Howard Baker
From BR Bullpen
Howard Francis Baker
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 11", Weight 175 lb.
- Debut August 11, 1912
- Final Game October 6, 1915
- Born March 1, 1888 in Bridgeport, CT USA
- Died January 16, 1964 in Bridgeport, CT USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Howard Baker had 82 at-bats in the major leagues for three teams spread out over three years, but couldn't win a regular job. All his fielding appearances were at third base.
In 1912, he appeared in 10 games for the 1912 Naps, with a good fielding percentage but a low batting average. Terry Turner, the regular at third base, hit .308 that year and the following year Ivy Olson had the third base job. Teammates on the 1912 Naps included Nap Lajoie and Joe Jackson.
In 1914, Baker hit much better with the 1914 White Sox. His .277 batting average beat out the regular third baseman, Jim Breton, who hit .212. Teammates included Hal Chase and a few of the Black Sox.
The following year Baker got only 2 at-bats with the 1915 White Sox, and Lena Blackburne was the regular third baseman. Towards the end of the season, he was drafted from Little Rock by the 1915 Giants, who put him in one game in October where he went 0-for-3 without an error in the field. The Giants' regular third baseman was Hans Lobert.
