Dusty Baker's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Dusty Baker.

Johnnie B. "Dusty" Baker Jr. is a former MLB outfielder and manager. As a player for 19 seasons, he is most recognized for his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Baker was a two-time All-Star, won two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove Award, and was the 1977 NLCS MVP. He appeared in three World Series and won the 1981 World Series. He also played for the Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, and Oakland Athletics.

Sections (4)

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

1908: First postseason series victory for the team since the 1908 World Series

In 2003, Dusty Baker led the Cubs to victory over the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series, the first postseason series victory for the team since the 1908 World Series.

1970: First manager since Sparky Anderson to win 100 games as rookie manager

In 1970, Dusty Baker was the first manager since Sparky Anderson to win 100 games as a rookie manager.

1977: First Postseason Appearance

In 1977, Dusty Baker made his first postseason appearance as the Dodgers won the National League West. He played a key role in the NLCS, hitting a grand slam in Game 2 and a two-run home run in Game 4, earning him the NLCS MVP award. In the 1977 World Series, he hit one home run but the Dodgers lost in six games.

1977: NLCS MVP

In 1977, Dusty Baker was named the NLCS MVP during the National League Championship Series, while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1980: Silver Slugger Award

In 1980, Dusty Baker batted .294 with 170 hits, 29 home runs, and 97 RBIs, finishing fourth in MVP voting and winning the Silver Slugger Award.

1981: World Series Win and All-Star Selection

In 1981, Dusty Baker batted a career-high .320 and was named to his first All-Star Game. He was also awarded the Silver Slugger Award and the Gold Glove Award. Although he batted just .167 in the World Series, the Dodgers won in six games.

1981: World Series Championship

In 1981, Dusty Baker was a member of the World Series championship team with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1992: Cito Gaston manages the Toronto Blue Jays to championships in 1992

In 1992, Cito Gaston managed the Toronto Blue Jays to championships.

1993: Cito Gaston manages the Toronto Blue Jays to championships in 1993

In 1993, Cito Gaston managed the Toronto Blue Jays to championships.

1997: Giants win division title, Baker wins Manager of the Year

In 1997, Dusty Baker's Giants won the division title. Baker also won Manager of the Year honors.

2000: Giants win division title, Baker wins Manager of the Year again

In 2000, Dusty Baker's Giants won the division title, and Baker won Manager of the Year honors for the second time.

2002: Giants win Wild Card, advance to World Series

In 2002, Dusty Baker's Giants won 95 games and clinched the Wild Card. They won the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves and the NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals, advancing to the World Series against the Anaheim Angels.

2003: Cubs claim division title, controversy over Baker's comments

In 2003, Dusty Baker led the Cubs to their first division title in fourteen years, and they won the National League Division Series. Baker was also the subject of controversy for stating that "black and Hispanic players are better suited to playing in the sun and heat than white players."

2004: Cubs miss playoffs, Baker wins 1,000th game

In 2004, the Cubs missed the playoffs, and on August 30, Dusty Baker won his 1,000th game as a manager with a win over the Montreal Expos.

September 28, 2010: Reds win Central title

On September 28, 2010, Dusty Baker's Reds won the Central title, leading to their first playoff appearance in 15 years.

2010: Bruce Bochy manages Giants to World Series titles in 2010

In 2010, Bruce Bochy managed the Giants to World Series titles.

2010: Hall of Fame Induction

In 2010, Dusty Baker was inducted into the Sac-Joaquin Section's Hall of Fame for his baseball career at Del Campo High School.

2012: Bruce Bochy manages Giants to World Series titles in 2012

In 2012, Bruce Bochy managed the Giants to World Series titles.

2014: Bruce Bochy manages Giants to World Series titles in 2014

In 2014, Bruce Bochy managed the Giants to World Series titles.

2015: Dusty Baker inducted into Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame

In 2015, Dusty Baker was inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

2020: Dave Roberts wins championships with Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020

In 2020, Dave Roberts won championships with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

April 22, 2021: Baker Secures 1,900th Win

On April 22, 2021, Dusty Baker achieved his 1,900th win as a manager in the regular season with an 8-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, becoming the 14th manager to reach this milestone.

October 22, 2021: Astros Clinch AL Pennant

On October 22, 2021, the Houston Astros won Game 6 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Boston Red Sox, clinching the AL pennant and a spot in the World Series. This marked Dusty Baker's ninth manager in major league history to win a pennant in both leagues.

2021: Baker was the only Giant to win the award until 2021

As of 2021, Dusty Baker was the only Giant to win the NL Manager of the Year award.

May 3, 2022: Baker Earns 2,000th Win

On May 3, 2022, Dusty Baker achieved his 2,000th win as a manager with a 4-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park, becoming the twelfth manager and first African American manager to reach this milestone. Gerónimo Peña and his son Jeremy were involved in the lineup in Baker's first and 2,000th wins respectively.

November 3, 2022: Baker Wins 50th Postseason Game

On November 3, 2022, Dusty Baker secured his 50th postseason win as a manager, becoming only the fourth manager in MLB history to achieve this milestone.

November 5, 2022: Baker Wins First World Series as Manager

On November 5, 2022, Dusty Baker led the Houston Astros to victory in Game 6 of the 2022 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, securing his first World Series title as a manager. At 73, he became the oldest manager to win the World Series and is the third African-American manager to win a World Series.

2022: World Series Win

In 2022, Dusty Baker won the World Series as manager with the Houston Astros.

2022: Astros Dominate Postseason

In the 2022 postseason, Dusty Baker led the Houston Astros to a dominant run, sweeping both the Seattle Mariners in the American League Division Series (ALDS) and the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series (ALCS). This guaranteed the Astros their sixth straight appearance in the ALCS. It was Baker's first-ever LDS sweep as manager.

June 1, 2023: Dusty Baker passes Joe McCarthy in all-time wins

On June 1, 2023, Dusty Baker surpassed Joe McCarthy for eighth place in all-time managerial wins, achieving his 2,116th victory with a 5–2 win against the Los Angeles Angels.