He received his degree in physical education from University of New Mexico.
After he graduated he became the first physical education teacher at Aspen Elementary in Albuquerque, New Mexico when it opened.
John Baker also started a running team called the Duke City Dashers.
Bill Buchanan wrote a full-length biography of Baker called A Shining Season.
Timothy Bottoms portrayed John Baker in the movie, and Ed Begley Jr. portrayed Duke City Dashers assistant coach John Haaland.