INSTANT RESPECT

Astros owner Jim Crane called Dusty Baker during his franchise’s darkest days. Baker refused to accept the retirement so many assumed he embraced. For two years, he sat in wait for one more opportunity to complete “unfinished business.”

Major League Baseball’s findings during the electronic sign-stealing investigation that concluded in early 2020 prompted Crane to dismiss A.J. Hinch and Jeff Luhnow, the best manager and general manager in franchise history.

Pitchers and catchers reported to spring training within a month, forcing Crane into a frenzied search for two shepherds of his shaken team. He interviewed “four or five” managerial candidates before bringing