As Astros manager Dusty Baker went to home plate with his lineup card just before Sunday’s Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, he was surprised to see a familiar face carrying the Nationals’ card. His son, Darren, a Minor Leaguer in the Nationals organization, was suited up to play against Houston.
Nationals manager Dave Martinez, who played for the Giants in 1993 and 1994 while Baker managing, said had been planning the moment for days.
To arrange the surprise, Darren was called up from Minor League camp for the day about an hour before first pitch. Later, Darren came off the bench to hit an RBI single in the seventh and a sac fly the eighth for the Nationals’ 3-2 win over the Astros.
Said Dusty, "This is kind of what a father lives for, to see his son or daughter succeed. It was quite an experience.”