Rampage Extend Offensive, Special Teams Coordinator Baker's Contract

Published on September 5, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - Grand Rapids Rampage offensive and special teams coordinator Michael Baker will be on the sidelines once again this season. The former Rampage offensive specialist will return for his fourth season as a Grand Rapids coach, as the team extended his contract through the 2007 season.

"We're excited to have Michael coming back next year," said Sparky McEwen, head coach and director of football operations for the Rampage. "He's been an important part of this organization since he was a player in 1998, and you can see him maturing in his role as a coach."

Last season, the Rampage offense suffered multiple injuries to key players throughout the season. With the help of Baker, however, the team saw the arrival of several new talents. Wide receiver/defensive back Timon Marshall (Kingston, Jamaica) led the Arena Football League and set a team record with 2,734 all-purpose yards and was named to the AFL's U.S. Army All-Ironman Team. Meanwhile, Rampage quarterback Chad Salisbury (Perryopolis, Pa.) set personal records for completions (289), yards (3,215) and touchdowns (58) despite starting only 12 games.

"Part of my goal is to be a part of turning this team back around," said Baker. "I've been loyal to this organization for 10 years, and I want to see it at the top again. Chad's been here all summer long and we've got a nucleus of guys coming back that want to win."

In addition to his role as offensive and special teams coordinator, Baker will continue to serve as the team's director of youth development. In 2005, he helped implement the Rampage's first-ever Youth Football Camp, and Baker will continue to oversee the team's annual High School Combine.

Baker spent seven seasons (1996-2002) playing Arena Football prior to becoming a coach, including his last five seasons with the Rampage. His time as a player in Grand Rapids was highlighted by an ArenaBowl title in 2001 and earning the team's Ironman of the Year award for three consecutive seasons (1999-2001). He still ranks as the Rampage's all-time leader in receptions (353) and receiving yards (3,792).

Baker started three seasons (1991-93) at the University of West Virginia and earned All-Big East First Team honors during his senior campaign. He also played one year (1994) with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers and one season (1995) with the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from September 5, 2006


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