I am pleased and privileged to inform you that our CD-55 Pirates teammate and friend, Darnell Baker, has been selected as a 2018 Inductee to the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame, and will be honored at their annual dinner in November. The 2018 Class will also be honoring Keith Hernandez, Ron Swoboda, Umpire Tom Halion. Mickey Mantle and Billy Martin will be honored posthumously. Local coach, Joe Altieri of the Albany Athletics will also be inducted with this class. Special recognition will be bestowed on Billy Crystal, who was the director of "61*". "Bakes" was an outstanding local athlete and played with the San Francisco Giants organization in his pro career. He had played all levels of CD-MSBL, as well as the former Roy Hobbs League. He has always been fierce competitor, top of the line player, and absolutely great teammate. As good a player as Darnell is, he is even a finer gentleman, and devoted father. Join me in congratulating DB on this special honor!
I played against Bakes in Roy Hobbs for years always an OUTSTANDING PLAYER!!pitcher catcher shortstop or center fielder A warrior a fierce competitor. I played as a teammate of Baker in Cdmsbl for years in the 35s as well as the 45s! A DEFINITE HALL OF FAMER. Congratulations bro well deserved. Lex
WOW! What a great honor, Darnell. Can't wait to hear of your experience being elected with Keith Hernandez and Ron Swoboda. And on the same night with two of the greats in the Mick and Billy! Will be a night that I'm sure you will never forget. Congrats to a great ball player and even classier guy.
Ive gotten a chance to get to know Darnell from playing with him this past season. We all know his skills, but I learned what great teammate he is too. congrats on this great honor.
John Reel
Hey DB, Congrats to a great ballplayer on a great honor. Hard to imagine being teammates 40 yrs ago with the Blue Jays and as recent as 6? with the old boys. youv'e had a great run. keep it going and find your way down to West Palm in a month. Congrats From one old boy to another.
