Dusty Baker is out as the Chicago Cubs' manager following a last-place finish and a failure to take the team to the playoffs in his four years.
The Cubs made the announcement a day after team president Andy MacPhail resigned and the club finished with a 66-96 record.
Baker was in the last season of his US$14 million-to-$15 million deal and had hoped to resurrect the franchise that hadn't been in the World Series since 1945 and hadn't won one since 1908. He compiled a 322-326 record during his time in Chicago.
Known for his toothpicks and wristbands while managing from the dugout, Baker was popular with his players and in his 14th season as manager.
