Baker has managed Cincinnati since 2008
The Cincinnati Reds have agreed with manager Dusty Baker on a two-year contract extension. Baker has guided the Reds to two National League Central Division titles in the last three years, the best run by the rents since Sparky Anderson led the Big Red Machine back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 76.
“In Dusty’s five seasons here, he’s taken us to the postseason twice and has proven he can lead our teams to championship-caliber play on the field,” owner Bob Castellini said. “He’s the right manager to continue the building process that will take us deeper and deeper into the playoffs in the future.”
Baker was hospitalized in September with an irregular heartbeat and a mini stroke and missed the teams NL Central clinching win. the Reds won 97 games this season, despite losing MVP Joey Votto for 48 games , after knee surgery. Baker juggled his lineup and led the club on a 36-12 tear while Votto was recuperating. The Reds came together as a team led by Brandon Phillips, outfielder Ryan Ludwick and third baseman Scott Rolen, and younger Reds including Todd Frazier and Jay Bruce.
