It was, depending on who you ask, the defining image of the 2002 World Series: a three-year-old Darren Baker being scooped up by J.T. Snow as he crossed home plate. More than two decades later, Baker has graduated from bat boy to major leaguer.
Baker, the 25-year-old son of former Giants manager Dusty Baker, was called up to the big leagues by the Nationals on Sunday, marking the first time he will appear on a major-league roster.
the darren baker MLB call-up REVEAL ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WUTGAqnrKR
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 1, 2024
In the seventh inning of Game 5 of the 2002 World Series, Giants outfielder Kenny Lofton sent a towering fly ball off the right-center field wall. Snow, standing on third base, ran home. So did Baker.
After crossing home plate, Snow grabbed Baker, who was about four months from his fourth birthday, and carried him away from the live play. Once the play ended, Snow set down Baker and allowed him to retrieve the bat. The “Darren Baker Rule” was subsequently established, requiring that bat boys be at least 14 years old.
“Thank goodness that J.T. Snow was aware and got Darren Baker out of the way,” said Joe Buck during the broadcast.
Baker, 25, spent four seasons at Cal before being selected in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. During his time in Berkeley, Baker hit .303 and swiped 58 bases. This season, Baker hit .285 with 38 steals on 43 attempts for the Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate.
The elder Baker currently works for the Giants as a special advisor to baseball operations. Baker had an 840-715 record during his 10 seasons managing the Giants (1993-2002), leading the team to the World Series in his final season at the helm.