Inducted 2016
The "Gentle Giant," Charles Baker '57, was a multiple letter award winner in football, basketball, and track at Baylor, playing for coaches that achieved Baylor legendary status. He was captain of the 1957 basketball team that won the Mid-South championship under Coach Bob Hill, was an All-City and All Mid-South football star for Coach Humpy Heywood's Red Raiders, and helped Coach James Rike's Baylor track team to a Mid-South championship.
At 6'5" and well over 200 pounds, Charlie was a force in all athletic endeavors but also distinguished himself as a fine student and citizen as well. He served on the Honor Council, was a class officer three years, and was a member of the Officer's Club.
After Baylor, Charlie played football and swam for two years at the United States Air Force Academy before transferring to the University of Tennessee. He played football for the Volunteers for two years and was recruited heavily by the Cleveland Browns. Only multiple knee injuries and surgeries prevented him from playing professional football.
Charlie worked locally in the real estate business for five years before joining Pruett's Food Town as a vice president. Charlie died suddenly in April 1980.
