Dusty Baker Sees Son Darren Begin MLB Journey with Nationals

WASHINGTON – Dusty Baker, a seasoned veteran at 75, has dedicated nearly 50 years to professional baseball. Over the years, he has gained a wealth of experience, yet he understands that the journey of learning never truly ends. Now, it’s his children who are teaching him valuable lessons about life, such as the importance of healing wounds and recognizing that everything happens for a reason, including the significance of pursuing dreams without limits.

This past Sunday, Baker, alongside his wife Melissa and their son Darren, shared a momentous occasion at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals had called up 25-year-old infielder Darren Baker to join the major leagues, marking a significant milestone for the family. It was their first reunion at this ballpark in seven years since Dusty departed amidst feelings of unfulfilled potential, following the Nationals’ decision to let him go after he led them to two National League East titles.

The emotional chapter of Dusty’s departure unfolded in 2017, when he received an agonizing call from Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo after the team was eliminated by the Chicago Cubs in the NL Division Series. The decision to part ways with Baker came as a surprise after consecutive playoff appearances, making the Nationals the fourth franchise to dismiss him after a playoff campaign in hopes of better outcomes.

Fast forward to 2024, and the nature of Rizzo’s call was vastly different. Dusty had celebrated a crowning achievement, clinching a World Series title with the Houston Astros in 2022. He now sits as a prospective Hall of Famer, boasting 2,183 career victories, which places him seventh on the all-time wins list. Currently, he enjoys a semi-retired role as a consultant for the San Francisco Giants.

Darren Baker, drafted by Rizzo in 2019, was poised to make his debut after it was announced he would be among the position player call-ups as rosters expanded from 26 to 28 in September.

Baker recalled that Sunday began with a simple phone call from Rizzo, which initially seemed casual. “I thought he was just calling to say hello,” Baker said. “But then he said, ‘Hey man, we’re calling up some kid who’s got like 38 stolen bases.’ I thought, really? That’s good. And he’s hitting .290. Sounds like Darren.”

After traveling back from Scranton, where they had watched Darren play with the Nationals’ Class AAA team, Dusty and Melissa rushed back to Washington. Arriving at their hotel in the early hours of Sunday, they caught just a few hours of sleep, ready to witness this proud moment unfold.

Darren Baker’s journey to the big leagues, however, began long before this new chapter. He gained widespread attention at a young age, famously getting scooped up by San Francisco Giant J.T. Snow during the 2002 World Series. While that moment etched the Baker name into baseball lore, Darren’s growth continued through various managerial stops in Chicago and Cincinnati, where he learned the nuances of the game along the way.

During 2017, Darren was already taking batting practice at Nationals Park, preparing himself to fulfill a dream. By 2021, after being drafted for the second time, he had begun to carve his path in the sport. The following spring, he and Dusty shared a unique experience as spring-training roommates, albeit working for different teams.

As Darren transitioned into professional baseball, his influence on Dusty flourished. The young man, who once changed the channel to watch cartoons, had grown to become a source of wisdom for his father as Dusty navigated the intricacies of modern baseball. “Sometimes, we don’t want to admit it, but you gotta learn from your kids,” said Dusty.

He expressed pride in both of his children, noting Darren’s commitment to following his dreams. “There are very few people who do what they want to do in life,” Dusty commented. He acknowledged how his own perseverance in the game set a precedent for Darren’s aspirations.

Dusty, often seen as a manager burdened by playoff shortcomings, found solace through his son’s league debut. The Nationals would eventually secure the World Series title in 2019 under new leadership, which added another layer to Dusty’s relationship with the organization and their shared history.

For Darren, the day marked a dream come true. He stepped into his big-league debut, getting a hit on the first pitch he faced as a pinch hitter. Reflecting on his father’s influence, he stated, “He never put pressure on me; I found my love for the game myself.” This approach helped Darren navigate the challenges of Triple-A, ultimately shaping his career trajectory.

Dusty highlighted the growth in his son, seeing potential in the player Darren has become, both mentally and physically. Reflecting with satisfaction on his own achievements and those of his son, Dusty remarked on how personal life events coincided with his career, leading them to where they are today. “Sometimes you’re upset about not having a job, but you realize that was for the good,” he added.

As father and son celebrated this moment together, Dusty relished the realization of his own dreams while now watching Darren embark on his journey. The bond they share through baseball continues to deepen as Darren takes his first steps toward realizing a dream fueled by a legacy of perseverance and passion.

Source: USA Today