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As expected, Astros manager Dusty Baker has announced he is retiring.
Baker, owner Jim Crane, and General Manager Dana Brown made the announcement this morning at Minute Maid Park, days after the Astros lost Game 7 of the ALCS to the Texas Rangers.
Baker came to the Astros right before the 2020 season after then manager AJ Hinch was fired in the wake of the sign stealing scandal from the 2017 season.
In Baker's four years with the Astros, the team went to the ALCS four times. They reached the World Series twice, winning the title last year by beating Philadelphia.
If this is the end of Baker's managerial career, it has been a stellar one. He managed for 26 seasons, compiling a record 2183-1862 in stints with the Giants, Cubs, Reds, and Nationals.
As for where the Astros go from here, they do have an internal candidate in bench coach Joe Espada.