Astros manager Dusty Baker jubilant about Houston's ability to win back-to-back championships

Houston Astros manager and MLB legend Dusty Baker pledged his love for the Astros and the city of Houston in an emotional tribute a couple of days back.

Baker credited his team immensely with a touching testimonial where he profoundly revealed his admiration for the team, the players, and the organization. In particular, Baker brought their championship and winning DNA to light, terming them winners.

Winning games and championships tops Dusty's list, and to him, the Houston Astros personify it the best.

"Dusty Baker: 'I love this team. I love these guys. I love the city. If anybody knows how to do it, these guys, they know how to win. That’s what it’s all about.' - Mark Berman, Twitter

The former National League Championship Series MVP led that same team to the 2022 World Series title in convincing fashion, becoming the oldest manager to win a championship in four major North American sports.

Baker has served as the manager of the Houston Astros since 2020. He's previously held the same position at the San Francisco Giants from 1993 to 2002, the Chicago Cubs from 2003 to 2006, the Cincinnati Reds from 2008 to 2013, and the Washington Nationals from 2016 to 2017.

Dusty Baker famously ranks ninth in MLB managerial wins and has the most wins among African American managers. He is also coincidentally the ninth manager to win pennants in both the American and National Leagues!

Dusty Baker, the player in the MLB

Baker plied his trade in MLB for 19 seasons, playing for a host of teams during that time. He made his MLB debut for the Atlanta Braves at the tender age of 18 as a call-up on September 7, 1968, against the Houston Astros. He went on to play for, most notably, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants, and finally, the Oakland Athletics.

"Dusty Baker made his MLB debut as a 19-year-old in 1968, and played until he was 37 (1986). He made his managerial debut as a 43-year-old with the Giants in 1993. It's 2022, he's 73, and he's into his 3rd World Series as a manager. Baseball is truly incredible," - Sarah Langs, Twitter

His time with the Dodgers was unparalleled. He became a two-time All-Star, won two Silver Slugger Awards and one Gold Glove Award, and became the first NLCS MVP, an honor he received during the 1977 National League Championship Series. He also made three World Series appearances, winning one in 1981.