Terry Baker

Terry Baker. He is a former American athlete renowned for his exceptional dual-sport career at the collegiate level, achieving national prominence in both American football and basketball. He is best known for winning the Heisman Trophy in 1962 while playing quarterback for the Oregon State Beavers, becoming the first player from a school west of Texas to receive the award. His athletic prowess also extended to the NCAA basketball tournament, where he led his team to the Final Four in 1963, cementing his legacy as one of the most versatile athletes in NCAA history.

● Early Life

Baker was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where he first showcased his multi-sport talents at Jefferson High School. Excelling in football, basketball, and baseball, he earned all-state honors and attracted the attention of numerous college recruiters. He ultimately chose to attend Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, a decision that would shape his historic collegiate career. His high school coach, Tom DeSylvia, was instrumental in developing his skills, preparing him for the challenges of Pac-12 competition.

● Career

Baker's collegiate football career under coach Tommy Prothro was nothing short of spectacular. As the starting quarterback for the Beavers, he famously engineered a 99-yard touchdown run against Villanova in the 1962 Liberty Bowl, a play still celebrated in college football lore. His performance that season, which included leading the team to a top-20 ranking, earned him the Heisman Trophy, edging out competitors like Jerry Stovall of LSU. Concurrently, he was a standout guard for the basketball team coached by Slats Gill, helping them reach the 1963 NCAA Tournament Final Four where they fell to the eventual champion, Loyola Chicago. Following his graduation, he was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1963 NFL Draft and also drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA, though his professional sports career was brief. He played three seasons in the National Football League with the Rams and later the Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring from athletics.

● Awards and Legacy

Baker's trophy case is headlined by the 1962 Heisman Trophy, and he also received the Maxwell Award that same year as the nation's top collegiate football player. He was a unanimous All-American and finished his career holding several Oregon State passing records. His number 11 jersey is honored by the university. In 1982, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and his dual-sport achievement is commemorated at the NCAA Hall of Champions. The Terry Baker Award is given annually to the top male and female student-athlete at Oregon State University. His legacy is frequently mentioned alongside other multi-sport stars like Dave DeBusschere and is a defining chapter in the history of the Pacific-12 Conference.

● Personal Life

After his sports career, Baker earned a law degree from the University of Southern California and pursued a successful career as an attorney in Portland, Oregon. He married his wife, the former Marilyn Moe, and they raised a family together. He has been involved in various charitable endeavors, including work with the Boy Scouts of America and local community boards. Baker maintains a relatively private life but is a revered figure at Oregon State University events and is often invited to speak at functions for the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.

Category:American football quarterbacks Category:Oregon State University alumni Category:Heisman Trophy winners