Cincinnati Reds: Is Dusty Baker Hall of Fame Worthy?

Is Dusty Baker of the Cincinnati Reds a Hall of Fame manager? He has taken three different teams to the post season and won one National League pennant. If Baker were elected, he would become the first African-American manager chosen for the hall.

Baker began his managing career with the San Francisco Giants in 1993. He came to the team with a background that included 19 years of playing experience, two all-star appearances and a World Series ring earned in 1981 as a Los Angeles Dodger. Baker was tutored as a player by Henry Aaron while playing with the Atlanta Braves. He learned a lot of his managing skills while playing under Tommy Lasorda with the Dodgers.

It seems as though Baker learned well.

In his 10 years with the Giants, Baker compiled a record of 840-715. He led them to three playoff appearances and a trip to the World Series in 2002. San Francisco lost in seven games to the Anaheim Angels, who were managed by Baker’s former Dodgers teammate, Mike Scioscia.

After the series, Baker left San Francisco and took over managing the Chicago Cubs in 2003. In his first season, he took a team that had not seen the post season since 1989 to a National League Central division title. The Cubs made it to the league championship series before losing to the Florida Marlins in seven games. In his years with Chicago, Baker won 322 and lost 326. He got the Cubs as close to a World Series as anyone has since 1945.

Baker came to Cincinnati in 2008. He took over a young ball club and has taken them to the post season twice. The 2012 Reds clinched the NL Central Division title on Sept. 22. They are currently battling the Washington Nationals for the number one overall seed in the NL playoffs. The Nationals are managed by another of Baker’s former teammates, Davey Johnson, who played with him in Atlanta. With the division title clinched, Baker has decided to take some time off before the playoffs begin in October.

In all, Baker has managed the Giants, Cubs and Reds to a total of 1,576 wins and 1,428 losses. He has taken each to the post season at least once. He has won one National League pennant. This is a pretty good resume for Hall of Fame consideration.

The only thing missing is a championship. Very few managers without one have been considered for the Hall of Fame. It would help Baker’s cause immensely if he were to win one.

Whether he wins a World Series or not, Baker should still get some consideration for the baseball Hall of Fame.