Darren Baker, son of the renowned manager Dusty Baker, has officially joined the ranks of Major League Baseball. Sunday marked a pivotal moment in his life as he awoke to the realization that he was now a member of the Washington Nationals.
The 25-year-old second baseman, who was called up from Triple-A Rochester, is set to make his mark in the big leagues. His journey has been closely watched, especially given his family legacy in baseball.
“I didn’t need an alarm today,” Darren Baker remarked, reflecting on the excitement that came with his callup the day before.
His first calls were to his parents, who quickly made their way from the West Coast to witness their son’s historic moment. Although he was not in the lineup for the Nationals’ game against the Chicago Cubs, the day was still significant.
Baker was drafted in the 10th round by Washington in 2021 and had an impressive season at Rochester, boasting a .285 batting average, 49 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases. He is versatile enough to play in the outfield as well.
“He was brought up a baseball player,” said Washington manager Dave Martinez. “He understands the game and knows how to play it. He steals bases when you need him to and gets the ball in play to advance runners and drive in crucial runs. He’s simply a baseball player.”
Darren’s connection to baseball runs deep, highlighted by a memorable moment from the 2002 World Series when, as a 3-year-old bat boy, he was saved from harm by J.T. Snow while his father managed the San Francisco Giants.
“That’s something he doesn’t even remember,” Dusty Baker reflected. “He’s reminded of it constantly, but he doesn’t recall it. It’s a remarkable story, and while it seemed funny or embarrassing at the time, perhaps it was meant to happen in the grand scheme of things.”
During the summers of 2016 and 2017, Darren spent time around the Nationals while his father managed the team. On Sunday, he expressed comfort in the clubhouse, familiar with the surroundings and the journey that brought him back.
This chapter in Darren Baker’s life is just the beginning of what promises to be a rich baseball career, shaped by experiences and a legacy that precedes him.
“I’ve had a lot of different experiences and people I’ve crossed paths with to get to this point, and I’m still just getting started,” Baker stated. “We’ll see where it goes, but I’m grateful for it.”
