WASHINGTON -- Darren Baker has been to big league stadiums throughout his whole life as the son of acclaimed manager Dusty Baker. For the first time on Sunday, he was there as a Major League player.
Darren was one of the Nationals’ September callups, along with right-hander Zach Brzykcy, ahead of the 14-1 loss to the Cubs.
“I had run it through my head as a kid [as to] what it would be like, and it’s pretty close,” Darren, 25, said. “I was kind of shocked. It kind of settled in, and I feel like I belong. I’m happy.”
After years of Darren tagging along with his father to Major League games, Dusty -- who managed the Nats from 2016-17 -- flew from California to see his son at Nationals Park. The Bakers arrived at their hotel in Washington, D.C., around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday morning ahead of the 1:35 p.m. matinee.
“I always thought he was going to be [a big league player] because that’s what he wanted,” Dusty said. “He put in the time and the effort. I thought he had the talent to do it. … He’s not in awe being out there. He’s thankful, but he feels comfortable, like home.
“The kids of ballplayers, I like to think like the kids of actors -- all the Estevezes, all the Sutherlands -- these guys are on the set with their dads when they were this big. And the same thing with Darren. That third deck, I don’t think is going to awe him.”
Darren famously served as a bat boy for the Giants as a 3-year-old during the 2002 World Series against the Angels. During Game 5, he wandered too close to home plate on a two-run triple by Kenny Lofton, and was rescued from potential danger when first baseman J.T. Snow hauled him away from the developing play.
“That’s something he doesn’t even remember, and he’s reminded of it constantly,” Dusty, who retired from a 26-year managing career last November, said. “… That’s quite a story. At the time, it seemed kind of funny or embarrassing or whatever, but in the full circle of life, maybe it was supposed to happen.”
Darren debuted as a pinch-hitter for Andrés Chaparro in the ninth inning. He displayed his comfort level by swinging at the first Major League pitch he saw – a cutter from right-hander Ethan Roberts – and collected a single to center field.
“I was just trying to swing at a strike. I didn’t feel too rushed, it was not like I was nervous or anything like that,” Baker said, adding, “I was just really happy that I got the first one out of the way.”
During the game, Darren was able to spot his parents in the stands and he knew where they were when he reached first base.
“My mom, she’s been to all the games,” Darren said. “But my dad, for however many years, he missed a lot of those games just because of the MLB season. For him to see that today was special, and I won’t forget it.”
The versatile Baker earned his promotion after a strong season with Triple-A Rochester. He slashed .285/.348/.340 with 20 doubles, two triples, 49 RBIs, 70 runs scored and 38 stolen bases in 112 games, noting the success of mechanical changes.
Darren compiled a 17-game hitting streak from Aug. 7-28, during which he batted .343, hit six doubles, drove in five runs, drew five walks, stole seven bases and scored 16 runs.
“I see a guy with a lot of desire and perseverance, and not because he’s my son,” said Dusty. “He’s smart. I always tell him, ‘Be ahead of the game. When people come to see you, stand out for the right reasons and not the wrong reasons.’”
A multi-faceted defender, Darren played 61 games at second base and 45 games in left field this season. First-base coach Gerardo Parra spent time with him in left field on Sunday morning, and he will also go through drills at second base and third base on the road trip.
“Darren has done really well the last two years in Rochester,” said manager Dave Martinez. “He’s a guy that can help us in multiple ways, defensively, hitting, he’s got good bat-to-ball skills, left-handed hitter, can play different positions. He deserved a chance to come up here.”
Darren was informed of his promotion when Triple-A manager Matthew LeCroy announced it during a team meeting. Dusty received a phone call from Nats general manager Mike Rizzo to share the congratulatory news.
“What I was thinking was that, how many of these young men or people in life reach their lifetime goal at 25 years old?” Dusty said. “You’ve got to feel very fortunate, very thankful, and now you’ve got to set new goals.”
Darren grew up around baseball because of his dad. But the passion, the hard work to get to the Major Leagues – he did that himself.
“He’s the best, man,” said Darren of his father. “He never really forced me to play or put pressure on me or was overbearing. I kind of just found the love of the game myself and I think it really helped me in the long run. ... He’s the best and just let me be me.”