As Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker prepares for his first season in the nation's capital, MLB Network will premiere Dusty: A Baseball Journey, the latest edition of MLB Network Presents, hosted by Bob Costas and premiering Tuesday, February 9 at 9:00 p.m. ET. In the one-hour program, Baker discusses his childhood as the oldest of five children and his path to achieving a decorated baseball career. Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Tommy Lasorda, plus former All-Star teammate Steve Garvey provide insight into Baker's baseball life and his passion to win the elusive World Series title as a manager. The following is a clip from Dusty: A Baseball Journey: http://atmlb.com/1QG1TvA
Baker details the impact his father, Johnnie B. Baker Sr., had on his life, and the difficulties attending an all-white high school in Sacramento County. The relationship between Aaron and Baker is closely examined, including Aaron mentoring a young Baker and their bond over Aaron's record-breaking 715th home run. Lasorda and former teammates Ralph Garr, Garvey and Rick Sutcliffe highlight Baker's rise to becoming a two-time All-Star and World Series champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Baseball broadcasters Pat Hughes and Duane Kuiper cover Baker's accomplished managerial career and his unique ability to connect with star players, including Barry Bonds, Jeff Kent, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr. and Joey Votto. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and diehard San Francisco Giants fan Elvin Bishop discusses Baker's time in San Francisco and the great friendship they have formed. Life away from baseball is also covered with Baker sharing stories about meeting musician Jimi Hendrix and his passion for his wine business, Baker Family Wines. After two years away from managing, Baker speaks in-depth about joining the Nationals and his desire to win a World Series title as a manager.
Hosted by Bob Costas, MLB Network Presents is a series of documentaries and access-driven profiles. Launched in January of 2015, the series has produced programs covering many different storylines, including The Story of Billy Bean and The Nasty Boys: The 1990 Cincinnati Reds, and more recently Holy Cow! The Story of Harry Caray and The Colorful Montreal Expos.