By Maggie Hannon |
Former Major League Baseball player and well known manager Dusty Baker followed his dreams to play at the professional level. On March 1, Baker told parents, players and alumni to keep their dreams alive, even in adversity, as they gathered for the 13th Annual Diamond Dinner fundraising event in Bauccio Commons.
Although the dinner was originally scheduled for Feb. 8 and is supposed to mark the beginning of the season, due to poor weather conditions at the time it was moved to the later date. The fundraiser, which involved both the dinner and a silent and live auction, helped to raise money for the proposed renovations on Joe Etzel Field.
Baker spoke on his experiences and gave some advice for the players and coaches in the crowd.
“He had some really good advice about baseball and life in general. He’s a really nice and personal guy so it was nice to see someone so well known be so humble,” said freshman outfielder Ryan Littlefield.
Baker began his career in the MLB as an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves in 1968, although he didn’t want to go to the South during this time. After his 16 seasons in the MLB playing for the Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics, Baker ended his career as a player with a .278 batting average, 242 home runs and 1,013 RBI’s.
Baker’s work as a manager, though, is where he really rose to fame. He began managing the Giants in 1993. He won two division titles, one wild card spot and was named the National League’s Manager of the Year three times with the Giants. He then went on to make two more playoff appearances with the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds.
After the Pilots’ loss against UC Irvine (3-5) on that day, Baker had an intimate discussion with the players about the game as well as leading a good life. Baker appreciated the fact that he was able to advise the players on not only their baseball careers but also the importance of being a good person.“I think (talking to the players) is great because I’m passing on what’s been given to me,” Baker said.
He emphasized that his knowledge and what he has learned was not “his to keep.”
“It’s great to learn from someone that’s had a chance to manage at the professional level. Hopefully it’ll help us,” said junior pitcher Jordan Wilcox.
The players appreciated the advice and felt that they were able to learn a lot from Baker since he managed such successful teams.
“He really emphasized keeping our dreams alive, especially when we get older,” Littlefield said.
During one of the many speeches of the night, head coach Chris Sperry mentioned the difficulty that the team has had so far this season. He mentioned some of the advice Baker gave to the team during their private talk and how it resonated with their struggle. The team has a 2-10 record so far, but Sperry hopes to improve on the rest of the season.
“Just because you start out a little rocky, doesn’t mean that’s how it has to go” Sperry said.
Baker’s speech discussed his career and development from a player to a division-winning manager. During his speech, Baker expanded on the advice that he gave the team during their private talk.
“The young guys, it’s refreshing to be around them because they’re bright-eyed,” Baker said. “For the young men out there, just dream, because those of us that played baseball had a dream.”
