Dusty Baker back with Giants as special adviser to CEO

Sixteen years after theylet him go as manager, Dusty Baker has rejoined the San Francisco Giants and will serve as a special adviser to CEO Larry Baer, the team announced Monday.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dusty back to the organization," Baer said in a statement. "In addition to being one of the most beloved Giants alumni, Dusty brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge and experience to this position and I know his contributions will be felt far and wide throughout our organization."

Baker will work with Baer inboth the baseball and business operations of the club.

Baker managed the Giants from 1993-2002, when the club lost to the wild-card Angels in Game 7 of the World Series after squandering Game 6. His son, Darren, is a freshman baseball player at the University of California in Berkeley and Baker has been a regular at his games.

"He's a friend and manager who can add to what we're hoping to do, and that's get better here with new ideas, or talking to the guys,'' Giants manager Bruce Bochy said before an exhibition game against the Athletics. "With Dusty, he's a guy that I've always revered and respected. We've managed against each other now for more than 20 years. He lives in Sacramento, so he'll be close. I had a chance to talk to him a little bit today. He did a lot here for the San Francisco Giants and I'm glad to see Dusty back here and helping. We welcome him with open arms and look forward to talking to him during the season.''

After a contentious departure from the Giants, Baker went on to manage the Cubs for four seasons before a stint with the Reds from 2008-13 and then two years as Nationals skipper leading Washington to a pair of NL East titles.

Baker's contract was not renewed after 10 seasons with the Giants despite guiding the team to its first World Series in 13 years. Baker became the first manager in nearly three decades to leave a team right after reaching the World Series.

He and former owner Peter Magowan feuded, and the tension simmered all that season. Baker was credited by many observers for his ability to handle a difficult clubhouse that included feuding stars Barry Bonds -- who went on to become the home run king -- and Jeff Kent.

Then-general manager Brian Sabean recommended to Magowan that they end negotiations on a new deal for Baker, and they parted ways just before his contract was set to expire.

That all seems so long ago now for both sides.

"Almost healed, but great memories," Baker said via text message Monday.

Baker, 68, is the 14th-winningest manager in major league history, with a career record of 1,863-1,636 and nine postseason appearances.

Before his managerial career, Baker played for four major league teams over 19 seasons, including a stint with the Giants in 1984. After retiring as a player, he coached his way up the Giants ranks, serving as first-base coach and hitting coach before becoming the manager.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.