Baker applauds Bochy’s return

Astros manager Dusty Baker commended the Texas Rangers for hiring manager Bruce Bochy out of retirement this week, a move that could see the two manage against each other in the American League next season for the first time ever.

Baker, 73, and Bochy, 67, are the two oldest managers in the majors and two of just 12 managers in MLB history to win more than 2,000 games. They managed against each other for decades in the National League and both had stints managing the San Francisco Giants, Baker from 1993 to 2002 and Bochy from 2007 to 2019.

The Rangers are Bochy’s first managerial job in the American League. Baker’s own future with the Astros next year is still unclear; on Saturday, he deferred questions on the subject to the end of the season. Baker said Bochy didn’t answer when he called to express congratulations, but said he was happy to see his friend back in baseball — though perhaps not with one of the Astros’ AL West division rivals.

“He’s one of the best, finest managers around,” Baker said. “I wish he was in the other division. But I’m glad he’s back. I’m glad he’s back. A great baseball man, baseball mind. One more for the old dudes.

“I had a feeling he would be back. He had to take some time off with family. He had some health issues there, you know, to get himself back together. I’m glad to see Bruce back.”