MIAMI SPORTS

Voice of RedHawks among inductees

By MIKE SMITH
Eight more names are being added to the Miami Athletics Hall of Fame this year. The new class consists of Steve Baker (administration), Lori Brown (administration), Dane Campbell (wrestling), Champy Halim (tennis), Pei Lin (diving), Alec Martinez (hockey), Ryne Robinson (football/baseball) and Ashley Swinehart (soccer).

Depending on one's sporting tastes, some of the names are likely more familiar than others. It also includes two people on the administrative side. 

Make no mistake about it, the "administrative" side of collegiate sports is critical. It is a combination of fuel and glue for all the sports. Although often described as working "behind the scenes," many scurry about the periphery of events.

You could say that . . .

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STEVE BAKER

. . .  Steve Baker has been  one of those "periphery" people, spending decades along the sidelines of Miami sporting events -- home and away. Most fans know him as the "Voice" of Miami football and basketball games. 

It's difficult for many to totally appreciate the amount of hard work that goes into broadcasts. There is soooo much more to doing a broadcast than sitting at a microphone and describing the action.  Especially on the road, conditions can be "challenging," and that is putting it mildly. However, 'Bake has been a true professional and takes great pride in what he does. That is reflected in quality work. 

In recent years, a troublesome back compounded the toll of frequent long hours, travel and a busy schedule that also included supervising broadcasts and doing countless interviews. 

Officially, Baker is retiring from Miami at the end of June. However, he will still call games for ESPN+ and radio. That's a plus for RedHawk fans. Most have never met him personally, but they know his voice and more than a few of their Miami memories are linked to Baker's game calls.

Love and honor -- key words which begin the Miami fight song -- are a part of the Miami culture. They also seem to be a mantra Baker has embraced while practicing his passion.

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FYI - Baker's broadcasting path has been an interesting journey. For a very good read on that, check out an article by John Kiesewetter. A former "media" journalist for the Cincinnati Enquirer, Kiesewetter details the twists, turns, surprises and work that allowed Baker to reach his "dream job." 
Check it out HERE