While it’s virtually impossible to cheer for the Houston Astros as a self respecting sports fan, here’s the one reason you might not be so mad if they win.
Currently, Houston Astros skipper Dusty Baker sits 9th all time in career wins as manager. He’s also another successful Astros season away from leapfrogging Joe McCarthy and Bucky Harris. A 103-win season would see him as high as 6th all time, ahead of Sparky Anderson. 103 sounds almost impossible, yet the Astros managed 106 this past season under Dusty and 95 the season prior. Since joining Houston in 2020, Baker has managed his team to a ridiculous .599 win percentage. A number that has steadily increased year by year.
What unfortunately holds Dusty short in the conversation of success compared to the rest of the winningest managers in MLB history is his missing World Series title. Dusty is the only manager in the top 10 without one, scratch that, top 13.
| Rank | Name | Wins | Pennants/World Series Wins |
| 1 | Connie Mack | 3,731 | 9/5 |
| 2 | Tony La Russa | 2,902 | 6/3 |
| 3 | John McGraw | 2,763 | 10/3 |
| 4 | Bobby Cox | 2,504 | 5/1 |
| 5 | Joe Torre | 2,326 | 6/4 |
| 6 | Sparky Anderson | 2,194 | 5/3 |
| 7 | Bucky Harris | 2,158 | 3/2 |
| 8 | Joe McCarthy | 2,125 | 9/7 |
| 9 | Dusty Baker | 2,093 | 3/0 |
| 10 | Walter Alston | 2,040 | 7/4 |
| 11 | Leo Durocher | 2,008 | 3/1 |
| 12 | Bruce Bochy | 2,003 | 4/3 |
| 13 | Casey Stengel | 1,905 | 10/7 |
Dusty’s World Series resume:
- 2002 with San Fransisco Giants vs Anaheim Angels: Blew 3-2 lead
- 2021 with the Houston Astros vs. Atlanta Braves: Lost 4-2
Third time’s a charm?
Entering the World Series as -185 favourites, it certainly seems like this years 106-win Astros are a different ball club from last years runner ups. Though prior to losing game 1 of the World Series last year, the Astros were favoured -145 and showed little life late in that series with their backs to the wall.
I know the entire world wants the Phillies to win, and for good reason. The fact of the matter is, Dusty didn’t bang any trash cans. He also took over arguably the most difficult off-field situation in recent sports history. As a baseball purist you can’t deny a bit of excitement for Dusty despite his uniform.
We’ll get our first taste Friday, October 28th at 8:03 pm EST.
(Photo: David J. Phillip/AP)