Retired Dusty Baker to manage Nicaragua in 2026 World Baseball Classic
Dusty Baker Returns to the Dugout for Nicaragua's 2026 World Baseball Classic Run
Hall of Famer Embraces New Challenge, Citing Clemente and Garvey as Inspiration
COOPERSTOWN, NY — After a two-year retirement from Major League Baseball, legendary manager Dusty Baker is stepping back into the dugout. He'll lead Nicaragua in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, he told USA TODAY Sports.
"I'm excited," said Baker, who boasts a distinguished career as both a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner during his 19 years as a player and a seasoned manager for 26 seasons. "When they asked me, I thought about Roberto Clemente going there to help the country. I thought about Marcus Garvey. I know baseball is trying to get going in Nicaragua, and I want to help."
Baker had previously been approached to manage the U.S. team in 2023 but chose to remain with the Houston Astros after their World Series victory in 2022. Now retired from MLB managing – serving as a special advisor for the San Francisco Giants – he believes this is the perfect opportunity.
“I considered managing in the WBC back then, but I just couldn’t leave my team," Baker explained. “I didn’t think it was right to leave my team for two weeks in spring training. I was trying to win two World Series in a row.
"So, now, the timing works great."
A Team Built on Experience and Legacy
Baker's appointment came after being contacted in December by Nicaragua general manager George Santiago and former manager Marvin Bernard. He sought counsel from his wife, Melissa, and son, Darren, who plays in the Washington Nationals organization, before accepting the position.
"It should be cool," said Baker, the only manager in MLB history to lead five different franchises to division titles. "I know it will be a great life experience. I hope I can add to theirs, and they can add to mine.
“I’ve never been a part of the WBC, but everyone seems to enjoy it. I will as well. But let’s make it clear. I’m here to win."
The 76-year-old Baker is slated for a formal introduction at a press conference in Nicaragua this August. He plans to assemble a staff featuring former coaches Gary Pettis, Jacque Jones and Dan Firova, alongside Bernard as bench coach and Randall Simon. Bernard, who becomes the sixth Nicaraguan-born player to reach the Major Leagues and the second position player, brings invaluable experience to the team.
A New Chapter While Leaving MLB in the Rearview
Despite this exciting new venture, Baker has no plans to return to managing a major league team. With 2,183 wins, placing him seventh all-time, he is eligible for the Hall of Fame’s contemporary era ballot in December 2026, with an induction ceremony scheduled for July 2027.
“I miss the camaraderie and the game," Baker admitted, "but I don’t miss the verbal dodgeball twice a day. I don’t miss the travel and bickering between old school and new school and sabermetrics against experience.
“Besides, I don’t have to train for a long-distance race managing in the WBC. This will be a sprint. I can handle that. Now, I just have to brush up on my Spanish."