Dusty Baker

" I had many influences in school, none more important than my coaches and their wives. Among those I count very dear to me are coach Eli McCullough, coach Kimble, coach Kawahata, coach McCormick and coach Bryant. And I can't forget Mrs. Thaxton or Mrs. White." – Dusty Baker

Biography

Johnnie "Dusty" Baker, Jr. (born June 15, 1949 in Riverside, California) is a successful manager in Major League Baseball. After having led the San Francisco Giants in 2002 to the World Series, where they were defeated by the Anaheim Angels, he guided the Chicago Cubs to the NLCS in 2003.

The Cubs came within 5 outs of reaching the Series before losing to the Florida Marlins in 7 games; Baker would have become the first manager to lead different teams to the World Series in consecutive years. As of 2004, he remains manager of the Cubs.

Baker also had an illustrious career as an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and Oakland A's from 1968 to 1986, winning a World Series as a player with the Dodgers in 1981. Baker was on deck when Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run, breaking the record previously held by Babe Ruth.

All-Star

Has been recognized as an All-Star 6 times, including twice as a player (1981, 1982), 3 times as a member of the National League teams coaching staff (1994, 1997, 2001) and as manager for the 2003 Classic at Chicagos U.S. Cellular Field (7-6 loss)...following the 1996 season managed the Major League All-Star squads tour of Japan.

Other Honors & Awards

In 1990 was voted by fans to the Los Angeles Dodgers all-time team during that clubs 100th anniversary celebration...in 1999 was voted by fans as manager on the San Francisco Giants all-time team...in 1998 received the Silver Plumes City Ambassador Award from WHERE San Francisco Magazine, presented annually to an individual who largely represents and epitomizes the citys reputation for greatness...was inducted into the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame in 1990 and the California Black Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.

Personal

In 1967 graduated from Del Campo High School in Carmichael, CA, where he participated in baseball, basketball, football and track...attended American River College in Sacramento, CA....spent the 2007 season working for ESPN as a broadcaster and as a co-host of Baseball Tonight...wife’s name is Melissa...they have a 10-year old son, Darren...Dusty also has a 29-year-old daughter, Natosha.

Dusty Baker Baseball Camp

Our Mission: To teach and develop skills that promote dedication and respect for the game of baseball, and to instill life-long lessons that are conducive towards strong character and integrity– key to achieving personal goals in the areas of academics, citizenship and athleticism.