Listed at 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m), 180 pounds (82 kg), he batted left-handed and threw right-handed.

He signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1964 and played for them in their Minor league system for three years before joining the United States Army.

[citation needed] In the Army, he served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968, and attained the rank of private first class.

He also played for Triple-A California affiliate Salt Lake City Angels in 1972, his last season in baseball.

[4] Baker died in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the age of 66, following complications from a heart failure.