When Dusty Baker introduced himself to the STAA community upon joining, he wrote, “No, I’m not the manager of the Astros. However, I was named after that same man that has inspired me to go into this field.”
Baker the broadcaster’s dad lived in Los Angeles. He was such a fan of the Dodgers outfielder that he named his son after him. And just like the baseball lifer who is now the manager of the Houston Astros, Baker the broadcaster has roots in Los Angeles and Texas. In fact, the broadcasting Baker is returning to SoCal to join KSBY-TV in San Luis Obispo as a Sports Anchor/MMJ.
He moves from KTAB in Abilene, TX.
So Cal roots
“I grew up in Southern California, so San Luis Obispo will be a nice return to home for me,” Baker says. “On top of that, from a professional standpoint, the jump will be nearly 50 markets while also having the opportunity to cover more teams in the regional area from Los Angeles and San Francisco. There is also the opportunity for growth by seeing how another station functions. Another set of eyes on my work is crucial for me to succeed.”
Though Baker is from Southern California, returning there was not a priority. “As a matter of fact my family intends on moving in the near future,” he says. “I have worked in Abilene, Los Angeles, Seattle, New Haven, and Chicago and I will continue to be open to opportunities across the country. However, when the opportunity presented itself, it was an obvious choice to return to my roots and for that I’m incredibly excited.”
Professional growth
Baker is a 2017 graduate of TCU. He joined STAA in late 2020 at the suggestion of Baker University (KS) play-by-play broadcaster Derek Johnson. “I felt like I was missing something. There’s something special about a group of people striving to improve and I just felt like people were improving through STAA while I was sitting alone at a dinner table far away. There’s something special about uniting sports anchors and reporters. I loved the idea and I think a lot of people including myself can grow from it,” Baker says.
When it came time to apply for the KSBY position, Baker set himself apart though the same degree of professionalism long exhibited by his baseball namesake.
“I was quick and detailed with my responses to the News Director. I made it very obvious that this was a job I wanted and I established an immediate relationship with her as well as their corporate recruiter.
“Above all, I made it very clear I have a love and a passion for what I do.”
Sounds just like the Astros manager.