Marvin Baker - Athletic Alumni 2003

Marvin Owen Baker  a rare multi-sport athletes who belongs in the same category with Jim Thorpe and Rafer Johnson.  Ann Arbor native (1935 - 2001) and 1952 graduate of Ann Arbor High School, Baker earned nine varsity letters (football, basketball, track), and if he'd had time, he could have earned nine more in hockey, baseball and tennis.

 

A two-way player in football, Marvin earned All-State and All American honors as an offensive and defensive end as well as place-kicker and sometimes punter.  U of M and Green Bay Packer great, Ron Kramer, say "Marvin Baker was one of the best I've ever seen."

Combining natural athletic gifts with dedication and a great work ethic, Marvin mastered the fundamentals of a sport and then elevated his game to the highest possible level, frequently dominating taller and heavier opponents through his ability to recognized their tendencies and capitalize on their weaknesses.

An extremely humble man, Marvin never strutted or overtly celebrated his accomplishments.  After a score, he'd simply hand the ball to the official and get ready for the next play.  His focus was always on the team.

In basketball, Baker was the field general, the coach on the floor.  Aware of where the ball and every player was located, he always found the open mad and made his teammates better, though usually emerging as the top scorer and rebounder.

 

Following a tour of duty in the US Marine Corps, Marvin returned to devote himself to his work in the building trades and to his family.  Marvin Baker was The Man, The Legend.  But in his own words..."it's just a game."