Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker announces he is retiring after 26 seasons in the MLB, two days after his team lost the ALCS

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker announced he is retiring two days after the team’s American League Championship Series loss to the Texas Rangers.

A press conference to announce the news is scheduled for Thursday morning.

“I am very thankful and thankful to Jim Crane and the Houston Astros for giving me this opportunity and winning a championship,” Baker, 74, said USA today. “I felt like they were good for me and I was good for them too.”

“What I really appreciate is that Jim has been completely honest and transparent with me about everything.”

Although he is retiring from management, Baker plans to remain involved in baseball in an advisory role, whether with the Astros or another organization.

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker has announced he is retiring from baseball

Baker and the Astros were eliminated from the playoffs earlier this week by the Texas Rangers

Last season, Baker led the Astros to a World Series victory before falling short this year

“I still have a lot to offer; Baseball was my life,” Baker added. “I have a lifetime of knowledge, much more than those who have never played the game.”

“I’m gone, but I’ll be back.”

Reports surfaced earlier this week that Baker had already informed the team of his decision, although he did not initially provide a clear answer when discussing the matter with reporters.

“I don’t know, I haven’t had time to evaluate and think about my future because I’m at the bottom of the list because I’m not that kind of guy,” he told reporters.

“I don’t want to steal the spotlight or anything from these guys.” “You have to enjoy what we’ve done, think about how we can be better and then I’ll evaluate my situation in my life,” he continued.

“And so we’ll see. I’ll talk to my daughter. I have two grandchildren…I really betrayed them for my quest. I have two dogs, hunting dogs, one year old, they didn’t even recognize me when I went into the house because I haven’t been home since February 10th.’

Baker has a career regular-season record of 2,183-1,862 and ranks seventh on the MLB all-time wins list for managers.

The 74-year-old broke into the majors as a teenager with the Atlanta Braves in 1968 before eventually becoming a two-time All-Star outfielder and 1981 World Series champion with the Dodgers.

Baker also won Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards during his playing career.

Following his playing career, Baker managed five different teams over the course of 26 seasons, winning the World Series last November at the helm of the Astros.