In the world of baseball, tradition and superstition often walk hand in hand with the game itself. Apart from their love for baseball, some figures manage to stand out for another mysterious reason.
Dusty Baker, a celebrated former player and renowned manager, falls squarely into this category.
The manager is seemingly known for his ever-present black gloves as well. These gloves have become more than a mere accessory; they’re an iconic part of his image. Fans and curious observers alike often wonder, “Why does Dusty Baker wear black gloves all the time?” Let’s find out!
In 2020, Dusty Baker was assigned as the manager of the Houston Astros, and ever since the 2020 MLB season, he has been wearing black gloves. According to his wife, Melissa, he wears these gloves as a precaution against COVID-19 due to his health condition. In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Baker further revealed that he had cancer 20 years ago and suffered a stroke frequently. He remarked, “I’m going to do whatever it takes to be cautious.”
Who Is Dusty Baker? A Glimpse Into the Life of a Legendary Baseball Player
Johnnie B. “Dusty” Baker Jr. was born on June 15, 1949, in Riverside, California. He is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) influential player who is now appointed as the Houston Astros’ manager. Baker is known as one of the amazing outfielders of his time, and he still plays the role of an inspiration for other outfielders.
As a player, he had a distinguished career, playing for several teams, including the Atlanta Braves (1968–1975), Los Angeles Dodgers (1976–1983), San Francisco Giants (1984), and Oakland Athletics (1985–1986).
Baker has a collection of stars for his stunning gameplay. He won prestigious titles like “All-Star” and “Gold Glove.” He was the first player who received NLCS MVP during the 1977 National League Championship Series.
After retiring, Dusty Baker started his career in baseball management. He managed various teams, including the San Francisco Giants (1993–2002), Chicago Cubs (2003–2006), Cincinnati Reds (2008–2013), Washington Nationals (2016–2017), and Houston Astros (2020–present).
In 2022, he made yet another history by becoming the oldest manager ever to win the World Series. He was at the age of 73 when the Houston Astros won the title the previous year under his management.
Why Does Dusty Baker Wear Black Gloves All the Time? Debunking the Mystery of Black Gloves
The game of Baseball is full of wonders. Fans experienced the makeover with the Banana Ball and witnessed players wearing yellow ribbons. Each detail of the game left the fans wondering about ‘why.’ Yet again, we are searching for answers for another ‘why’, “why Dusty Baker wears black gloves?”.
During the 2020 MLB season, Dusty was seen wearing black gloves for the first time. Fans expressed their sincere curiosity, reaching to the ears of Baker’s family. His wife Melissa explained that this is just a precautionary measure against COVID-19 due to his medical condition.
Later, in an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Baker revealed the backstory of his connection with black gloves. He said,
“I still wear a mask because I had cancer 20 years ago and I had a stroke seven years ago. Some of the fans get on me, ‘Take your mask off.’ … You don’t have to wear it, but it’s in my best interest to wear it.”
He further explained about the effect of COVID-19,
“And if it does get me (COVID-19). Then, in my heart, I think that the Lord wouldn’t have brought me back here in this situation to take me out like this. But you don’t want to be a fool and test it, either. So I’m going to do whatever it takes to be cautious and conscientious of social distancing, and social responsibilities that I have for my team and myself.”
Fans, on the other hand, are discussing their own stories and logic. Few said it has become a superstition as he wore it during COVID and kept wearing them.
While some said, he is preventing his hands from so many high fives, and he invented it. (:D)
What do you think about Dusty Baker’s black gloves mystery? Let us know in the comment section.
Source: The Houston Chronicle
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