Art Baker (gridiron football) facts for kids
| No. 33 | |
| Born: | December 31, 1937 Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Fullback |
| College | Syracuse |
| AFL draft | 1961 / Round: 3 / Pick: 17 |
| Drafted by | Buffalo Bills |
| NFL draft | 1961 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14 |
| Drafted by | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1961–1962 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1963–1966 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats |
| 1966 | Calgary Stampeders |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Collegiate Wrestling | ||
| Representing the Syracuse Orange | ||
| NCAA Championships | ||
| Gold | 1959 Iowa City | 191 lb |
Arthur R. Baker (born December 31, 1937) is an American former professional football player. He was also a champion wrestler. He is known for his amazing college career at Syracuse University. There, he was an All-American fullback. He played alongside Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis.
Art Baker also won a national wrestling championship in 1959. He was the second African-American to win an NCAA wrestling title. In 1959, he made history. He was the only college athlete to win Division I national titles in two different sports in the same year.
After college, Baker played professional football. He played in the American Football League (AFL) for the Buffalo Bills. Later, he moved to the Canadian Football League (CFL). He spent most of his CFL career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Contents
College Star at Syracuse
Art Baker was a standout athlete at Syracuse University. He showed incredible talent in both football and wrestling. His time at Syracuse was truly special.
Football Achievements
As a fullback, Art Baker was a key player for the Syracuse Orangemen. In 1959, his team won the national championship. This was a huge achievement for the university. Baker was recognized as a First-team All-Eastern player that year. He played in the backfield with Ernie Davis. Davis was a famous player who won the Heisman Trophy.
Wrestling Champion
Beyond football, Art Baker was also a top wrestler. In 1959, he won the NCAA wrestling national championship. He competed in the 191 lb weight class. This made him a rare two-sport national champion. Winning titles in both football and wrestling in the same year was a unique feat.
Professional Football Career
After his successful college career, Art Baker went on to play professional football.
Playing in the AFL
From 1961 to 1962, Baker played for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills were part of the American Football League (AFL). He was drafted by both the AFL and NFL teams in 1961. He chose to play for the Bills.
Moving to the CFL
In 1963, Art Baker moved to the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played four seasons there. Most of his time was with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. With the Tiger-Cats, he won two Grey Cup championships. These wins happened in 1963 and 1965. In 1966, he also played briefly for the Calgary Stampeders.
See also
- List of American Football League players
