Dusty Baker, a prominent figure in baseball, has connected with numerous legendary players and memorable experiences throughout his long career. He won a World Series as a player with the Los Angeles Dodgers and as a manager with the Houston Astros before retiring in October 2023. Now 76, Baker is sharing his stories through his autobiography, co-authored with Steve Kettmann, titled *Crossroads*, set for release on June 9 by Crown Publishing.
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Kettmann, who has known Baker since the 1990s when he covered the Oakland A’s for the *San Francisco Chronicle*, discussed their collaboration. Baker was the Giants' manager during that time, and Kettmann noted that their relationship allowed for a comfortable partnership without the tensions typical between beat writers and managers.
This is Kettmann's second book with Baker, following a smaller project titled *Kiss the Sky*, which featured artwork by New Yorker cover artist Mark Ulriksen and captured a significant moment from Baker's past at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.
Regarding his role in *Crossroads*, Kettmann emphasized that the book is Baker’s voice, noting that their collaborative approach differed from his previous experience as a ghostwriter. He described working closely with Baker through the storytelling process, which proved to require stamina due to the book's length of 162,000 words, significantly more than the typical 100,000-word limit writers adhere to.
Kettmann shared insights into Baker's interests, revealing that although he is known for baseball, his favorite sport is basketball, followed by football, and that he initially received scholarship offers to play basketball but chose to enter the baseball draft instead.
An intriguing aspect of Baker’s early life involved tension with his father, who took legal action to invalidate Baker's contract with the Braves because he had signed without his father's consent. This led to a estrangement lasting three years.
While the book addresses various facets of Baker's life, including moments of encountering racism, Kettmann clarified that it is not the primary focus. Baker wanted to present his experiences without being branded as an angry figure in response to the challenges he faced as a Black man in America.
Kettmann also noted that Baker is often described as the 'Forrest Gump of baseball' due to his presence in many significant events, including the invention of the high five with teammate Glenn Burke. The memoir includes anecdotes from his life, including a memorable moment shared with Jimi Hendrix.
Winning the World Series in 2022 was a significant achievement for Baker, reflecting his deep understanding of players as individuals. Kettmann suggested that this victory validated Baker’s inclusive approach to management and may inspire others in the sport.
The memoir features anecdotes about notable players like Barry Bonds, whom Baker holds in high regard, citing his intelligence on the field and the unique friendships they formed over the years.