Why does Astros coach wear gloves?

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker wears gloves, which has baseball fans perplexed. Here’s why that’s the case. Why does Astros coach wear gloves?

Baker would be the third black manager to win a World Series, joining the likes of Dave Roberts, who did so in 2020. Dusty is one of the better managers in all of baseball, but that World Series title has long eluded him.

Dusty, as a former player, will always have that mindset. He’s always been a players manager, and with Houston it’s paid off in a big way. It’s part of the reason he even dresses like a player.

Why does Astros coach wear gloves?

Per Dusty Baker’s wife Melissa, the gloves are a precaution against COVID-19 dating back to the 2020 season.

“I still wear a mask because I had cancer 20 years ago and I had a stroke seven years ago,” Baker said, per The Houston Chronicle. “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 uses the gloves to wipe things down, per Jayson Stark of The Athletic (subscription required).

“And if it does get me,” Baker said of COVID-19. “Then, in my heart, I think that the Lord wouldn’t have brought me back here in this situation to take me out like this. But you don’t want to be a fool and test it, either. So I’m going to do whatever it takes to be cautious and conscientious of social distancing, and social responsibilities that I have for my team and myself.”

Dusty takes every precaution with COVID-19 due to his medical history.

Baker has worn gloves during both Houston’s postseason runs in 2021 and now 2022. It’s left fans wondering why for two straight seasons.

Well, now you know.