Athlete Q&A: Joe Baker

050621.S.PJ.AthleteQ&AASF_JoeBaker.jpg — Cloquet senior Joe Baker is averaging .333 for the Lumberjacks this season. (Jamey Malcomb / jmalcomb@pinejournal.com)

By Pine Journal and Jamey Malcomb

May 05, 2021 at 7:40 AM

NAME: Joe Baker

AGE: 18

HEIGHT: 5 feet, 10 inches

YEAR: Senior

TEAM: Cloquet baseball

POSITION: Pitcher, shortstop

This season's stats: Baker is batting .333 this season with two doubles, five RBIs and two stolen bases.

What college or professional athlete inspires you and why?

Fernando Tatis Jr. — he's my favorite for sure. He's a great shortstop, but he is also really good at hitting, he's a young star and he's a a leader. He's really fun to watch.

What is one of your most memorable moments as an athlete?

For me, it was summer baseball after sophomore year. That whole season, it's hard to pick just one memory, but it was like the first time our grade came together as a team. All my buddies were on the same team for the first time in forever. We just had a great season and the coaches were really fun.

What are your plans after graduation?

I'm going to the (University of Wisconsin-Superior) to get my teaching license and be a gym and health teacher. I'm also planning on running a charter boat on Lake Superior in the summers. (Baker recently earned his captain's license)

What is your favorite activity/hobby outside of sports and why?

Fishing. I love spending time on the water, getting away from everything and just fishing with my dad. It's really fun to get away from everything and take a step away from school and work and just get out there and go fishing.

Describe your dream vacation:

I've always wanted to go to Hawaii with my friend. With all the nice weather and to be surrounded by all the water, that's just sweet.