Norman Baker

Norman Baker was a distinguished basketball player whose remarkable career spanned multiple decades and crossed borders. Born on February 17, 1923, in the United States, Baker made his name in basketball as a talented point guard, ultimately being recognized as one of the top players in Canada in the mid-20th century.

Baker's basketball journey began at an early age when he joined the Nanaimo Mosquitoes at just 10 years old. By 16, he was playing for the Victoria Dominoes, becoming the youngest member of a Canadian senior national championship team. His talent shone brightly as he helped the Dominoes secure national titles in 1942 and 1946. His skills were further showcased during his service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he contributed to the Pat Bay Gremlins’ 1943 national championship victory while also setting a scoring record of 38 points in a single game against the Windsor Patricks.

Professionally, Baker played for the Chicago Stags after signing a notable $4,800 contract. While his time in Chicago was brief, he impacted the sport significantly during the 1946-47 season with the Vancouver Hornets, finishing second in scoring with 694 points across 37 games. His versatility was evident as he also played lacrosse during the offseason, winning the Mann Cup with the New Westminster Adanacs in 1947.

In 1950, Baker made waves internationally as the only non-American player on a college all-star team that toured Europe and Africa, competing against the legendary Harlem Globetrotters. After his athletic career, he transitioned into law enforcement and coaching, leaving a lasting legacy in both basketball and lacrosse.

Baker's contributions to sports have not gone unnoticed; he was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 1966, and the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame in 1979. His story remains an inspiration, highlighting his exceptional talent and dedication to sports until his passing at age 66 in Victoria.