Dusty Baker must be one heck of a manager, because he’s, *ahem*, managed to take the reins of a postseason-playing team this October. But looking at the League Championship Series schedule, we see the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays & Boston Red Sox - but no Cincinnati Reds.

Did Baker bolt from Cincy to take an underling role under Joe Torre or Terry Francona? Nope, Dusty’s still the man in charge - of his 9-year-old son’s baseball team.

The ASSOCIATED PRESS reports that Baker will be guiding son Darren’s team during a Bay Area tournament this weekend. You may remember young Darren’s earlier attempt to make an impression in the Big Leagues by almost getting run over at home plate during the 2002 World Series.

Ah, memories.

As for the present, Darren explains how dear ol’ dad came to be coach of his squad:

“The head coach is away for the weekend. I begged my dad to coach the team,” Darren said. “I’m very excited because it was his dream to always coach me.”

Darren’s mom & Dusty’s wife is surprised her li’l slugger was able to get the big man to hit the little league field:

“I am so shocked he agreed to do it. Darren sort of persuaded him,” Melissa Baker said. “The funny thing is that Dusty just can’t get over the goofing around that still goes on with these 9- and 10-year-olds. He wants them to always hustle and stay focused.”

It might seem unfair to the other tournament teams to have an active Major League manager leading Darren’s squad. But if you’ve seen the Reds play this season, you know very well that’s not the case.

Still, it’s a special moment for father & son to be on the same diamond at the same time. As Dusty had recently told Darren, “It’s a dream of mine to coach you.”

Awwww. That’s almost as touching as Kevin Costner & his dad playing catch at the end of Field of Dreams. And don’t sit there and tell me you didn’t tear up at least a litte bit during that final scene, ’cause I know you’re lying. It’s one of the few times that men are allowed to cry and not feel like such a sissy about it - this, and the end of Brian’s Song. But that’s it.

(Oh, and a quick word of warning to Darren’s teammates - stay away from the coach’s daughter.)