Dusty Baker is known for his expertise in managing professional baseball teams ever since 1993. The 73 years old Baker has not been a player of MLB for the last 36 years; however, he is still staying relevant in the industry by being the manager of the Houston Astros. He has seen fielding fly balls and stealing bases by being with players. Dusty is the manager of the Houston Astros and he is well known for being the best at his job. You may have seen him wearing the blue and orange wristband along with a Fitbit. Undoubtedly, he keeps a check on his physical activity. But what about the black rubber-looking gloves that Baker wears during the game nights? What is the secret to it?
Over the years, the fans have spotted him putting on those black gloves and they have always wondered what the reason could be. So, why does the manager Dusty Baker always spotted wearing black gloves? The manager himself has spoken out and the reason will surprise you.
Why Does Dusty Baker Continue Wearing Black Gloves?
Dusty Baker is an inspiration for the fans. The public figure has grown himself by being an active member of the sports community. He is also a keen observer and ensures that his players play the best game on the field. However, apart from his on-field achievements, fans have recently noticed some changes. Dusty has been repeatedly seen wearing black gloves. But what is the significance of black gloves?
Dusty has the habit of continuously spitting. So, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lifestyle, Dusty’s wife and mother were worried since this habit could really lead to the spreading of the virus. With the mandate of wearing masks when in group settings, it was initially a challenge for Dusty who had the unstoppable spitting habit.
When talking to The Athletic, the manager said, “Now the biggest challenge is gonna be what my mom has been chastising me about my whole life — spitting. I am not kidding you. That’s the first thing my wife asked me. She goes, ‘How are you gonna stop spitting?’ I don’t know.” “And I used to practice spitting. I’m the most accurate spitter in the world.”
Moreover, Dusty loves chewing on toothpicks when the game gets intense. Thus, with the mask mandate being finally lifted, the manager had more than one reason to rejoice.
Besides that, the manager has been also wearing black gloves which he still continues to wear during the game. It started from the 2020 games when the pandemic was at its high. When he was asked why he is still continuing to wear the gloves, the manager said that her wife has asked to do so.
In 2021, he said to The Houston Chronicle, “I still wear a mask because I had cancer 20 years ago and I had a stroke seven years ago,” “Some of the fans get on me, ‘Take your mask off.’ … You don’t have to wear it, but it’s in my best interest to wear it.
Baker had prostate cancer in 2002 and after 10 years, he had a mini-stroke. So, he was at high risk of getting affected by COVID-19 if proper precautions weren’t taken. It goes without saying that his wife took the right decision for the sake of her husband’s health.
Homer Talks About A Different Reason Behind Dusty Wearing Black Gloves
In 2012, Dusty frequently wore wristbands and used them to wipe off sweat with the same. Of course, if you are playing under heat, you will sweat profusely and you need something to keep yourself clean. He used to wipe his forehead with the wristband he was wearing.
But Homer thinks that his gloves had nothing to do with keeping his forehead dry. Homer said, “I think he does the wristbands and the toothpicks because he was a player.” “Bobby Cox wore spikes for years, and nobody gave him [grief] about that. And he’s not sliding into third base any time soon.”
Homer thinks that after spitting, chewing a toothpick, and then wearing gloves, the manager is here to keep the spirit of old-school baseball amongst the audience. Though it is a speculation, the statement had quite some value to it.
Well, Dusty himself has clarified what is the true reason behind wearing the black gloves. COVID-19 may no longer be a threat but Dusty wants to be safe for the sake of his family. So, keep a record of when and where Baker wears his gloves and you will get to know everything.
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