Dusty Baker returns to Giants as special adviser

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – One of the organization’s most popular managers, Dusty Baker, is rejoining the San Francisco Giants nearly 16 years after his difficult departure.

The 68-year-old Baker, who was fired as skipper of the Washington Nationals after last season, will serve as a special adviser to CEO Larry Baer working in both the baseball and business operations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dusty back to the organization,” Baer said. “In addition to being one of the most beloved Giants alumni, Dusty brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge and experience to this position and I know his contributions will be felt far and wide throughout our organization.”

Baker managed the Giants from 19932002, when the club lost to the wild-card Angels in Game 7 of the World Series after squandering Game 6. His son, Darren, is a freshman baseball player at the University of California in Berkeley and Baker has been a regular at his games.

“He’s a friend and manager who can add to what we’re hoping to do, and that’s get better here with new ideas, or talking to the guys,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said before an exhibition game against the Athletics.

After a contentious departure from the Giants, Baker went on to manage the Cubs for four seasons before a stint with the Reds from 2008-13 and then two years as Nationals skipper leading Washington to a pair of NL East titles.