Prior to taking over the Cubs in 2003, Baker had established himself as one of the premier managers in professional baseball. Baker spent ten years as the manager of the San Francisco Giants, compiling 840 victories, the most of any manager in San Francisco history. During this period he was named the Manager of the Year three times and led the Giants to the 2002 World Series.
Off the field, Dusty Baker’s contributions to his community have been recognized through various honors. In 1997, Baker was inducted into the California Black Sports Hall of Fame, received the Sports Image Award for baseball, and received the Babe Ruth League Positive Image Award. In 1998, Baker received the “City Ambassador” award in San Francisco. Among a few of the organizations he has contributed it to: the Sacramento Children’s Home for Abused Youths, the California Campaign for Libraries, the Special Olympics, and the National Muscular Dystrophy Association. He has also co-written the book “You Can Teach Hitting” and conducts numerous youth baseball clinics.