George Baker

Committed to fostering both athletic excellence and personal growth, George E. “Coach” Baker was a devoted mentor, father figure, and community leader. Born on October 28, 1939, in Gadsden, Alabama, to the union of George Pinton Baker and Louise Jackson Baker, he was the eldest of seven brothers. Known for his deep concern for the welfare of his students and his unwavering love for his family, Coach Baker’s life was defined by service, leadership, and compassion.

George Baker confessed his life at an early age at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev W. M. Mallory. 

He was educated in his early years through kindergarten to 12th grade, from Friendship Baptist Church to Carver Elementary/High School.  During high school, he played football all 4 years and 1 year of basketball.  Towering at 6-foot-51/2, he was an outstanding football player which earned him the nick name, “Big Bake”. As a senior, the 1957-58 high school’s team record was 9-1 under Coach L. C. Presley.  In high school, he played against great players in the surrounding area who went on to play professional football. George was the most valuable player for 2 years and team captain his senior year.  In 1958, he graduated from Carver High School.  He had multiple scholarship offerings from various universities. Ultimately, he chose Alabama State University where he received a full scholarship.

The same moniker, “Big Bake” carried over into his college years. Other names were “Tiger Bake” and “The Bear”. During his time at Alabama State, George lettered in 4 sports. They were Football, Basketball, Track, and Swimming. In 1960, he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, BetaZeta Chapter.  He earned the title of Most Valuable Player in Football for 2 years. He was also Team Captain and Rookie Lineman Freshman.  George made SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) all 3 out of 4 years. In 1962, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Health with a minor in Social Science. After graduation, he pursued additional hours toward a master’s degree.

In 1962, he signed a contract with the Board of Education at Robert Colley Elementary School. He was employed there for three months until he went to work with his former coach, L. C. Presley at Carver High School. Eventually, he became the Physical Education Teacher, Assistant Football Coach, and Assistant Basketball Coach. Coach Baker became head coach in basketball, football, and track from 1970-1971. While Coach Baker was head coach at Carver in 1971, one of his star basketball players, Howard “Bo” Hatcher received a scholarship to Jacksonville State University. He was one of the first black players to integrate Jacksonville State University’s athletic program.

In 1971, Carver won the NEAC (Northeast Athletic Conference)championship.  Also in 1971, Carver defeated Gadsden High School, which was the last year of Carver’s existence before integration in the following years.

After Carver closed, Coach Baker was transferred to Emma Sansom High School in 1972. He was the Physical Education Coach, Assistant Football Coach and Track Coach.  In 1973, Coach Baker was appointed Head Coach at Emma Sansom where he became the first Black Coach in the Gadsden City School System. That legal appointment helped eliminate discrimination against other black coaches in the athletic system.

Over the next 29 years at Emma Sansom High School, Coach Baker had undefeated regular seasons in 1977,1979, and 1981. 

His basketball teams amassed an impressive 505 wins, including a state championship with a 28-1 record in 1992. Over the years, 37 of his players earned college scholarships.

In 2006, he was elected in the Etowah Sports Hall of Fame and presented a Resolution from Senator Larry Means.

In 2010, he was inducted in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

He has had numerous awards from the NAACP and the SCLC.

Coach Baker has received too many awards, commendations and accolades to list, but one recognition that he was most proud of was on July 8, 2017, when he was honored and presented by Counselman Thomas Worthy and other council members with the naming of the 6th Street Pool where he went and grew up as a child. The pool is now named Coach L.C. Presley and George E. Baker Swimming Symposium.

Coach Baker’s philosophy on life has been:  I have seen greatness as a player and coach, hard work and dedication pays off.

George Baker was united in holy matrimony to Loretta Moore in 1966.

He departed this life on August 10, 2025. George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Louise Baker; wife, Loretta Moore Baker and brother, Jerry Earl Baker.

George leaves to cherish his precious memories:  two loving and devoted daughters, LaSonya White and Cheneda Baker; a loving grandson who was like a son, Brandon Baker, a precious and loving great-grandson, Brandon “BJ” Baker Jr.; Five loving brothers, Paul (Doris) Baker, Larry (Diane) Baker, Bobbie (Gloria) Baker, Jimmy Baker and Rickey Baker; one brother-in-law, John (Mary) Scissum; special friends, Rev. Larry Weathers, James Thorton, Louise Jeffrey, Mike Calhoun, Thomas Stewart Jr., Chester Williams, Willie Whiteside, Albert Lowery and Lovelace Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends.

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