Alan Al Baker, a standout athlete who earned varsity letters in basketball and baseball at Findlay, died on Sunday.
Baker, born in 1950 in Springfield, Ohio, attended the University of Findlay in 1969 and earned his degree in education in 1973.
Highlights
- Alan Al Baker from Findlay, Ohio, took his last breath on Sunday, February 16, 2025, due to an undisclosed reason.
- After graduating from Findlay in 1973, he was hired as an English teacher and head boys basketball coach at Arcadia.
- He was voted Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference men’s (2002 & 2008) and women’s (2013) golf coach of the year, and the 2007 men’s team won the GLIAC championship.
After graduation, he started his career in education, becoming a high school teacher and basketball coach at Arcadia High School.
His next role was at Findlay High School, where he spent 11 years as a teacher and assistant basketball coach.
In 1990, he returned to the University of Findlay, where he served as head men’s golf coach, assistant men’s basketball coach under Ron Niekamp, and as an instructor in the Division of Education.
He established the University’s Women’s golf program in 1994. Within just a few years, Baker coached his first women’s All-American and led the team to a fourth-place finish at the national level.
Over his 23-year tenure as the University’s golf coach, Baker earned numerous accolades, including GLIAC Men’s Coach of the Year honors in 2002 and 2008 and GLIAC Women’s Coach of the Year recognition in 2013.
He was inducted into the Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
Devoted Athletic Coach And Educator Alan Al Baker Passed Away At 74
Alan Al Baker, who impacted many lives during his 23 years as the men’s golf coach and assistant basketball coach, passed away on February 16, 2025, at 74.
However, the exact cause of death has not been mentioned yet.
The Hancock Sports Hall of Fame paid tribute to Alan through their Facebook handle by stating,
The Hancock Sports Hall of Fame committee would like to extend it’s deepest condolences on the passing of Al Baker, local athlete, and long time coach at Arcadia, Findlay and the University of Findlay. Al was inducted into the Hancock Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. Below is his bio.
Hancock Sports Hall of Fame
Findlay Oiler also took to their official Facebook handle to announce the news of the death of coach Baker. They wrote,
We are saddened by the passing of former coach Al Baker who died this past Sunday at the age of 74. Coach Baker first came to Findlay in 1969, graduating four years later with a degree in education. He returned to campus in 1990 as the head men’s golf coach, assistant basketball coach, and instructor in the education department.
Findlay Oilers
Director of Athletics Jim Givens also praised Baker’s dedication, leadership, and passion for coaching and impacting countless student-athletes. He wrote,
“Coach Baker was a cornerstone of our athletics community for many years. His dedication, leadership, and passion for coaching impacted countless student-athletes and his legacy will always be remembered.”
Jim Givens
Dominic Guarnieri, who played and coached under Baker’s guidance, also poured his heartfelt condolence by stating,
“Coach Impacted so many people here at UF and that impact is immeasurable”, “He had a true passion for coaching and because of his efforts, I am also able to get up and do what I love every single day. He will be missed by so many but the legacy he left will continue to live on forever.”
Dominic Guarnieri
University of Dayton graduate and Finday resident Jerry Snodgrass, who has worked with Beker for several years, also poured a heartfelt condolence. He wrote,
Was so honored to have worked with “Ol Bakes” for a number of years. Great individual who had solid values that carried over to the many student-athletes he coached. So sorry he is gone too soon
Jerry Snodgrass
The University of Findlay also extended its heartfelt condolences to Baker’s family, friends, and all who worked alongside him throughout his career.
His legacy will continue to inspire future athletes, coaches, and educators.
Close ones and relatives have also condoned Baker’s family to stay strong in this challenging time.
Plans for funeral and memorial events are likely underway as the community reflects on his impact.
Rest in Peace, coach Alan Al Baker.
Additional Information
- Alan Al Baker’s estimated annual salary as a coach at the University of Findlay was between $55k and $150k.
- He was named Blanchard Valley Conference and District 8 Coach of the Year in 1978, and his 1977-78 team was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.
- Baker earned a master’s degree in education in 1985 from Austin Peay State University.
