Baker consistent in warning against headfirst slide

CINCINNATI -- Even before left fielder Ryan Ludwick suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder Monday while sliding headfirst into third base, manager Dusty Baker was never a fan of that style of slide.

"Most guys don't know how to headfirst slide. I was told years ago to never headfirst slide into home plate," Baker said on Thursday. "I was told Johnny Bench, Jerry Grote and Randy Hundley would hurt you. There are a lot of things that can go wrong -- shoulders, wrists, elbows, fingers, everything. Everybody is not Rickey Henderson or Pete Rose."

During Spring Training, Baker warned his players not to slide headfirst into any base. That included Joey Votto, who did it several times during spring games.

"Sometimes it's a sad lesson," Baker said. "It happens. You hate to say what's coming and then, 'I told you so.' Sometimes, it's a natural thing. You just do it."