A major shift in how Major League Baseball is played. About time, too. Shohei Ohtani trending with every pitch and swing, Aaron Judge aiming at his own home run record, Dusty Baker trying to win another World Series ring. All-Stars in different spots, a new scheduling concept featuring each team facing all 29 opponents. If…

HOUSTON—For now and forever, Dusty Baker, the epic storyteller, first-class name-dropper, toothpick chewer and baseball lifer will bear a most distinguished title. World Series champion manager. The man who can weave a tale like few others, wistfully recalling his time under Hank Aaron’s tutelage or chance encounters with Jimi Hendrix, John F. Kennedy Jr. and…

HOUSTON—Justin Verlander was answering questions about his start for the Houston Astros in Friday night’s World Series opener when the head of the opposition’s baseball staff took the unorthodox step of walking into the interview room to extend a hand. “Where did you start your career again?” Philadelphia Phillies executive Dave Dombrowski said with a…