MLB legend Dusty Baker’s son Darren feels at ‘home’ after first at-bat in Nationals 1-14 loss to Cubs

Dusty Baker’s son, Darren, who used to follow him through the field, debuts in MLB with the Nationals for his first big league appearance.

MLB legend Dusty Baker’s son Darren feels at ‘home’ after first at-bat in Nationals 1-14 loss to Cubs

Darren Baker [Image Credit: NBC Sports Bay Area]

MLB’s legendary manager and former player Dusty Baker and his wife Melissa were in attendance to witness son Darren’s big league debut. The young Baker enjoyed his memorable first at-bat moment as part of the Washington Nationals against the Chicago Cubs.

Although the Nationals lost 1-14 to the Cubs, the day was celebrated as it marked the start of a new era for the Baker family. Dusty Baker played in MLB for 19 seasons with the Atlanta Braves, LA Dodgers, SF Giants, and Oakland Athletics.

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He was also well known for being a manager in MLB. It was a proud moment for Dusty as he saw his son Darren take on the field and hit his first MLB ball. He was even seen smiling, and cheering for him, while Melissa excitedly stood up during the moment.

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I had run it through my head as a kid [as to] what it would be like, and it’s pretty close. I was kind of shocked. It kind of settled in, and I feel like I belong. I’m happy.
Darren Baker as per Jessica Camerato of MLB.com.

In a post-game interview, Darren Baker commented how his mom has “been to all the games” but his dad could not due to his own schedule in MLB. He said he was fortunate to have both of them attend his debut game, and it’s something “I won’t forget”.

He even jokingly stated that he “didn’t need an alarm today” as he was already pumped up to be on the field. Darren feels “grateful” to be where he is today and believes all the experiences and people he came across in the past, have shaped what he is now in the present.

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Dusty Baker

Dusty Baker comments on seeing his son Darren make MLB debut

Dusty Baker went through a ride of emotions seeing his son Darren Baker take on the big league. He commented how he always thought his son would make it into the MLB considering the “time and effort” he put in for so long.

Dusty Baker and son Darren Baker
Dusty Baker and son Darren Baker [Image Credit: SI/MLB]

It was something that was bound to take place so Dusty believes this game and achievement is not something that’ll “awe” the rookie player. It just felt “like home” to Darren who put up his hands to celebrate his first at-bat moment.

I thought he had the talent to do it…He’s not in awe being out there. He’s thankful but he feels comfortable, like home.
Dusty Baker as per Jessica Camerato of MLB.com.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Darren was “brought up a baseball player” so he understands the game and knows how to play it. One of his memorable childhood incidents was during the 2002 World Series Game 5. 

Darren went too close to the field and was in potential danger had it not been for then-first baseman J.T. Snow who hauled the youngster out of the way in a hurry. Dusty recalled the incident saying, “That’s something he doesn’t even remember,” but is often reminded of.

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