LOS ANGELES — An emotional Dusty Baker walked the field at Dodger Stadium before Tuesday’s All-Star Game. He grew up in Riverside, an hour’s drive away on those imaginary occasions when traffic is light. He played for the Dodgers, of course, during an outstanding career. At 73, the Astros skipper led the American League in the first Midsummer Classic at this iconic ballpark since 1980.
“Life has come full circle for me,” he said.
Baker thought back to 1980, another year when the National League roster was loaded with Dodgers. The home team had six players in Tuesday’s game, just as 42 years ago it had Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, Reggie Smith, Jerry Reuss and Bob Welch doing the honors.