(ROME, NY) – Family and friends from around the country returned to Rome on Saturday, September 20, 2025, to keep the memory of one of Rome’s finest alive.
Anyone born in the 1970’s and 1980’s in Rome, NY, likely knows the Baker boys. It was a tightknit family, who grew up next to the old Rome Free Academy, now the RFA stadium. The family defined a generational sense of community. They thrived on family values, faith, friendship… and baseball.
One of those six boys, born to Gordon and Ruth Baker, Steve Baker, was the fourth son. His friends fondly called him “Bake.” Steve was a memorable high school athlete, playing baseball and basketball at RFA. He graduated in 1998.
Steve was drafted to play minor league baseball fresh out of high school after a record-setting season. He was a draft pickup of the Montreal Expos, but Steve turned that opportunity down to play college baseball at Liberty University, only to be drafted again to the minors. This time, it was the San Diego Padres. He ended his baseball career in 2006 at the Double-A level and moved to Charlotte where he married Julie Sanders. They had one child, Diana Ruth.
2025 Steve Baker Scholarship Fundraiser
Steve died on June 10, 2021 at the age of 41 after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
The inaugural Steve Baker Memorial Golf Outing took place at Rome Country Club. It benefits the Steve A. Baker Fund, which makes way for a scholarship in Steve’s name for scholar athletes.
It was a gathering of friends and family from far and wide, with one common thread. Everyone there knew or knew of Steve. And everyone present adored Steve, for the friend, athlete, musician, son, brother, husband and father that he was.
He was a man who always thought of others before himself, held tight to his faith, and was always there to help the next person.
If you missed the tournament, but would like to make a donation, reach out to josh12baker@gmail.com
Also, keep your eye out for information on the 2026 Steve Baker Scholarship Fundraiser opportunities.
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