Doug Baker

Former professional baseball player, Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins[39]

What is Doug Baker known for?

Doug Baker, born on April 3, 1961, in Fullerton, California, is a notable alumnus of Granada Hills High School in California. Known for his baseball career, Baker is a former professional baseball infielder who played for the Detroit Tigers from 1984 to 1987 and then for the Minnesota Twins from 1988 to 1990. Over the course of his Major League Baseball career, Baker played in 136 games, securing a career batting average of .207, with 51 hits and 22 runs batted in.

Baker's journey in baseball began with Oakland Athletics when he was selected in the ninth round of the 1981 MLB draft. Later, he got another opportunity in the 1982 draft, when he was selected again by the Detroit Tigers. He then embarked on his professional career with the Tigers' minor league team, the Birmingham Barons, where he had an influential role throughout his seasons.

In 1984, he made his MLB debut, stepping in as a shortstop against the Chicago White Sox. In his debut season, he earned a World Series championship ring, proving his worth in the big leagues. After his stint with the Tigers, Baker got traded to the Minnesota Twins in 1988. After a short run with the Twins and a minor league contract with the Houston Astros, he bowed out of baseball.

Despite his retirement, Baker continued to be part of the baseball world as a scout, receiving two additional championship rings with the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins. Aside from his professional career, Baker was also known to have played alongside future Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway during his high school years at Granada Hills.

For additional information, you may refer to Doug Baker's profile on Baseball-Reference or read the Los Angeles Times article on his journey.