Frank Baker (outfielder)
Encyclopedia
Frank Baker, Jr. was an American
professional baseball
player. He was a backup outfielder
in Major League Baseball
who played for the Cleveland Indians
in the and seasons. Listed at 5 in 10 in (1.78 m), 180 pounds (81.6 kg), he batted left-handed
and threw right-handed.
A native of Bartow, Florida
, Baker signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1964 and played for them in their Minor league
system for three years before joining the military
during Vietnam War
from 1967 to 1968. After discharging in 1969, he divided his playing time between the Indians and their affiliates teams for three years. He also played for Triple-A California affiliate Salt Lake City Angels
in 1972, his last season in baseball.
In part of two season for the Indians, Baker was a .286 hitter (82-for-353) with four home run
s and 38 runs batted in in 125 games. In a seven-season minors career, he hit .284 with 51 homers and 235 RBI in 703 games.
Baker died in Raleigh, North Carolina
at the age of 66, following complications from a heart failure.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional baseball
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
player. He was a backup outfielder
Outfielder
Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
who played for the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
in the and seasons. Listed at 5 in 10 in (1.78 m), 180 pounds (81.6 kg), he batted left-handed
Left-handed
Left-handedness is the preference for the left hand over the right for everyday activities such as writing. In ancient times it was seen as a sign of the devil, and was abhorred in many cultures...
and threw right-handed.
A native of Bartow, Florida
Bartow, Florida
Bartow is the county seat of Polk County, Florida, United States. Founded in 1851 as Fort Blount, the city was renamed in honor of Francis S. Bartow the first brigade commander to die in combat during the American Civil War. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census, the city had a...
, Baker signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1964 and played for them in their Minor league
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
system for three years before joining the military
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
during Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
from 1967 to 1968. After discharging in 1969, he divided his playing time between the Indians and their affiliates teams for three years. He also played for Triple-A California affiliate Salt Lake City Angels
Salt Lake City Angels
The Salt Lake City Angels, a former member of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, were a minor league affiliate of the California Angels from 1971 to 1974. The won the PCL title in 1971.-Notable players:Some notable players from the Salt Lake City Angels:...
in 1972, his last season in baseball.
In part of two season for the Indians, Baker was a .286 hitter (82-for-353) with four home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s and 38 runs batted in in 125 games. In a seven-season minors career, he hit .284 with 51 homers and 235 RBI in 703 games.
Baker died in Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is the capital and the second largest city in the state of North Carolina as well as the seat of Wake County. Raleigh is known as the "City of Oaks" for its many oak trees. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city's 2010 population was 403,892, over an area of , making Raleigh...
at the age of 66, following complications from a heart failure.