[1][2] Richie, who served his footballing apprenticeship with Stella Maris, is the brother of Dessie Baker, alongside whom he made numerous appearances for Shelbourne in the late 1990s and early 2000s (decade).
[4] The highlight of Baker's career was arguably his 83rd minute free-kick which earned Shelbourne a 1–0 victory away to Sloga Jugomagnat of the Republic of Macedonia in a Champions League qualifying match on 12 July 2000 [].
Baker spent two seasons at Drogheda United before financial problems at the County Louth club curtailed his spell.
Despite training with Bohemians and Glentoran during 2009 pre-season Baker failed to find a new club to continue professional football.
On 9 February 2009 Baker made a return to Shelbourne, now playing in the First Division, for a third spell where he was re-united with his former Shels boss Dermot Keely.