By 1986, he had won 7 PBA titles before going on a 10-year winless streak, partially due to recurring wrist injuries.
The event's final round was held in an arena setting in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and paid a first prize of $120,000 – more than Baker had ever won in an entire season previously.
His 12 total PBA50 titles rank fourth all-time, behind Walter Ray Williams Jr. (16), John Handegard (14) and Pete Weber (14).
[4] In the 2008-09 season, Baker was the oldest player in the "exempt" field on the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour.
He earned an exemption through that season with his 2004 World Championship victory, but generally split his time between regular and senior tour events.