Major League Baseball Player: Quiet and unassuming infielder Floyd Baker could have played college football on a scholarship, but instead signed with the St. Louis Browns. Known as "Bake," he broke into organized baseball with Mayfield of the Kitty League in 1938. He made his major league debut on May 4, 1943, appearing in 22 games for the Brownies. 1944 saw him appear in 44 games, appearing in the 1944 World Series as a pinch hitter, although he struck out twice. Purchased by the Chicago White Sox on December 30, 1944, he became one of the best infielders in the AL. Used mostly in a utility role, he was able to play 2nd, 3rd and shortstop with equal ease. He became a managers dream with his easy going play me anywhere attitude. His manager with the 'Pale Hoes' Jack Onslow said of him, "Floyd is the type of player that you don't appreciate until you see him field, and he is not a sure out at the plate." His .317 average in 1950 proved Onslow's point, although it would be his career high. He also led American League third basemen in fielding in 1949 with a .978 mark. He was traded by Chicago to the Washington Senators for Willy Miranda on October 24, 1951. He continued to play solid infield for the Senators until he was purchased by the Boston Red Sox on May 12, 1953. After a season and change with the Red Sox, he was placed on waivers, being picked up by the Phillies on July 18, 1954. Philadelphia would prove to be his last stop in the majors. After his playing career he became a third base coach for the Minnesota Twins from 1961 to 1964 and then a scout for the Twins, retiring in 1995. Over the course of his career, Floyd Baker appeared in 874 major league games, accruing a lifetime average of .251 on 2,280 AB with 1 HR and 191 RBI. He also had a lifetime .973 fielding average in 696 games.
Major League Baseball Player: Quiet and unassuming infielder Floyd Baker could have played college football on a scholarship, but instead signed with the St. Louis Browns. Known as "Bake," he broke into organized baseball with Mayfield of the Kitty League in 1938. He made his major league debut on May 4, 1943, appearing in 22 games for the Brownies. 1944 saw him appear in 44 games, appearing in the 1944 World Series as a pinch hitter, although he struck out twice. Purchased by the Chicago White Sox on December 30, 1944, he became one of the best infielders in the AL. Used mostly in a utility role, he was able to play 2nd, 3rd and shortstop with equal ease. He became a managers dream with his easy going play me anywhere attitude. His manager with the 'Pale Hoes' Jack Onslow said of him, "Floyd is the type of player that you don't appreciate until you see him field, and he is not a sure out at the plate." His .317 average in 1950 proved Onslow's point, although it would be his career high. He also led American League third basemen in fielding in 1949 with a .978 mark. He was traded by Chicago to the Washington Senators for Willy Miranda on October 24, 1951. He continued to play solid infield for the Senators until he was purchased by the Boston Red Sox on May 12, 1953. After a season and change with the Red Sox, he was placed on waivers, being picked up by the Phillies on July 18, 1954. Philadelphia would prove to be his last stop in the majors. After his playing career he became a third base coach for the Minnesota Twins from 1961 to 1964 and then a scout for the Twins, retiring in 1995. Over the course of his career, Floyd Baker appeared in 874 major league games, accruing a lifetime average of .251 on 2,280 AB with 1 HR and 191 RBI. He also had a lifetime .973 fielding average in 696 games.
Bio by: Frank Russo
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