When you hear the name Frank Baker, even some baseball historians will say "Who?" That's because no one referred to him as Frank after a while, but simply Home Run Baker. He had a remarkable, yet somewhat short run in baseball that left him regarded as one of the best third basemen ever.
Baker first played for the Philadelphia Athletics for seven seasons. While there, he was part of the $100,000 infield, which included Stuffy McInnis, Eddie Collins and Jack Barry. They lead the Athletics to 4 American League Pennants and 3 World Series titles. As great as the defense was, it was Baker who became a great home run hitter for his time.
From 1911-1914, Baker led the American League in home runs. It was in the 1911 World Series that he got his nickname, as he hit a home run in back to back games to wrap up the series for the Athletics.
His numbers for a power hitter look pretty pedestrian by today's standards, but his 48 home runs in 7 seasons for the Athletics made him one of the most feared sluggers ever in the year early part of the 20th century.
Baker would play six more seasons, all with the Yankees. He would win two more pennants with them, but no World Series rings. His best season with them included a 10 home run, 83 RBI campaign in 1919.
The Veteran's Committee found Home Run Baker fit for induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955, and he continues to be praised for his skill at the plate in the dead ball era.
