Many Giants fans remember Darren Baker as the adorable child who was pulled out of harm's way by J.T. Snow during a play at home plate in Game 5 of the 2002 World Series.
But now, 22 years later, the son of former San Francisco manager and current Giants special assistant Dusty Baker is ready to chart a new MLB story for himself.
Darren will be one of the Washington Nationals' September call-ups when roster expand Sunday, The Washington Post's Spencer Nusbaum reported Saturday, citing a source. The team has yet to confirm or announce the move. Darren's father Dusty also managed the Nationals for two seasons in 2016 and 2017, marking a full-circle moment for the young second baseman/outfielder.
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At just 3 years old, Darren was at the center of an iconic MLB playoff moment as the Giants' bat boy. In the bottom of the seventh inning against the then-Anaheim Angels in Game 5, Darren was a bit too close to home plate after Kenny Lofton hit a triple to deep right field. As runners were scoring, Snow picked up Darren and kept him from getting run over.
In Game 5 of the 2002 World Series, J.T. Snow pulled Dusty Baker's son and Giants bat boy, Darren Baker, out of the way during a play at the plate.
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 31, 2024
22 years later, the Nationals are calling Darren up to the big leagues. 👏 pic.twitter.com/0pOQd3scdY
After the incident, MLB instituted a rule stating that all bat boys must be at least 14 years old to serve in the role.
Darren, now 25, was drafted twice by Washington -- first out of high school in the 27th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, and then as a 10th-rounder in 2021 after a successful college career at UC Berkeley. With Triple-A Rochester this season, Darren hit .285 with a .688 OPS, 20 doubles, 49 RBI and 38 steals.
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Baseball is in the Baker blood, and Giants fans certainly will be watching Darren from afar with fond memories of that 2002 moment in mind.
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