James Baker Retires from Professional Baseball Baseball

Published on April 17, 2013 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release


Baseball players spend so much time with each other over the course of a season, or over many seasons for that matter, that the bonds between them can last a lifetime. These bonds are often similar to the ones a man may have with his brother or other family members.

Wingnuts' reliever James Baker--who is retiring from professional baseball--joined the Wingnuts in July 2012 at a time when he needed those bonds worse than ever. Baker had lost his father prior to the season and had a huge family bond to fill.

"I had lost my dad shortly before arriving in Wichita. It was a tough time emotionally, but I knew my dad would want me to continue to play. I stayed at home while my mother was grieving, but she knew I would be happy playing ball and doing what I do best," Baker said.

Baker opened the season with the Atlantic League's Southern Maryland Blue Crabs before the Wingnuts made a concerted effort to acquire him via trade in July.

"In Southern Maryland, there were some former Major Leaguers in front of me," said Baker. "When I found out I was being traded to the Wingnuts, it was going to be a better opportunity. The manager really wanted me, I was going to pitch more, he knew what I could do, and they needed help in the bullpen. It was nice to be wanted. I was happy to play and be a part of a routine after my dad died. I was at a point where I was down, but the Wingnuts really became family and helped pick me up."

Baker appeared in 24 games during the Wingnuts push to the playoffs. On the field, he did not disappoint, posting a 2.49 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 25.1 innings of work. Baker discussed his role as a reliever and why he enjoyed it so much.

"I tried to keep things as simple as possible. Baseball is a simple game. You have to be prepared to pitch every single day," Baker said. "You can't say to yourself, 'I've pitched two days in a row and might get the day off.' You have to take the approach that you are going to pitch that day. That's what I loved about being a reliever--you know you have the chance to pitch in every single baseball game. Your job is to take the ball whenever the manager hands it to you, regardless of the situation."

The man making the call to the 'pen and handing the ball to Baker was Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. Hooper and Baker formed one of those strong bonds in the short time the two spent together in the closing months of the 2012 season.

"I did not even have 'Bake' for a whole year, but he is one of my all-time favorite players," said Hooper. "He's a smart baseball guy, very knowledgeable, and he knew what he wanted to do every time he got the baseball. He was just a great team guy, and did whatever he could to help us win ball games, night in and night out. I just loved sitting with him at a table and talking about whatever, whenever."

Hooper understood the loss that Baker was feeling, and felt the family environment in Wichita was a place that could help him cope.

"I knew right when I had heard about his father that Wichita was the place he needed to be," Hooper said. "I am a true family man and understand the importance of a family, and know that I'm not where I am today without the support of my family. When these guys come to Wichita, they become a part of our family and are welcomed with open arms. Myself being this way, and our organization being the same, I just knew that once we got 'Bake' onto our team that we would be a huge help for him in many ways."

Baker admitted to developing a quick admiration for Wichita's manager and the Wingnuts' organization.

"I feel like 'Hoop' became an instant friend and someone I looked up to," said Baker. "He is one of the best baseball people I have ever come across. You couldn't ask for a better friend or a better manager than a guy like 'Hoop'. He is filled with positive energy and always wanted the best for his players, both individually and as a group."

Baker finished his seven-year professional career with a record of 18-16 and a 3.49 ERA in 199 appearances. He made stops with independent teams in the Atlantic, CanAm, and Northern Leagues, and posted an ERA of 3.24 or better in five of his seven pro seasons. Yet, it is the memories from his final games with the Wingnuts that he will hold at a separate, special level.

"It was a great run and a lot of fun," said Baker. "I really feel my memories are around the relationships I built with people on the team and coaching staff. The Wingnuts are the best team I have ever been a part of, from 'A' to 'Z'. The way the Wingnuts are built--they are built around bringing in quality people at every level--made it the time of my life. From the moment I got there until the end of the run we had, it was a great experience. The Wingnuts really bring in the right folks. Everyone got along, and we loved each other. We genuinely wanted others to do well. It was a really solid unit. In a lot of ways, it was like a family."

Baker shared that he will not only miss the relationships he had in baseball, but also the simply joy of coming to the ballpark each day.

"Everyday, I looked forward to going to the ballpark, putting on that uniform, and going out and getting my work in before games," said Baker. "I took great pride in the work and preparation I did before and after games. I really loved that grind.

"I want to thank my parents--they were my number one fans. I also want to thank all of my managers and coaches for their guidance and support over the last seven years. And I definitely want to thank all of the teammates who I went to battle with during the good times and bad. Seven years and going out the way I did could not have been any better. The Wingnuts are exactly what I stand for as a baseball player. It would have been an experience tough to duplicate, so it was time to step away from the game."

Hooper will miss Baker as well, but knows the bond between the two will last. He also hopes to build 22 similar bonds as the Wingnuts' 2013 season becomes increasingly closer.

"'Bake' was all about the team, and wanted nothing more than for our team to be successful," said Hooper. "He was well-respected in the clubhouse, and you couldn't ask for a better teammate or individual. I know I have said it many times before, but 'Bake' and I had a special bond from day one.

"I will never forget the day when he arrived at my hotel room in Amarillo. We talked about baseball, our philosophies as an organization, and just life itself for an hour. I will truly miss having him around, and wish him nothing but the best in the future. I always tell guys when recruiting them that I want this to be a family-type atmosphere, and that's exactly how we treat each other."

The 2013 season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins Thursday, May 16th against the Kansas City T-Bones at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Prior to the game, a ceremony honoring the life of bench coach Brian Rose will take place.

Beginning this season, fans can use cash at all points of sale in Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Debit and credit cards will still be accepted. Fans can resolve outstanding balances on cash cards from previous years until June 1st, 2013.

For season tickets, group outings, or party packages, call the Wingnuts' main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Association Stories from April 17, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central