Will the third time be a charm for former Reds manager Dusty Baker?

The Houston Astros are heading back to the World Series for the third time in four years, and former Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker is leading the way for the American League champions.

Baker, who managed the Reds from 2008-2013, has been in Houston for three years. After falling short last season, the Astros have yet another opportunity to win the second World Series Championship in franchise.

The team's only World Championship (2017) is shrouded in controversy, and after firing manager A.J. Hinch as a result of the club's sign stealing scandal, Houston installed the well-respected Baker as the team's skipper prior to the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Will the 3rd time be a charm for former Reds manager Dusty Baker?

Dusty Baker is one of the most respected men in the sport of baseball. Baker has managed five different teams during his career and every single one has reached the postseason. That's a testament to just how good of a leader Baker is.

But Dusty Baker has never won the big one. He's been close twice, and perhaps this years with the Astros will finally give Baker that elusive World Series Championship that he so rightly deserves.

Baker's 2002 San Francisco Giants' club won 95 games and went up against the Anaheim Angels in the World Series. The Giants, led by Barry Bonds, fell in Game 7 by a final score of 4-1. Troy Glaus was the World Series MVP that year.

Baker had another chance to win his first World Series Championship just last year with Houston. But the Atlanta Braves had other ideas. Baker's 95-win Astros' squad was unable to overcome Freddie Freeman and the Braves who won the organization's fourth World Series Championship in six games.

This year, Dusty Baker and his 106-win Houston team will battle the Philadelphia Phillies. Game 1 of the World Series begins on Friday evening. Will Baker finally win his first World Championship?