Hall of Fame
Al Baker is used to competition. While growing up in Toledo, he was challenged by competition right in his own household. He was surrounded by a family that produced some of the most successful football teams in Rocket history. Baker's older brothers, Frank ad Don, set out shoes that would be difficult for anyone to fill. But Al went out and filled those shoes and set out more for his sons to follow years later. In his three years at Toledo, Baker played on teams that posted a 35-0 record, won three MAC titles and three Tangerine Bowl games. With career ending statistics of 72 receptions, 1,196 yards and eight touchdowns, Baker ranks as one of the top tight ends in school history. As a sophomore in 1969, he averaged 20.7 yards per catch, the fifth-best mark in the nation. He was named second-team All-MAC Â following both his sophomore and junior year, earned first-team All-MAC honors his senior year and also was an All-America honorable mention by the Associated Press his final season. He finished his career with the UT single game record for receiving yardage (160 yards versus Ohio in 1969) and is in the Rocket record book as one of only three men to start every game during the 35-game winning streak. Baker, a corporate vice-president, resides in Toledo with his family.
