Del Baker
From BR Bullpen
Delmer David Baker
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 11½", Weight 176 lb.
- Debut April 16, 1914
- Final Game September 30, 1916
- Born May 3, 1892 in Sherwood, OR USA
- Died September 11, 1973 in Olmos Park, TX USA
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[edit] Biographical Information
Catcher Del Baker saw limited playing time in three years in the majors but spent many years in the Detroit Tigers organization as a player, manager, and coach.
Baker began his playing career in 1911 and played in the big leagues with the Tigers from 1914 to 1916, serving as a backup backstop to Oscar Stanage. He then returned to the minors, and with the exception of 1918, when he was serving in the military during World War I, he played until 1932.
After his playing days ended, Baker became a Tigers coach in 1933. He managed the team for portions of the 1933, 1936, and 1937 seasons before becoming the team's skipper for good midway through the 1938 season, replacing Mickey Cochrane. He led the club to the 1940 World Series, which they lost in seven games to the Cincinnati Reds. He remained the team's manager through the 1942 season.
Baker was then a Cleveland Indians coach in 1943 and 1944 before joining the Boston Red Sox staff. He was a Boston coach from 1945 to 1948 and again from 1953 to 1960, serving as the Red Sox interim manager for seven games in his final season with the club.
Baker also managed in the Pacific Coast League from 1949 to 1951.
"I know pitchers who, when they throw a curve, bite the lip or stick out the tongue."
Baker was famous for his ability to "read" the opposing pitcher, and would tip off the batter as to what kind of pitch was coming.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- AL Pennants: 1 (1940)
[edit] Year-by-Year Managerial Record
| Year | Team | League | Record | Finish | Organization | Playoffs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1927 | Ogden Gunners | Utah-Idaho League | -- | -- | none | replaced Art Murphy | |
| 1928 | Ogden Gunners | Utah-Idaho League | 57-59 | 4th | none | ||
| 1930 | Beaumont Exporters | Texas League | 68-84 | 6th | Detroit Tigers | ||
| 1931 | Beaumont Exporters | Texas League | 94-65 | 2nd | Detroit Tigers | Lost playoff for 1st half title | |
| 1932 | Beaumont Exporters | Texas League | 100-51 | 1st | Detroit Tigers | League Champs | |
| 1949 | Sacramento Solons | Pacific Coast League | 102-85 | 3rd | none | Lost in 1st round | |
| 1950 | San Diego Padres | Pacific Coast League | 114-86 | 2nd | Cleveland Indians | ||
| 1951 | San Diego Padres | Pacific Coast League | 79-88 | 6th | Cleveland Indians |
| Preceded by Mickey Cochrane | Detroit Tigers Manager 1939-1942 | Succeeded by Steve O'Neill |
