The 2023 ALCS didn't end how Dusty Baker or the Houston Astros wanted it to. In an ideal world, they would be getting ready for Game 1 of the World Series on Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Instead, their season is over, and so is Baker's career.
After bringing the Astros to within one win of their third straight World Series appearance, Baker is hanging it up.
The 74-year-old has lived a rich, full baseball life that may be recognized in the Hall of Fame someday, so he has nothing left to prove or accomplish.
In the meantime, Baker seems ready to enjoy retirement. Before he sails off into the sunset, though, he has one final message for the Astros and their fans, which was shared Thursday on the team's social media.
Baker started by thanking Houston's owner Jim Crane, who hired him prior to the 2020 season. He hadn't managed since 2017, and given his age at the time (70), it was fair to wonder if he would ever get another chance.
It ended up being one of the best decisions Crane ever made. Baker's teams reached the ALCS in all four of his seasons at the helm, winning two pennants and a World Series championship.
Next, the legendary manager thanked Astros fans for "their unwavering passion." He also added that the amount of love and support he received from them was "unmatched," which is saying a lot coming from someone who managed five different teams across three decades.
Baker thanked all his players and coaches for their effort and hard work on the field. He also thanked his friends and family for their support off of it.
Then he closed with this: "This isn't a goodbye, it's simply a see you later."
Amen to that.
See you later, Dusty, and thanks for everything.
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