Baker’s Five



Dusty Baker 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers

Topps #495

Bats: Right Throws: Right AVG: .278 H:1981 HR: 242 RBI: 1,013

Dusty Baker was an outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1976 to 1983. During his tenure with the Dodgers, Baker was a 2x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger Award winner, 1x Gold Glove winner, and NLCS MVP in 1977. He also helped the 1981 Dodgers reach the World Series. Though he performed poorly during the post season, the team emerged victorious earning their 5th World Title. In 1977 Baker accomplished two great feats in the history of baseball. On October 2nd 1977, during the last game of the season, Baker launched his 30th home run against the Huston Astro’s J.R. Richard, by doing so Baker became the 4th member of the 1977 Dodgers (along with Ron Cey, Steve Garvey, and Reggie Smith) to 30 home runs or more during a season. This made the Los Angeles Dodgers the first Major League team to have 4 players go yard 30 times or more each. It was also during this home run when Baker achieved his 2nd feat. While Dusty rounded third on his way home, Glenn Burke (on deck) stood at the plate with his hand high in the air and his body arched back. Baker, not sure what to do, but his hand up in the air and when he reached the plate their hands hit and thus the high-five was born. Burke would follow up with his first career home run and repeat the gesture with Baker upon his return to the dugout.