Darren Baker spent much of his youth immersed in baseball. On Sunday, he experienced the thrill of waking up as a major league player for the first time.
The second baseman, whose father is Dusty Baker, a two-time All-Star and seasoned manager, was promoted from Triple-A Rochester to join the Washington Nationals’ roster on Sunday.
“I didn’t need an alarm this morning,” Darren Baker commented, having learned about his promotion the day before.
Baker made his major league debut as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning of a 14-1 defeat to the Chicago Cubs, getting a single to center on his very first pitch.
His initial calls were to his parents, who had flown in from the West Coast early that morning and made it just in time for the Nationals’ game against the Cubs.
At 25, and drafted by Washington in the 10th round of the 2021 draft, Baker had a solid season at Rochester, batting .285 with 49 RBIs and 38 stolen bases. He may also see some time in the outfield with the Nationals.
“Baker was raised with baseball,” said Washington manager Dave Martinez. “He understands and plays the game well. He steals bases when needed, makes contact to advance runners, and drives in crucial runs. He’s just a true baseball player.”
Darren was part of a memorable moment in Game 5 of the 2002 World Series as a 3-year-old bat boy when J.T. Snow rescued him during a play while his father managed the San Francisco Giants.
“Darren doesn’t even remember that incident,” Dusty Baker said. “He’s often reminded of it, but it’s a story he doesn’t recall. At the time, it seemed either amusing or embarrassing, but looking back, it feels like it was meant to be.”
Dusty Baker managed the Nationals in 2016 and 2017, and Darren spent those summers around the team. On Sunday, Darren felt at ease in the Nationals’ clubhouse, familiar with the surroundings.
This is just one chapter in Darren Baker’s already rich baseball journey as he begins his major league career.
