Panther. Baker will be joining a very strong program that has 17 NCAA Division II championships and four NE10 Presidents’ Cup.
McCabe expressed his excitement about Baker joining the baseball coaching staff. “To have a guy like Dusty in the building is amazing. His experience both as a player and a manager on the major league level will give us a strong edge against the competition.”
The players also showed their excitement about playing under a former Major League manager. Senior Nick Lopez stated, “Having Dusty in the dugout will be very important to our development as a team. Dusty has seen it all through his long major league career. I cannot wait to get out there with him.”
Junior outfielder Joey Pasqua added, “Baker is going to bring so much experience and knowledge about the sport. I am so excited to see what we can accomplish with him at the helm.”
Be sure to come out and give Dusty a warm Adelphi welcome when he takes the diamond with our Panthers!