Baker lauds late civil rights leader Lewis

Astros manager Dusty Baker called John Lewis a great man and humanitarian in response to the U.S. congressman’s death. Lewis and minister C.T. Vivian, two civil rights icons, died Friday. Lewis’ most recent connection with the Astros is joining

George Springer as grand marshal of the 2019 Martin Luther

King Jr. parade in Houston.

“It seems like we’re losing great people every day,” said Baker, who was not aware of Lewis’ death until he arrived at the ballpark Saturday morning. “It’s a part of life, but it’s hard to replace quality people like that.”

Baker recounted deep connections to civil rights in his own life, including his mother being a

Black history teacher and his family’s ties to the NAACP chapter in Riverside, Calif.

Baker’s playing days in Atlanta included building relationships with civil rights leaders in Hank Aaron, Maynard Jackson,

Andrew Young and Jesse Jackson, and others.

“I’ve met a lot of great people, but I never met him,” Baker said of Lewis. “I watched him on TV many times. Great speaker, great man and humanitarian. He was for the people. He was easy to like.”

Baker added on Lewis’ work and impact paving a way for him to become an African American manager in the majors.

“One of the reasons I came back was to hopefully make it easier on others after me,” Baker said. “I was never really into politics because my mom was. My mother used to make me go down to the capital in Sacramento, hanging around Willie

Brown’s office, who ended up being a real good friend of mine.

“Without this legislation or without people before me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So part of my job is to make it easier on those that are coming after me.”

Valdez shines in start, earns coaches’ praise

Michael Brantley’s three-run home run was the only true blemish for Framber Valdez, the presumptive fifth starter in the Astros pitching rotation, in an abbreviated scrimmage Saturday at Minute Maid Park.

The lefthanded pitcher didn’t allow a run for the remaining four innings, tossing 73 total pitches, 49 for strikes.

Valdez has received high praise during workouts from Astros pitching coach Brent

Strom, who said on Tuesday, “when Mike Trout says he’s got the best stuff on our staff, that means something to me.”

“I feel like I’m ready to be a starter this season,” Valdez said through a translator. “I’ve had my mind on that ever since spring training.” Brandon Bielak, who is competing for a spot on the opening day roster, pitched opposite of Valdez, and Chris Devenski logged in an inning of work. Bielak said he would be comfortable with a piggyback role out of the bullpen, citing previous experience in the minors.

“I hope the young pitchers don’t feel poorly or badly because the guys they were facing were amongst the best hitters in this league,” Baker said. “I mean, for Michael Brantley to hit you out of the ballpark, Bregman, Springer and Altuve, you’re not going to face many lineups like this. So I was very pleased on how the guys threw today.”