Rampage Lose One of AFL's All-Time Greats

Published on December 19, 2002 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


Grand Rapids, MI - The Grand Rapids Rampage announced today that wide receiver/linebacker Michael Baker has retired from the Arena Football League.

Baker, the last remaining link to the inaugural team in 1998, announces his retirement after seven years in the AFL. The former West Virginia standout burst onto the AFL scene with the St. Louis Stampede in 1996, setting personal highs in receptions (105 - AFL rookie record), receiving yards (1,223), kickoff return yards (1,263) and kickoff return touchdowns (3). Following Baker's fantastic rookie campaign, St. Louis folded and the Albany Firebirds jumped at the chance to obtain his services, selecting him first overall in the 1996 Dispersal Draft. After a great all-around season with Albany, the expansion Rampage traded for the six-foot-two, 217-pound wide receiver/linebacker.

It didn't take long for Baker to become a crowd favorite in Grand Rapids. The "Touchdown Maker," as he quickly became known as, led the expansion franchise in receptions (71), receiving yards (875), receiving touchdowns (13), kick returns (47), return yards (926) and all-purpose yards (1,967).

Four seasons later, Baker leaves the field of play as the Rampage's all-time leader in receptions (353), receiving yards (3,792), kickoff return yards (2,984), interceptions (9) and tackles (152). He also ranks second on the team's all-time career list in scoring (382), total touchdowns (63), return touchdowns (2) and missed field goal return yards (190). In addition, Baker's Arena Football Hall of Fame type resume includes being one of only five players to log 5,000 career receiving yards and 5,000 return yards, and one of only seven players in AFL history to log 10,000 career all-purpose yards and 500 receptions.

Great career statistics gave Baker recognition, but it was his off-the-field efforts that solidified his greatness. Baker's continuous community and philanthropic efforts throughout his career have had a tremendous effect on Grand Rapids and the surrounding communities. In 2000, those efforts were recognized as he received the AFL's Hero Award for community service.

"Michael Baker is the best football warrior the Rampage has ever had. As a coach, you hope to have a man of his caliber on your squad to demonstrate professionalism at practice, in games, and in the locker room," said Michael Trigg, Rampage head coach and director of football operations. "A tremendous leader by example and unselfish player, his place is special to this staff and organization. Through his leadership and dedication, the Rampage converted quickly from an expansion team into a four-time playoff contender and ArenaBowl XV champion. His accomplishments off-the-field as an ambassador of the AFL and the Rampage has made him one of, if not the, most popular Rampage player ever. Michael is in line to be a future AFL Hall of Famer and certainly number "6" will be missed on the field. It is our hope that he can continue on with the club in the future, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him coach in the near future. All of us in the Rampage family enjoyed the "Touchdown Maker" for the past five years, especially me."

"First and foremost, I'd like to thank DP Fox Sports & Entertainment for giving me the opportunity to play professional football here in Grand Rapids. I'd also like to thank the fans, Rampage coaching staff (current and past coaches), West Michigan media, and all of my teammates throughout the years," Baker said. "Playing five seasons here in Grand Rapids has been a great experience for me. The fans and the city have been tremendous to me and my family, and just because I have retired from the game of football, it doesn't mean that I won't continue to have a strong presence in the communities of West Michigan."

MICHAEL BAKER'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

* One of only five players in AFL history to log 5,000 career-receiving yards and 5,000 return yards (Alvin Ashley, Hunkie Cooper, Lamont Cooper, George LaFrance).

* One of only seven players in AFL history to log 10,000 career all-purpose yards and 500 receptions (Alvin Ashley, Eddie Brown, Gary Compton, Hunkie Cooper, George LaFrance, Barry Wagner).

* Received the AFL's Hero Award for community service in 2000.

* Two-time Rampage MVP (1998 & 2000).

* Three-time Rampage Ironman of the Year (1999-2001).

* AFL All-Ironman Team in 1999.

* Second-team All-Arena in 2001.

* Garnered Ironman of the Game honors 14 times in his Rampage career.

* Garnered game MVP honors three times in his Rampage career.

* Ranks ninth in the AFL in career all-purpose yards (11,704).

* Ranks sixth in the AFL in career kickoff returns (288), combined return attempts (313), kickoff return yardage (5,307) and combined return yardage (5,764).

* Ranks ninth in the AFL in career pass receptions (531) and eleventh in receiving yards (5,724).

* Holds AFL rookie record in receptions (105) and ranks fourth in rookie receiving yards (1,223).

* Rampage record holder in receptions (353), receiving yards (3,792), kickoff return yards (2,984), interceptions (9) and tackles (152).

* Ranks second on the team's all-time career list in scoring (382), total touchdowns (63), return touchdowns (2) and missed field goal return yards (190).

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from December 19, 2002


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