Childhood and Education Journey of Dusty Baker in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Dusty Baker. From birth to education, explore key events.

Dusty Baker is a former MLB outfielder and manager, playing for 19 seasons. Best known for his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he earned accolades as a two-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and a Gold Glove Award recipient. Baker was named the 1977 NLCS MVP and played in three World Series, winning the championship in 1981. He also played for the Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, and Oakland Athletics.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

June 15, 1949: Dusty Baker Born

On June 15, 1949, Johnnie B "Dusty" Baker Jr. was born. He later became a professional baseball outfielder and manager in MLB.

Others born on this day/year

1963: Family Moved to Carmichael

In 1963, Dusty Baker's family moved to Carmichael, California, where his father worked at McClellan Air Force Base.

1968: Became Giants Fan

In 1968, Dusty Baker became a fan of the San Francisco Giants after they signed Bobby Bonds.

1969: United States Marine Corps Reserve

In 1969, Dusty Baker became a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

April 8, 1974: On Deck for Aaron's 715th Home Run

On April 8, 1974, Dusty Baker was on deck when Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run, passing Babe Ruth's record.

1975: End of time in United States Marine Corps Reserve

In 1975, Dusty Baker's time in the United States Marine Corps Reserve ended.

October 2, 1977: Integral Part in the first-ever high five

On October 2, 1977, Dusty Baker and Dodgers teammate Glenn Burke participated in what is believed to be the first-ever high five at Dodger Stadium.

1986: Began Wearing Wristband

In 1986, during his final season, Dusty Baker began wearing a wristband featuring his face, which he continued to use as a manager.

April 6, 1987: Al Campanis Controversial Remarks

On April 6, 1987, Al Campanis, the Dodgers general manager, made controversial remarks, leading Hank Aaron, Joe Morgan, and Frank Robinson to recruit Dusty Baker to Dallas, Texas, to secure employment opportunities for minority baseball players post-retirement.

1995: Wild Card instituted in both leagues

In 1995, the Wild Card was instituted in both leagues, changing the playoff landscape in Major League Baseball.

1999: Loan from Magowan

Around the time of negotiating his contract in 1999, Magowan loaned Dusty Baker money in case he needed to deal with the IRS.

2001: Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

In the winter of 2001, Dusty Baker was diagnosed with prostate cancer during a routine check-up.

2002: Resolution of IRS Troubles

Around late 2002, Dusty Baker's issues with the Internal Revenue Service were resolved with the help of a tax crisis lawyer.

2002: Darren Baker Rescued at World Series

During the 2002 World Series, Dusty Baker's son, Darren Baker, was rescued by J.T. Snow from being run over at home plate while serving as a batboy.

2012: Hospitalization for Irregular Heartbeat and Mini-Stroke

Near the end of the 2012 baseball season, Dusty Baker was hospitalized for an irregular heartbeat and a "mini-stroke".

2014: Featured in ESPN 30 for 30 Documentary

In 2014, the story of the first-ever high five, involving Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke, was featured in the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary "The High Five", directed by Michael Jacobs.

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2017: Darren Baker Drafted by Washington Nationals

In 2017, Darren Baker was drafted in the 27th round of the MLB draft by the Washington Nationals, the team his father was managing at the time. He then decided to play as an infielder for the California Golden Bears.

2021: Darren Baker Drafted Again by Nationals

In 2021, Darren Baker was drafted again by the Washington Nationals in the 10th round of the amateur draft, and this time he signed to join the organization.