Stephen Edward Baker (born August 30, 1964) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for six seasons with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs.
Early life Baker attended Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, California, where he lettered in football, track, and gymnastics.Gelberg, Jon (October 27, 1988). "Baker is growing into his 'big' role with the Giants". Asbury Park Press.
College career Baker attended college at Fresno State University, where he caught 62 passes for 1,629 yards in two seasons.
Professional career
Drafted by the New York Giants in the third round (83rd overall) of the 1987 NFL draft, Baker played for the Giants his entire career from 1987 to 1992. Also known as Stephen Baker "The Touchdown Maker," he won a championship ring with New York in Super Bowl XXV, when they defeated the Buffalo Bills 20–19. Baker caught two passes for 31 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown pass from Jeff Hostetler late in the second quarter.
Baker finished his six NFL seasons with 141 receptions for 2,587 yards and 21 touchdowns, along with 21 rushing yards.
In 1992, according to Football Outsiders, Baker had the worst catch rate of any wide receiver from 1991–2011, catching only 28.8% of the passes thrown to him.Football Outsiders Almanac 2012 (), p.359
In 2008, Baker was inducted into the Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame.
NFL career statistics Legend Won the Super Bowl Bold Career high
Regular season Year Team Games Receiving GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD 1987 NYG 12 5 15 277 18.5 50 2 1988 NYG 16 11 40 656 16.4 85 7 1989 NYG 15 4 13 255 19.6 39 2 1990 NYG 16 8 26 541 20.8 80 4 1991 NYG 15 13 30 525 17.5 52 4 1992 NYG 16 11 17 333 19.6 46 2 90 52 141 2,587 18.3 85 21
Playoffs Year Team Games Receiving GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD 1989 NYG 1 1 2 46 23.0 27 0 1990 NYG 3 2 7 111 15.9 25 2 4 3 9 157 17.4 27 2
Personal life Baker is an enthusiast of radio-controlled airplanes and helicopters.
References