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Legendary Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star player and World Series-winning player and manager Dusty Baker will manage Nicaragua at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Born in 1949 in California, Johnnie B. Dusty Baker Jr. was a Gold Glove outfielder who hit 242 home runs in 19 MLB seasons (1968-1986). He played for the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics. He was the 1977 National League Championship Series MVP. Baker helped the Dodgers win the 1981 World Series and played two All-Star Games.
He started his coaching career in 1988 with the San Francisco Giants. He became the manager in 1993 and led them to the 2002 World Series title. He also managed the Chicago Cubs, the Cincinnati Reds, the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros. He retired after the 2023 season with 2,183 wins and three Manager of the Year titles.
“We are proud to introduce a legend like Dusty Baker as Nicaragua’s manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic,” said Maurice Ortega during a press conference on behalf of Nicaragua’s government. “Dusty is one of the most important managers in the history of the game. I want to congratulate Nemesio Porras and the Nicaraguan Baseball and Softball Federation [FENIBA].”
Baker addressed the attendance in Spanish. “I want to thank everybody. I see all the fans are very happy. My wife and I are happy also.”
He looked at the uniform and said, “this reminds me of my years with the Dodgers [1976-1983], the colours are the same:”
Baker announced that Sandor Guido and Lenin Picota will be part of his coaching staff.
“Every game starts with the teams tied at zero,” he said. “No matter who you play, your desire to win can make a difference.”
Porras told the local press that he had been waiting for this moment for a long time. “I felt like St. Thomas, I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it. Welcome, Dusty, welcome [your wife] Melissa. It’s an honour for our Federation and the people of Nicaragua.”
Baker visited the Roberto Clemente Stadium, where he was welcomed with enthusiasm.
